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BUSINESS KELLY DUGGAN Image Consulting, LLC, offers a total image service, including executive presence development, personal brand strategy and careerinterview readiness, through coaching, speaking and consulting. Additional services include signature style and wardrobe development, personal shopping and eyewear selection service for men and women.
Kelly Duggan Founder & President
Kelly is an award-winning image consultant. Her passion: to help clients realize the power they have in themselves, develop their inner poise and confidence, and position themselves strategically for greater professional and personal success. “I help my clients authentically and strategically think, feel and present their very best.” In addition, Kelly is an independent stylist with J.Hilburn Menswear.
KELLY DUGGAN IMAGE CONSULTING | 269.873.1598 kd@kellyduggan.com | kellyduggan.jhilburn.com | kellyduggan.com
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| FROM THE PUBLISHER |
Hello Summer! s there anything better than blue skies, sunshine, warm breezes, and sandy beaches? I think not! It’s summertime in Michigan and this edition of Moxie Magazine is packed with content to help you have your best summer ever. So, grab yourself a tall, cold beverage and take a little summer adventure through the pages of Moxie.
Hit the great outdoors and explore some of the best spots to cool off around Southwest Michigan. Whether you are looking for some new ideas for your Independence Day celebration, new gear and gadgets to help make your summer sizzle, or an interesting new podcast to download for your day at the beach, this edition of Moxie Magazine has something you are sure to enjoy. Summer is short, but it sure is sweet. I hope that you make the most of this summer and soak up every drop of sunshine you can. Until the next edition, keep your toes in the sand and a cool drink in your hand. Love,
Heather
MOXIE MASTERMIND IS BACK!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM PARK CLUB OF KALAMAZOO 219 W South Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007 To register visit: www.moxiemediagroup.com/mastermind
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contents
BEAUTY FINDS 8SUMMER
LIFE
6 U STA Boys’ Nats at the Zoo! 8 F avorite Summer Beauty Finds 12 B ook Review: We Begin at the End 14 The Perfect Summer Shave aintaining Your Professional Presence in Limbo 16 M 18 S top the Sting 24 P ack Less! Tips for Convenient Camping 26 G old: What You Need to Know
MAINTAINING YOUR PROFESSIONAL 16 PRESENCE IN LIMBO
FOOD & DRINK 10 20 22 25
A Slice of Summer S ensational Summer Salads R estaurant Review: Holy Taco C amping Recipes
10 AOFSLICE SUMMER
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
July/August 2022
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USTA Boys’ Nats at the Zoo! 79TH USTA Boys' National Tennis Tournament · August 5-14
E
ach summer the excitement of the USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships overtakes Kalamazoo, Michigan. This tournament is the single most important event of the tennis year for the nearly 500 outstanding juniors who arrive from all parts of the United States. Ten days of intense, tough, inspired tennis earn for each of the ultimate winners in singles and doubles the cherished title of United States National Champion. And as a testament to the incredible tennis played in Kalamazoo, the 18’s Champions in Singles and Doubles winners receive an automatic bid to the main draw of the U.S. Open. This year, the Boys’ Nationals is elated to welcome back, Kids Day to Stowe Stadium at Kalamazoo College! Due to COVID restrictions in 2021, Kids Day was held downtown Kalamazoo, but the fun and excitement returns to Stowe Stadium on August
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4 from 1 to 3 pm. Kids Day is graciously Sponsored by HONOR Credit Union and tennis programming provided by the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. “We are so excited to bring kids back to Stowe Stadium for this incredible community event,” says Mark Riley, Boys’ Nationals Tournament Director. “We revamped this event in 2019 to be more accessible to kids, families and groups who have no involvement with tennis. We hope
this format is relaxed and inviting and exposes our community to the fun that tennis offers. Like in 2019, we will offer a series of follow up Kids Day events in the fall and winter to continue the momentum and fun. Best of all, all of these events are completely free of charge and everyone will go home with a prize.” Kids are encouraged to wear athletic foot wear and bring a racquet if they have one. No racket? No problem! We will have one for every player. Water will be available on site, but please be prepared for hot temperatures on the courts! Boys’ Nationals tournament staff, sponsors and volunteers are delighted to be back for the 79th Nats at the Zoo, August 5-14 at Kalamazoo College, WMU and Loy Norrix High School. We can’t wait to kick off the tournament with Kids Day on August 4 from 1 - 3 pm! Hope to see you at Stowe! For more details, visit ustaboys.com
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Our Orthopedic Experts Will See You Now! If you’re experiencing a sports-related injury or discomfort from a sprain, strain, ligament/tendon tear or broken bone, we’ll get you in quickly for an assessment. Our specialists have the experience and advanced training required to treat your condition with the goal to relieve your pain and get you moving again.
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79TH NATS AT THE ZOO August 5 – 14 Kalamazoo College, WMU & Loy Norrix High School Don’t miss Kids Day! August 4 • 1 PM – 3 pm
July/August 2022
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MOXIE’S FAVORITES
Summer Beauty Essentials
Summer is here and my beachy beauty routine is in high gear. When the sun shining and the beach is calling, I love to indulge in new hair and skin products. Here are a few of my favorite finds from this season. 1. TRULY COCO CLOUD WHIPPED LUXURY SHAVE BUTTER
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$20 - (WWW. TRULYBEAUTY.COM)
This luxurious whipped shave butter is packed with coconut milk, argan oil, vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants to lock in long-lasting hydration. This tropical treat will leave your legs soft, smooth, and ready for the beach.
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2. SBLA BEAUTY NECK, CHIN & JAWLINE SCULPTING WAND DUO $195 - (WWW.SBLA.COM)
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Listen, friend, if Christy Brinkley recommends a beauty product, this girl is going to give it a try. This roller-ball wand duo is clinically proven to resculpt and rejuvenate the chin, jawline & neck area. I experienced compliments after a few weeks of use and have added this dynamic duo to my must-have list.
3. AMIKA HYDRO RUSH INTENSE MOISTURE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER $28 - (WWW.LOVEAMIKA.COM)
Summer is my absolute favorite season, but with lightened hair, I have to make sure and indulge my strands with extra TLC during the season of sunshine and swimming. This leavein conditioner is ultra-hydrating and provides exceptional detangling and frizz control without feeling heavy or greasy.
4. PETER THOMAS ROTH CUCUMBER GEL MASK
$55 - (WWW.PETERTHOMASROTH.COM)
This soothing, cooling gel mask is one of my favorite summer skincare indulgences. It is perfect for soothing your skin after sun exposure. For an extra treat, pop this mask in the refrigerator before use.
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5. KOPARI EXFOLIATING CRUSH SCRUB $39 - (WWW.KOPARIBEAUTY.COM)
An exfoliating powerhouse, this scrub contains brown sugar and fine coconut shells. I love to use this as a pre-shave exfoliator but use with caution because it will leave your shower very slippery. I always give my shower a good scrub after to eliminate the residue.
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Shop
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July/August 2022
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A Slice of Summer Check Out These Fresh Recipes and Serve Up Your Very Own Slice Of Summer!
Fresh Blueberry Cake WITH LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
FOR THE BLUEBERRY CAKE: 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 3 large eggs 3 cups cake flour* 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup canola oil 2 cups blueberries LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 7 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk *IF YOU DON’T HAVE CAKE FLOUR: You can use all-purpose flour. For each cup of cake flour in a recipe, remove 2 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour and replace with 2 Tablespoons cornstarch. This recipe has 3 cups of flour so you will measure out 3 cups of all purpose flour, remove 6 Tablespoons and replace with 6 Tablespoons cornstarch, whisk to blend.
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BLUEBERRY CAKE Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, grease and flour three 8 inch x 2 inch round cake pans. Measure out 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries and puree in blender. In a saucepan add the pureed blueberries and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium high heat until they are reduced to 3/4 cup. Set aside the reduced blueberries until cool. In a medium mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to blend and set aside. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, blueberry puree and oil. Mix until combined and set aside. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and mix on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightened in color and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time mixing until just incorporated. Add the flour mixture and the sour cream mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture (3 additions of dry
ingredients, 2 additions of wet ingredients). Fold in 1/2 cup (reserved) fresh blueberries. Bake at 350 degrees for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pans 5 to 10 minutes, then turn out.
Gradually add the softened cream cheese until well combined. Add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time and mix util combined. Add the lemon juice and mix until well incorporated. If frosting is too thick, add milk to thin.
LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING Cream the softened butter until smooth.
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Peaches & Cream Pie ¾ ½ 1 1 3 1 ½ 1 1 ½ 1 1
c up all-purpose flour teaspoon salt teaspoon baking powder (3 ounce) package vanilla pudding mix (not instant) tablespoons butter, softened egg cup milk (29 ounce) can peaches, drained and syrup reserved (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened cup sugar tablespoon sugar teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the sides and bottom of a 10inch, deep-dish pie pan. In a medium mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder and pudding mix. Mix in butter, egg and milk. Mix for 2 minutes on medium speed. Pour mixture into pie pan. Arrange the peach slices on top of the pudding mixture. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add ½ cup sugar and 3 tablespoons of reserved peach syrup. Mix for 2 minutes on medium speed.
Spoon mixture over peaches to within 1 inch of pan edge. Mix together 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown. Chill before serving.
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|
BOOK REVIEW |
Marlita Walker Reviews
WE BEGIN AT THE END By Chris Whitaker
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu
My family’s much-anticipated California Thanksgiving fell flat when I tested positive for COVID-19 within a day of arriving at my daughter’s home in Santa Cruz. Dubbed a “breakthrough” case, it didn’t feel like I was breaking through anywhere as I quarantined; unable to visit our son’s home, unable to travel to the mountain cabin as we had planned, unable to hug or kiss any of my six grands. Hopeless feelings simmered just under the surface of my “it will be ok” facial facade. I am not a fan of disrupted plans. Enter Chris Whitaker’s novel, “We Begin at the End,” highly recommended by my daughter. The book happens to focus on a continuing saga of disrupted plans. As the book’s synopsis states, “Chris Whitaker has written an extraordinary novel about people who deserve so much more than life serves them. At times devastating, with flashes of humor and hope throughout, it is ultimately an inspiring tale of how the human spirit prevails and how, in the end, love - in all its different guises- wins.” I was rather unaware that it was billed a mystery-thriller by some. However, I fell in love with the unusual characters while the ever-unraveling plot sucked me in. Foul-
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mouthed Duchess, the thirteen-year-old protagonist, lashes out at everyone except her six-year-old brother, Robin, whom she ferociously defends and protects. There’s their beautiful and fragile mother Star, desperately loved by the two; but Star has never recovered from her own deep losses, so she is unable to provide the love and security they crave and require. Robin turns inward while Duchess proclaims herself an “outlaw,” and builds a large wall of distrust around her heart. A personal article in The Guardian by Whitaker provided me with a greater understanding of the depth of pain he has lived through. That transferal of pain to his characters jumps right off the pages and into reader’s hearts. Many times, I found myself shedding tears of empathy for these wounded individuals. As I turned the final page feeling depleted and wrung out from the complicated twists and turns of the narrative, I realized that Whitaker managed to keep me hopeful in the midst of disastrous circumstances. Hope came, as it usually does, in the form of loving folks who allow Duchess the space she needs to grieve, to heal and to let go. Grandpa Hal offers a second chance to the family he had long ago deserted. Spirited Dolly doesn’t
allow Duchess’ crusty exterior to chase her away. Police Chief Walk overlooks flaws in the community members as he serves them tirelessly and gives much grace to Star’s family over the years. And tenacious Thomas Noble “sees” the real Duchess the first time he sets eyes on her...and loves her anyway. For my own hopeless-feeling Thanksgiving, it took a while for my hopelessness to dissolve. I blame that on my daughter. She reassured me that it was still good to see us even without hugs; that our Turkey Day celebration was still a celebration without the bigger table of people that we had anticipated; and that my milder symptoms of the virus gave cause for all of us to be grateful. All true. She elicited that same hopefulness Whitaker provided for his characters, into my spirit with her loving words. Marlita Walker Marlita is a native Michigander, who returned back to the area after 18 years spent in IL & PA. When not on cruising adventures with her hubby in their vintage Roadtrek camper van; she relaxes by re-arranging her home decor, walking with friends, and connecting with her 10 grands who live in TN and CA. Read more book reviews at litaslines.blogspot.com.
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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
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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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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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I N D E P E N D E N T A S S O C I AT E
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MAINTAINING YOUR
Professional PINresence LIMBO T
he state of limbo we have lived in during the past three years has many of us mentally and emotionally just plain exhausted. As humans, we aren’t wired to stay healthy when we live this way – with the constant fear of potentially lethal unknowns, unrelenting stress, additional or lower workloads, and working or managing from afar in at-home or hybrid settings. And just when you get life somewhat squared away and think you have some semblance of a new order and fluidity, a positive COVID-19 test (whether your own or from someone near you) is revealed. Quarantine ensues. You’re then required to once again reassemble your new patterns to continue functioning in your daily existence. For 2022 – thus far – it doesn’t look like limbo is going to disappear. Are you exhausted? Unsure of your direction?
Looking for help to carry on in these times? Through conversations with friends, colleagues, and clients, I’ve heard plenty of stories about how they’re attempting to “maintain.”
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? “ My workload of covering for a depleted workforce has me just plain exhausted. I can’t do this anymore.”
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“Along with my duties and tasks, I’m now assigned to managing my team from …” “ I’m juggling parenting with a full workload from my kitchen table.” “I don’t feel safe going out for a nice meal in a restaurant. It used to be our one way to take a short break.” “I’m just plain burnt out!”
Change Is Uncomfortable One of my long-time favorite quotes is from “Dilbert” by Scott Adams: “Change is good. You go first.” It takes on new meaning when you’ve had no say or choice in the current major worldwide upheaval. We’ve been forced to adapt and change at record speed. We all seek a sense of control or a degree of predictability in life and tend to resist change. This drive is likely to intensify when we have to deal with large-scale change, and it’s almost certain to produce anxiety, fear, anger and/or sadness. Even if something positive emerges from change, it’s still hard. As the late Paul Knudstrup wrote in a 2020 “Image Matters News” guest article: “When the pain of the present is greater than the uncertainty of the future AND when a new behavior or opportunity is sufficiently attractive, then change can occur.”
Maintaining and Sustaining in 2022 In this time of continued uncertainty and being caught in the impact of the pandemic and an economic downturn – when it’s so unclear what will happen next – you can maintain, protect and guide your professional presence from within. If you’ve read any of my materials, been a part of individual/group coaching, or attended a program, you’ve learned about developing a “Total Image.”
Your Total Image
(i.e., your personal and professional presence) includes: our Hidden Image (attitude, honesty, Y confidence, self-esteem, knowledge, abilities, and experiences) our Visual Image (dress, grooming, and Y extended image elements) our Experienced Image Y (courtesy, caring, body language, people, and communication skills) Your Proven Image (your long-term track record)
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NOW ACCEPTING
new patients Empowering you to step fully into the life you want to live. Counseling is not only my profession, it is my passion and my calling. I am honored to walk with you through some of life’s most difficult seasons, to support and guide you into a healthier chapter. Learning to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a healthy way with yourself and others; counseling may be an extremely helpful resource for you to utilize.
When protecting your Auto, Home, Life and more, the
EXPERIENCE MATTERS.
Kim Powers
Licensed Professional Counselor in Kalamazoo, MI 510.827.1305 kimpowers@counselorkimpowers.com heartsoulmindstrengthllc.com
For managing a presence that will safeguard you thru 2022 and beyond, let’s look to your Hidden Image for support. Mindset – Have you slipped into a glass-
half-empty mentality? Maintaining your professional presence begins with the space between your ears. What you believe about yourself and think about will ultimately have the biggest effect on your life. It might seem like a cliché, but maintaining a positive attitude about yourself and your abilities does make a difference. So make sure your self-talk is acting as a powerful confidence booster instead of a negative self-fulfilling prophecy. Commit to putting positive thoughts and input into your brain from now on.
Resilience – Resilience is a muscle that works best when you exercise it and, ironically, you have the chance to develop more resilience when you face your greatest challenges. Discover your best
tricks for bouncing back from rejection and disappointment, and then use them every time.
Flexibility – In a recent Strategic
Management article, owner and HR consultant Nora Akins wrote about being flexible in these in-between times. Strategies require options – Plans B, C, and D. Managers can no longer be evaluated based on their ability to deliver a plan. We need to shift our focus to the ability to use everchanging plans to deliver the best outcome.
Purpose – Know your purpose – your bigpicture thinking/reason/focus for your life. Has your fundamental purpose shifted during the pandemic? Then be clear about what that purpose is. Knowing your intentions or objectives will generate the sense of drive that helps you accomplish your goals. Having purpose means knowing yourself, knowing your priorities, and aligning your behavior with your desired outcomes.
Call Jaime Flees today!
(269) 381-1262 | jflees@fbinsmi.com 6221 W. Main St., Kalamazoo
Applying these supportive Hidden Image strategies will help you face current stresses and uncertainties. They will help you develop new behaviors that will allow you to successfully maneuver through these changing times. And aligning your thoughts, mindset and actions will help you maintain your professional presence. And as others see you as a positive, professional leader/person, you might just make things better by helping them become more positive and raising their ability to maintain in 2022.
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.
July/August 2022
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PEST PROS OF MICHIGAN
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STOP THE STING
PREVENTING WASPS When summer comes around, we are all ready to hit the beach, be outdoors, BBQ, and soak up the sun. However, there is one thing that we don’t look forward to, and that is stinging insects. Each variety of stinging insects serve a purpose, but I will mainly focus on a fierce defender, wasps.
If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp, you can attest to the fact that the sting packs a punch and can have long-lasting effects. If you are like me in the summer of 2019, then you may have discovered you are allergic to wasp stings. I was out on a stinging insect call evaluating the situation. There was an underground nest located in a customer’s landscaping that was very active. Usually, you have to be some threat to their nest for a wasp to attack. This was not the case for me—probably because I was giving off a pest control vibe. I was standing about 50 feet away from the nest, chatting with the customer when I got stung three times out of nowhere; in my eye, on my hand, and on my elbow, all from the same
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wasp. Not only did the stings cause me severe pain, but I ended up in urgent care with hives all over my body. My right hand was double the size of my left hand.
A LITTLE ABOUT WASPS
A unique characteristic of wasps is that they can sting multiple times. They don’t have any barbs on their stinger, so they can go in and out without getting stuck on your skin. They can have two different types of nests: hanging nests or cavity nests. The nests can be located just about anywhere, from trees, to under eaves, or even on low ground cover. Wasps make a new nest each year and only use it for the season. Once the season is over, the queen will find a suitable location to overwinter, so people will notice wasps in their homes in the fall and winter. When spring comes around, she will find a new place to build the nest. This is why the spring and early summer make the best times to get the preventative treatment done. This makes sure your house is not an ideal place for the queen to start building her nest. Even if she has already begun building a nest, a treatment will prevent a mature nest from growing.
PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT
The worst place for a nest to be is on the inside of your wall, especially when we live just on the other side. This happens when there is a point of entry from the outside, allowing the wasps to penetrate their way into a wall void, usually between two studs. That gives them a good 15-inch wide cavity in the wall to build and grow their hive. They are always looking to increase their space, so over time, they will start scratching and chewing their way through the drywall. You would be surprised at how many service calls we get to treat this type of situation.
There is still hope if you miss the window for preventative treatment and you’re already noticing a mature hive. I received a call this past summer where a customer had dozens of wasps flying around their living room. Come to find out, the wasps had entered his structure from a light fixture on the exterior of the house. The nest was expanding so much that they weakened the inside of the wall by chewing and scratching the drywall. The customer assumed there was a water leak somewhere because the wall was becoming warped. He went to feel for moisture, but his finger went straight through the wall, and wasps came pouring out. We blocked the hole in the wall with duct tape for minimal exposure and safety reasons, and I treated the exterior entry point. The product I used has a transfer effect component to it, meaning one wasp could potentially kill the entire hive if it comes into contact with the treated area. This specific treatment only required one follow up and the wasps were eliminated. To avoid the painful sting, damage to your property, or allergic reactions, I highly recommend getting ahead of the game with a preventative treatment in early summer. Another good option to keep the wasps away is to be on a seasonal service. These services are consistent through the summer months, taking you into late fall, assuring total protection all summer long. Amber Byars Amber is the GPC Operations Manager at Pest Pros of Michigan. Amber’s superpower is building relationships by being a leader for her team and working closely with customers to solve their problems. She is proud to be a driving force behind the Pest Pros mission and is passionate about minimizing stigmas in the pest control industry.
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CUSTOMER DRIVEN • COMMUNITY FOCUSED PEOPLE ARE OUR PASSION
H T I W S U L L A C
! U O Y G N I G G U B S ’ T WHA 1 5 0 0 3 9 9 269- SMI.COM PESTPRO
July/August 2022
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Sensational Summer Salads THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT’S ENSALADA 1905 Growing up in south Florida, the Columbia Restaurant and its exceptional Spanish cuisine was always a favorite. This salad is so simple, but so incredible. I just skip the olives! 1/2 2 2 1/2 1/2 1/4 2
ead iceberg lettuce h ripe tomatoes, cut in eights stalks celery, sliced cup Swiss Cheese, julienned cup ham, julienned cup green Spanish olives, pitted (optional) teaspoons grated Romano cheese
DRESSING 1/8 cup white wine vinegar 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon oregano 2 teaspoons lemon juice
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Toss together all salad ingredients except Romano cheese and dressing. For the dressing, begin by mixing garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in bowl. Beat until smooth with a wire whisk. Add olive oil, gradually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in vinegar and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Add dressing to salad and toss well. Add Romano cheese and toss one more time.
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THAI CHICKEN SALAD
WITH PEANUT DRESSING 1 3 1/4 1 1/2 1/4 1/4
BLACK BEAN & CORN SALAD 1 ( 15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained and rinsed 1 medium tomato, diced 1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced 1/2 small red onion, finely diced 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped 1 medium jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced 1 small garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 lime), plus more as needed 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
ound coleslaw mix p cups shredded cooked chicken cup scallions chopped red bell pepper chopped cup chopped peanuts cup fresh cilantro chopped (optional) cup fresh basil sliced thin or torn (optional) Salt & pepper to taste
PEANUT DRESSING 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated 3 tablespoons water Add the dressing ingredients to a mediumsized bowl and whisk together until smooth. Prep all the salad ingredients and them add to a large bowl. Toss with the dressing and serve immediately.
Mix all ingredients and refrigerate in an airtight container.
Season with salt & pepper as needed.
LICENSED MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING
Benefits of Physician Home Visits for Memory Care Meet Dr. Bahram Elami
North Woods
Village
Kalamazoo
July 29th · 3-5pm
Curious about the benefits and advantages a visiting physician can provide those with memory challenges? Join us and learn more about the benefits an on-site physician can offer you or a loved one at North Woods Village of Kalamazoo. Refreshments and a fun summer-themed raffle prize will be provided, courtesy of Careline Healthcare Group.
Call today to RSVP or schedule a tour. 269-397-2200 6203 Stadium Drive | Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | www.NorthWoodsMemoryCare.com
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
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Holy Taco Open for dine-in service + takeout • HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 4 PM – 10 PM • 6942 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo
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t’s always exciting to hear when a new place to eat has come to town—making for an opportunity to try new foods! After hearing so many good things about Kalamazoo’s latest addition, HOLY TACO, I knew I had to embark on an adventure and try it for myself.
though, I highly recommend ordering a few bowls of guac for everyone. The dip was fresh…the chips were crisp and appeared to be made in-house. Definitely hard to stop eating, so we continued to enjoy them until our food arrived.
This hidden gem is located on Q Avenue in Texas Corners. It’s more hidden due to the lack of a sign when I visited. But I knew I was in the right place when I saw the “Uno Mas” neon sign lighting up the wall in the back. Accenting the neon sign were bright colors, and the bar was absolutely eye-catching. Adorned in pretty tile to compliment the grand lit display of tequila bottles!
For our tacos, our server recommended starting with two to three tacos each, with an option to order more if we had room for it. I ordered the FISH, CARNITAS & CHICKEN TACOS, while my friend went with the STEAK, SHRIMP AND CHORIZO – covering all the bases of flavors and choices! All six were served on one platter, which our server then took the time to point out which taco was which. It really gave it a family style feeling to eating!
The eatery has one whole page menu providing all the tequila and mezcal options your heart desires, with food that was listed simply and quite straightforward. Holy Taco specializes in street tacos with an array of different proteins and toppings. They also offer a handful of sides, most comprised of different dips and chips (but who would complain about that?). My guest and I started with the CHIPS AND GUACAMOLE in the most perfect of portions for two people. If you happen to stop here for a meal with a group
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I loved all of my tacos. They were small, but kept with the style of street tacos and were packed with ingredients. The Carnitas Taco stands as my favorite – I just love roasted shredded pork! This was tender, salty and mixed with queso, cilantro and garlic sauce. It just packed a punch! My friend favored the Shrimp Taco with black beans, five-pepper shrimp, cabbage and pico de gallo. I’ll admit she’s a little braver than myself, so she also topped it with a hot sauce.
@holytacokzoo
To be honest, all of the tacos were good! My Fish Taco came in at a very close second. I just loved the cumin-lime slaw piled on top of the cod adding a good crunch! My Chicken Taco had a sweetness to it, thanks to the corn salsa that helped fill the taco to the brim with yumminess. In the ever-growing area of Texas Corners, Holy Taco is a great addition. Its super vibrant and exciting establishment makes for a fun night out with good drinks and delicious food! It would definitely make for a great place for a girl’s night out, date night, or just a place for a margarita and snack. I cannot wait to return! 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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Treat her to a summer filled with new friends, big adventures, and lots of fun. She’ll never forget it!
Kalamazoo Girl Scout Day Camp Sessions are filling up! Sign up today at GirlScoutCamp.org. You don’t need to be a Girl Scout to register. A fantastic and affordable alternative to summer day care, Kalamazoo Girl Scout Day Camp is the place for your girl. She will benefit from the exclusive and time-tested Girl Scout Leadership Program, meaning she will become a better problem-solver and develop skills she will maintain throughout her life. In addition, each week, the girls will visit our local overnight camp, Camp Merrie Woode, where they will enjoy the outdoors and gain even more life skills. This is a program that will benefit her, her whole life.
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Pack Less! TIPS FOR CONVENIENT CAMPING
Without much to do these days, taking to the great outdoors is the perfect way to enjoy the weekend. Maybe you are not a regular camper but just want to unwind in nature for a night. Here is an easy 20-item packing list for those wanting to take a quick getaway with only the necessities, and (bonus!) a few ideas for easy foods for you to cook over the fire.
Essential Packing List
Large backpack
11 Aluminum foil 12 Matches hammock if you Lighter Fluid trust the weather and 13
1 2 Tent or covered
want to walk lighter
3 Waterproofing spray 14 Medicine Kit (I’m telling you this works wonders!) 15 Flashlight 4 Sleeping bag 16 Extra batteries or portable charger Garbage bag 5 17 Water, WATER, 6 Towel WATER (cannot 7 Extra pair of clothes stress this enough) 8 Bug spray 18 Granola Bars (ALWAYS) 19 Portable fan 9 Sunscreen (you will not regret it) Foldable iron grill 10 top and spatula (to 20 Cooler (if packing easily put over the fire and scrape off food remnants)
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(trust me on this one)
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.
Easy Campfire Foods • • • • •
Hot dogs/brats Hamburgers Potatoes Canned beans Corn on the cob
• Peppers & onions • Popcorn • Apple slices • Softshell tortillas (fill it with anything!)
Camping doesn’t have to be hard if you don’t mind leaving behind your household accessories. You’d be surprised what you can go a night without. Get out there and appreciate the beauty of Michigan.
cold food items)
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Camping Recipes
Breakfast Biscuits Dice the bacon and cook over medium heat until slightly crisp. Scramble the eggs. In a large bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Fold in the cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and scrambled eggs. Stir in the milk. Drop the biscuit dough by 1/4 cup fulls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 13-15 minutes until lightly golden brown. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush with melted butter. Grease a large baking sheet Serve immediately or store in an airtight bag or container in with non-stick spray or parchment paper & set aside. the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 5 eggs scrambled 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked crisp 2-1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 Tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-1/3 cups milk 1 cup shredded cheddar 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
Walking Tacos 1 lb lean ground hamburger 1 packet of taco seasoning 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded lettuce 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup taco sauce 4-5 individual serving size Doritos Stoke the campfire for cooking. In a medium foil pan, place the thawed hamburger and place over the fire. Once it begins to cook, using a metal spatula stir the meat to separate into smaller chunks and continue to stir every couple minutes until the meat is browned. Because the meat is cooking over a campfire there shouldn’t be excess
grease but if there is, drain off that grease into a styrofoam cup or onto a paper plate to discard into the trash. *Look up campfire cooking safety tips.
Place hamburger back over the fire sprinkling the taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water and mix until coated. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes longer or until the seasoning has thickened and the water has nearly evaporated. Gently crush the taco chips in each of the 4 bags and use a pair of scissors to cut off the top of the side of the bags. Scoop a generous amount of hamburger over the crushed taco chips and top with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and taco sauce or your other favorite ingredients.
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GOLD WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Doug Mitchell Diamond Doug is Owner/Artist at UniQ Jewelry Gallery. More info: uniqjewelry.com.
G
old has been used since ancient times. Because of the malleability and durability of gold, it is a perfect suitor for jewelry-making; when pure gold is exposed to air, it cannot be oxidized. However, the jewelry we love and wear isn’t usually made of 100% pure gold. The other metals used to create our favorite hues and tones are what make our most sacred pieces vulnerable to oxidation and tarnishing while also increasing the strength and durability for long-lasting wear.
When shopping for jewelry, there are some standard terms we know and love. For example, when you hear the word “gold,” you know that piece is going to be rich in value. But when a jeweler starts talking about different karats and even platings, how do you know which one is right for you?
We’ve got the inside scoop, and we’re here to have you feeling like an insider in no time!
PURITY: STAMPING AND KARATS Pure gold is found within the earth. While not usually found in large quantities, it is often mined, panned, and sifted from soils. Pure gold has impeccable malleability, making jewelry made from pure gold a poor candidate for longevity. Pure gold is not strong enough to hold the intended shape and will not prevent the gemstones from falling out.
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Most gold used for jewelry is actually a gold alloy with other metals added to strengthen the metal or change the color. Metals used to increase the strength are copper, silver, zinc, and nickel. The percentile of metal added will determine the karat of gold.
There are different markings on jewelry to indicate the purity of the metal used. There are also different markings depending on where
the jewelry was created. There are two main markings you will find: US and European. US KARAT MARKING
EUROPEAN MARKING
PURITY/ % OF GOLD
24K 18K 14K 10K
1000 750 585 416
100% 75% 58.35% 41.6%
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GOLD-FILLED VS. GOLD-PLATED
Some other gold-jewelry terms you may be familiar with are gold-filled and gold-plated. If you love the look of yellow gold, but don’t love the price, these options may be a good alternative for you. While both of these jewelry types signify that the piece is not solid gold, they are different in the way they are created.
G O L D-F I L L E D
To make gold-filled pieces, the core metal is sandwiched between two layers of gold alloy, which is then heated and passed through a roller several times - a process that both bonds the metals together and thins the sheet out.
G O L D-P L AT E D
To make gold-plated pieces, an electric current is used to negatively charge the base metal and positively charge a solution containing gold ions. The positive gold ions are attracted to the negative charge of the core metal, slowly forming a layer of gold on top of the core.
COLORS OF GOLD
Y E L LO W G O L D
Alongside different purities, there are also different colors of gold we’ve come to know and love. For example, different purities of yellow gold will change the appearance due to the varying amounts of added metals: the more pure yellow gold, the brassier the appearance.
ROSE GOLD
A popular gold choice currently hot on the market is rose gold. The gorgeous pinkish appearance of this metal is achieved using varying amounts of iron and copper. As a result, some rose gold appears pinker while others have more of a blush-pink appearance.
WHITE GOLD
White gold, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. It is similar to yellow and rose gold in the way that metals such as palladium and nickel are added to achieve a more “white” appearance; however, in most cases, to finalize the look and give it the bright-silver appearance white-gold lovers are looking for, the jeweler will dip the piece into rhodium for a longlasting finish.
There are so many metal options for the jewelry pieces we adore. Although the price may vary depending on purity, the value of the piece is dependent on you! Each piece you wear tells a story. Knowing differences in colors, purity, and plating will help you find the perfect fit for your style.
Clean is not just about looking better, but living better! SAVE YOUR ENERGY IN JULY Summer air conditioning puts additional strain on our energy bill, so try to save power in other areas.
ENERGY SAVING TIPS:
• Vacuum under & behind the refrigerator to make it run more efficiently.
• Set the water heater at 120 F. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. • Remind the kids to keep the doors closed.
READ OUR REVIEWS ON FACEBOOK! 269.366.5994 | cleanbydesignkazoo.com July/August 2022
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COMING FEBRUARY 18, 2023
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) 870-7321 | info@moxiemediagroup.net | www.moxiemediagroup.com
