G r a n d R a p i d s

decor trends

April 2011
Get Ready
to Garden

FREE! The Beauty

That Surrounds Us
Honeysuckle
& Leather

In the Garden

reduce,
reuse,
recycle

Furnishing &
Decorating
Ideas & Advice
April Inspirations
Hamming It Up
Now Trending
She Said, He Said
ESSENTIAL • ENTERTAINING • ENLIGHTENING
2
April 2011
 The People Who
Make It Happen . . .
Publisher/Owner
Victoria Upton
victoria @
womenslifestylemagazine.com

Editor in Chief
Angela Klinske
angela@
womenslifestylemagazine.com

Creative Inspiration
April Showers
At Home
Home Furnishing Tips ..............................................................6
Health Writer
Dr. Elizabeth Luce
Fragrant Indoor Spring Garden ............................................8
At Home with Grand Rapids Designers ............................12
Beauty Guru
Marianne Bockheim
The Three Rs of Decorating –
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ..................................................16
Lifestyle Writer
Janice Lynne Lundy
April Inspirations
Houseplants – good for home and health ....................26
Conqurer of Clutter
Mary Dykstra MBA, CPO Instant Spring ......................................................................26
Crafting................................................................................26
Book Reviewer
Alexandra Fix DIY for Weekend Warriors ....................................................32
Now Trending ........................................................................38
Contributing Writers
Ashley Cole
Latesha Lipscomb
Denise Hopkins
Kim Monoghan
In the Garden
How Green is Your Garden? ..............................................33
Photography Conquer Your Clutter: Get Ready to Garden ..................36
Daniel E. Johnson
Ruth Parbel
Dan Johnson
Jeff Hage Broaden Your Horizons
Beauty That Surrounds Us ......................................................4
SALES
Sales Manager She Says, He Says ................................................................40
Roxanne O’Neil Reader’s Lounge ..................................................................46
roxanneoneil@aol.com

Sales Representatives:
Christina Hulstrand
Shelley Funk
Looking and Feeling Good
Fashion: Honeysuckle & Leather ......................................10
CONTACT US: Beauty: Spring 2011 Trends..................................................18
PHONE: Eat Your Greens ....................................................................24
(616) 458-2121

E-MAIL:
womenslifestyle@aol.com Career
Healthy Career ....................................................................30
WEBSITE:
www.GoWLM.com

MAIL: Women’s Health

820 Monroe, NW, Suite 320
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Attack Against Sexual Assault ............................................34

FACEBOOK:
Join us!
facebook.com/WLMag
Recipes
Ham it Up
Smoked Ham with Cranberry Chutney ..........................28
Coming in May 2011
Glazed Ham with Pineapple-Raisin Sauce ....................28
Beautiful You Breakfast Polenta Crostini ................................................29

Around Town
Faces and Places ................................................................20
The Practice ..........................................................................21
Events ....................................................................................40

April 2011 3

The
Beauty
I
n every waking moment, we are
surrounded by beauty – in our homes
and workplaces, neighborhoods and
towns. From vast landscapes that uplift
and inspire to a single wild rose that
opens our heart, beauty is everywhere
when we have eyes to see it. And the
awareness address it: “Ah, beauty, I see you. I’ll
stop and spend a few minutes with you.”
As the pace of life accelerates, how much are we
truly aware of beauty? We seem to move through
our days with such speed that we view our
surroundings with blurred vision, or perceive the
landscape as if it were a black and white photo-
graph, missing its vibrancy and allure. And, yet,
when we do slow down enough to take notice, to
remark on a lovely grove of trees or a sunset, do
we take it in fully? Savor it? Appreciate it? Allow
ourselves to feel remarkable relaxation response
that naturally comes when we give ourselves over
to beauty?
I sense that we don’t.
Instead, we do what Adair Lara confesses to in her
book, Slowing Down In a Speeded Up World:
“I don’t spend a meditative moment really tasting
the blackberry jam or gazing at the faces of my
sleeping children or stepping out to the porch to
feel the rain on my face,” writes Lara. “Or if I do,
I do it quickly, checking it off the list: Gazed at
sleeping children. Lifted face to rain. Note to self:
Smell roses tomorrow.”
4 April 2011
every sense; glory in
all of the pleasures and
beauty which the world
If this sounds familiar (I know it
did to me when I first read this
many years ago), and you’d like to
experience beauty, tapping into its power
and bringing more ease and joy into your day,
consider taking these five steps toward tapping
into beauty:
Slow Down. Wherever you are, whether in a
parking lot or at a park, walk more slowly. Gauge
your pace and slow way down. The faster you go,
the less you can really see.
Notice. Look up and around instead of down.
Have you ever noticed how many of us walk with
our eyes downcast? Look up at the sky. Scan the
horizon. Zoom out, zoom in, just like a Google
map, and see what’s up close and what’s farther
away. Pay attention on purpose and take note of
what you see.
Expand. Turn your senses up to “high,” as if you
are using a dial. Amp up your vision and notice all
of the colors and hues around you. Do the same
with your sense of hearing. Really listen to the
sounds, or lack of them. Traffic, human voices,
birds, silence. Stop moving if you can. Stand still
and simply allow the sounds and sights to fill you.
Feel. Notice how your body feels when your
senses are attuned. How does your mind respond?
Do you relax and let go of tension? The act of
being fully present in any situation, simply
observing what is happening around us while
using our senses, is an act of “mindfulness,” or
“Make the most of
reveals to you ...”
– Helen Keller
Janice Lynne Lundy is an
interfaith spiritual director,
retreat leader, author and the
woman behind Buddha Chick™.
Visit her website to learn more:
www.awakenedliving.com.
that Surrounds Us
by Janice Lynne Lundy
what stress reduction researcher Jon Kabat-Zinn
calls “present centered awareness.” When we
respond to our daily activities in this way, we are
no longer resisting what we are experiencing. We
are fully engaged – our body/mind united in pure
awareness – and we stop struggling. This practice
alone can create a powerful relaxation response.
Being present with mindful attention can be very
good for what ails us!
Choose. In my own life, especially when I’m a
passenger in a car, I am forever on the lookout for
a thing of beauty to touch my heart: cloud patterns
in the sky, birds in flight, grass and greenery and
flowers’ first bloom. We can learn to “choose
beauty” in this way and focus our attention on
having it more visible throughout our day.
Engage this process again and again, incorporate
it as a life practice, and you’ll soon discover
yourself craving beauty. You will be on the
lookout for it, eyesight trained to scan your
surroundings to search out things of beauty. Why?
Because your body/mind has made the connection
that it feels good to connect with beauty and,
naturally, it wants more of that.
The truth is, beauty is always here. It doesn’t go
anywhere. It is we that wander and drift away,
getting lost once again in the rush and blur of the
day; shades of gray instead of vibrant blues and
greens dominating our vision. But we can
remember – and reorient ourselves back to this
very moment – with attention and practice. We
can learn to lean into beauty and invite it in.
 Turn Back
the Years
Editor’s Letter April
Would you believe that 68 percent of women enjoy
cleaning their homes? That’s according to the
Scrubbing Bubbles Dirty Work Index, a compre-
Specials
hensive national study (their words, not mine).
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That same study revealed that women report feeling accomplished, Laser Hair Removal
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of calm and happiness. Lip or Underarm
I often feel that way too, until I turn around and see the instantaneous trail
left by family members, a pet Lab and even myself. $50 off
Perfectly Applied
Alas, cleaning the home is necessary, especially since people spend more Permanent Make-up
time at home than ever. Here are a few tips, courtesy of Scrubbing Bubbles:
$10 off
15 or less. Rather than letting clutter build up, clean 15 minutes each day
Glycolic or Salicylic
so it’s never a huge to-do.
Acid & Alpha Beta
facial peels
Out with old, in with the new. Donate unused items, and you’ll be
surprised how much space has cleared up in your home and your head.
Check with your local Salvation Army for locations and drop-off times.
(I commit to donating, recycling or getting rid of 25 items each week.
It really does add up!)
www.agentletouch.net
Two for one. If you can’t get to the gym, there are plenty of ways to burn
calories and get your heart rate up. For example, cleaning your home for 3427 Salerno Dr. NE • Grand Rapids
one hour can burn roughly 200 calories or more, depending on your height,
weight and level of exertion. I listen to my favorite upbeat songs while
Call for your appointment: (616) 447-9393
I dance (I mean clean). FREE Consultations • Electrolysis Treatments

Most important of all, don’t stress about the mess. Go out and have fun
with your family. Housework is very patient; it’ll wait for you.

Here’s to a happy (and somewhat clean) home!

– Angela Klinske, Editor

See us www.GoWLM.com
Follow us twitter.com/womenslifestyle
Join us facebook.com/WLMag
Women’s LifeStyle Magazine is a positive, inspiring and progressive presence with a strong
emphasis on diverse, creative and current editorial with a long-standing commitment to
community. Our advertisers receive high-quality service and an effective and relevant local
advertising medium. Women’s LifeStyle - making connections.

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April 2011 5
Home Furnishing
Tips
W
hen choosing home furnishings,
many people simply want the
most comfortable or most
visually appealing piece they
can find. However, there are
other things to consider as well:
■ Personal opinion. Regardless of what’s in style,
go with styles and color themes you like the
most. More often than not, personal opinion
will evolve as you visit a variety of stores and
see just what’s available.
6 April 2011
Home style magazines can be a great way to
educate yourself on the different styles to choose
from. Once you’ve settled on a style, that should
take precedence over price or other factors such
as the latest trend. Furniture is a long-term
investment that’s going to be around for a
while, so make sure you purchase the furniture
you like best.
Start with something you love and then look at
coordinating your other purchases with that piece
in mind. It could be a painting, a sofa or dining
room set. Purchase from the heart and not the
“rock-bottom price” or special of the week for
long-term satisfaction.
■ Personal budget. Styles come at a variety of
prices, with the materials used determining the
price. Go with best quality even if you must
make your purchases piece by piece.
courtesy Metro Creative
Be sure to purchase a quality sofa. Budget priced
sofas and chairs might look good on the showroom
floor but are not suited for wear and tear.
■ Usage. How furniture will be used is also
something to consider before signing on the
dotted line. For example, single women may
consider more upscale furniture because
they’re less likely to have young children
jumping up and down or spilling grape juice on
the sofa. Parents, on the other hand, often look
for stain-resistant durable fabrics that can
handle the wear and tear of the kids and the
family pet.
■ Shop local. Smaller stores have a repuation of
offering superior service and they focus on
local trends.
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738 Wealthy St. S.E. Grand Rapids

Tuesday – Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-5
616-458-6664
facebook-wealthyatcharles.com

4046 LAKE MICHIGAN DR. NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Phone 616.453.8201
www.standaleinteriors.com
Hours: Mon & Thur 9 am – 8 pm
Tue, Wed, Fri 9 am – 5:30 pm • Sat 9 am – 3 pm

Find your balance!

Grand Rapids Tai Chi Center
– Spring Classes Now Forming
Grand Rapids Tai Chi Center offers Yang
and Chen style Tai Chi group classes

Weapons classes offered are sword
saber fan twoperson cane short staff
and long pole

The Shade Shop
Private instruction also available
422 West Leonard St. NW
Grand Rapids
Call (

)   or (

)
 for more info (616) 459-4693
or email gtcl@yahoo
com Mon – Fri 10 to 5:30 • Sat 10 to 2
www.theshadeshop.hdwfg.com
All classes held at  Fuller NE • Grand Rapids
Teacher Gary Lee is a certified instructor and has been teaching Tai Chi for  years

April 2011 7
 Create a Floral Vignette
Fill one pretty vase with cut hyacinths and hellebores. Then add another! Round out the group
with a third decorative item. Now you have a floral vignette. Combine some similar elements,
some dissimilar. The best mix is compatible in color, tone or feel – but not matching. Have
fun experimenting with a variety of flowers. Choose what’s “in season” for best quality and
color range, at the best prices.

Enjoy Potted Flowers Indoors

Buy potted bulbs already forced and the hard work’s done, leaving you the fun part. Even
before the flower color starts to show, the green buds poking out from the top of the bulb
give a hint of the flower shape to come.

It’s fun to create an indoor garden by replanting an assortment of small potted plants into one
larger pot. Pick up several potted hyacinths at the supermarket or home center and transplant
the nascent bulb plants into a decorative pot with a drainage hole. Use a bagged potting soil
mix – no food or fertilizer necessary. All the food the plant needs is stored in the bulb.
Fragrant hyacinths are one of the joys of an indoor spring
Water thoroughly until the soil is well moistened but not drenched. Set the pot near a window
garden. Plant multiple pots of hyacinths from the supermarket
or other light source and watch them flourish.
or home center in one big, attractive container. Keep soil moist
but not wet. For longest bloom time, once the buds are fully
When the flowers begin to bloom, move the pot away from bright sunlight. This simple step
developed, move the pot away from bright sunlight and sources
will lengthen their overall bloom time and your enjoyment of the colorful, fragrant flowers.
of heat. What a springtime treat! (After bloom, let leaves die
back naturally, then replant the bulbs in the garden to settle in
Visit www.bulb.com for more bulb flower style and gardening tips.
and bloom there in future seasons.)

8 April 2011
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Alexis Designs
Turning Homes into Havens!
4187 Chicago Drive - Suite 6
80 68th Street SE, Suite 301 515 Michigan St NE, Suite 302 Grandville 49418 • (616) 531-7576
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 Area Wide
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mon, Wed, Fri- 9:30-5 • Tues, Thurs 10-8 • Sat 10-4
(616) 532-1410 OB-GYN (616) 458-7591 Design Cafe open daily 7 am
Accepting most insurances. Please call our office to inquire about your specific insurance. a l e x i s d e s i g n s . n e t

THE MORE
WE KNOW
YOU,
THE BETTER
YOU ARE.
Susan & Emily May, AHPN patients

MOREWETIME.ORG

April 2011 9
 Hot Looks for Spring/Summer 2011

Pantone’s Color of the Year is “Honeysuckle.” Described by Pantone as a dynamic

reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond
escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges
that have become part of everyday life. Look for this color to make a splash in home
accessories, furnishings and fashion. Not to be simply known as magenta, fuchsia,
watermelon or hot pink, honeysuckle has it’s own specific color identity.
(CMYK breakdown = C: 4, M: 75, Y: 24, K: 0)

Leather is back with a vengeance. Classic biker

jackets, edgy leather pants, brazen vests and sexy
mini-skirts express the cool, strong and confident
you. Studded bangles, belts with chains, and
plenty of zippers abound. Soften the tough-girl
edge by pairing with a short delicate dress and
floral accessories.

From the Mary Frances

1 Magnolia Bloom Collection:
1. This slouchy hobo is crafted with
artful detail and embellished
with flowers. $242
2. Wear this fun and colorful
light-weight tie as a scarf, belt,
hair-piece or wrapped on your
black leather bag. $97
3. Feel fun and hip wearing this
beautifully crafted necklace.
$116
4. Designed for the on-the-go
woman, this magenta mini bag
has a top zip closure. $116

www.maryfrances.com

2 From Burberry’s
Spring/Summer 2011
3
Collection:
1. This urban chic slim fit
double breasted leather 1
biker trench coat says
you’re ready to roll. $4,495
2. Toughen up a dainty
ensemble with this metal
studded bangle. $450
3. The Burberry chain link
leather belt is crafted to
accentuate the hips. $695

www.burberry.us

10 April 2011
 Join us for
The
Spring 2011

Celebrating 8 Great Years

Saturday, April 30
10 am - 5 pm Click
Tribal Lana Lee
Prizes, Food & Fun! Clotheshead Ilse Jacobsen
CoVelo Curio
Save 20% Storewide
(Some exclusions apply) Keren Hart est. 1993
City Girl
Brighton Chamilia
We appreciate you!
30 N. Main St. (across from Corner Bar) M-F 10-8 • Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5
Rockford • 866-7716 • Mon - Fri 10-5:30 • Sat 10-5 54 Courtland • Downtown Rockford • 866-6970

April 2011 11
 At Home by Angela Klinske

WL contacted some of our favorite local designers

to find out what’s hot in home décor this season.

The Shade Shop

www.theshadeshop.hdwfg.com
422 West Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
Mon.-Fri. 10-5:30; Sat. 10-2
Susan’s blog: www.theshadeshop.blogspot.com

For 75 years, The Shade Shop – also a Hunter Douglas

Gallery showroom – has been a Grand Rapids favorite for
window coverings and accessories. Owner Susan McKey
offers sage advice in home décor: “Start simple. Stay
simple. Designing anything, from window treatments to
a room’s décor is a continual work in progress that
will change as you change.”

She shares that she doesn’t have a favorite room.

“I want every room I enter in my home to feel
welcoming and make me smile by seeing
something that I love.”

Motorization technology in window coverings

are a growing trend, as well as window treat-
ments that are energy efficient and allow homeowners
to control the light entering their homes. Susan
McKe
y own
s The
Shade
Shop
(photo
by Ruth
“Designing anything, from window treatments to a room’s décor is Parbel
)

a continual work in progress that will change as you change.”

– Susan McKey Alexis Designs
4187 Chicago Drive Suite 6
Grandville MI 49418
616-531-7576
www.alexisdesigns.net
Mon. & Wed. 7-5; Tue. & Thurs. 7-8; Fri 7-5; Sat. 7-4
Dana’s Blog: www.homedecoralexisdesigns.com

“When it comes to accessorizing a home, think outside of

the box,” says Dana Rickers, owner of Alexis Designs.
“Rooms do not have to be so matchy-matchy… think about
textures, various heights, interesting pieces and a common
theme, rather than one common color. Also, mix stripes, dots,
solids and patterns. If you are feeling a little scared about
trying something new, start small such as using a fun bright
throw pillow with some fringe, or an interesting vase with
some fun textured greenery.”

Dana says this year’s trends include the continuation of bright

greens and bright turquoise and jewel tones. Birds, owls and
natural elements are popular themes, and furniture styles
include very clean lines, curved shapes and simple looks with
fun fabrics.

Alexis Designs (named after Dana’s daughter) opened its

retail location last fall, and offers unique accessories and
accent pieces for every room of the home, as well as furniture
and gifts – both in the store and online. Shop the store which
is staffed with a team of experienced designers, and sip coffee
at the in-store café.

“This year’s trends include the continuation of bright

Kimbra VanNoord, Karen Wells, Janel Joppie, Dana Rickers and
Joy Pupel of Alexis Designs (Photo by Dan Johnson) greens and bright turquoise and jewel tones.”
– Dana Rickers

12 April 2011
 Right At Home’s designer Cheryl Sayfie and owner Lynda Volkhardt
(photo by Ruth Parbel)

you l ike a nd pieces

s
“Use color ething to you . . .
som
that mean
Right at Home Use colors you like and pieces that mean

(and) finish 30 North Main in Rockford

Mon.-Fri. 10-5:30; Sat. 10-5
something to you… (and) finish what you start,
right down to the accessories.”
art,
what you st o
www.rightathomeinrockford.com
If you’re interested in trends, however, Sayfie
t
right down Right at Home opened its doors in downtown notes that muted blues and grays are popular

ries.”
Rockford eight years ago, offering the latest in colors, along with items that are repurposed,

th e acce sso traditional and urban home décor. The store’s recycled and reused, such as metal frames, repur-
designer, Cheryl Sayfie, who has 20 years posed and reclaimed wood. Finish the look with
ie
yl Sayf experience, says, “Follow a theme you’re splashes of white accessories (such as pillows
– Cher comfortable with. Don’t worry about trends. and candlesticks).

April 2011
13
 Orange din
ing room:
by Tonelli, Table
lights by P
chairs by D a blo,
omitalia

ry ho m e fashion
ra
Contempo nature’s Design Quest
cu e fr o m For 35 years, Design Quest has been the
takes a
4181 - 28th St SE
ht green
place for high-end, contemporary
d t he brig (between East Paris and Patterson)

sunshine an
home fashion. This spring, contemporary
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
home fashion takes a cue from nature’s
rden.
Open Mon., Thur., Fri. 10-8;
spr in g g a sunshine and the bright green of a
of a
Tue., Wed., Sat. 10-6; Sun. 1-5
spring garden.
www.designquest.biz

(Photos by Daniel E. Johnson)

Green Ava sofa by Lazar, paired with

walnut Eras collection by BDI

14 April 2011
 f and
Mike Schimp
Be ard sle y own
Lenn
harles.
Wealthy at C
an iel E. Johnson)
(Photos by D

pieces in small
ale
“Large sc k together. It
wor
spaces do se of scale and This year, look for décor elements with an organic feel and accessories
sen
can add a feel bigger.” that are handmade and that draw from nature.
om
make a ro sley
Beard
– Lenn
Large-scale pieces paired with smaller accents can make a room feel more
spacious, says Beardsley.

Wealthy at Charles
www.wealthyatcharles.com
738 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, 49503
Tues.-Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-5

Lenn Beardsley, who co-owns Wealthy at Charles with

Mike Schimpf, says his favorite room of the home is
“the room where people gather the most (and that can
be a different room in every home). It’s that room
where the whole family can be in that space together,
even if they’re doing something different.”

Wealthy at Charles has been in business five years.

Known for their penchant for urban design, Beardsley
shares,“large scale pieces in small spaces do work
together. It can add a sense of scale and make a room
feel bigger.”

This year, look for décor elements with an organic feel

and accessories that are handmade and that draw from
nature. Consider multifunctional elements (a clear,
glass flower vase does double duty as a hurricane
candle holder).

April 2011
15
 photo by Jeff Hage

Take a Walk. With pencil and paper, walk refer to your original action list. Is there a chair that
through each room and determine: doesn’t get used in the living room that can be
The Three Rs of Decorating ● What are the aspects of each room that bother moved into the bedroom or a new reading nook? Is

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle By Ashley Cole

with all of the
earth-friendly
products available,
we have several
options to make
conscious decisions
when decorating our
homes. However, even
when you’re buying
“green” products, you’re
still consuming, so before buying new,
consider the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse and
Recycle. Can you improve your space by
reducing what you own, reusing items in
new places or new ways, and recycling
items no longer useful to you? These
options let us be kind to the planet and our
wallets. Use the following steps to begin
the process of using what you have to give
a new look to your home:
you? (cluttered shelves, crowded furniture
lay-out, etc.)
● What are your favorite furnishings and
accessories?
● What can you live without or what no longer
serves a purpose?
● What could be added to improve the space?
(a reading chair to curl up in, toy bins,
artwork, etc.)
● Then, prioritize. This becomes your action list.
Clean the Palette. Do you ever notice that when
objects reside in one place for so long, you don’t
even see them anymore? Or do you get so used to
things being arranged one way, it’s hard to imagine
other possibilities? This is typical (and often why a
designer is brought in as a fresh set of eyes). Be like
an artist and start with a “white” canvas:
● Take as much as possible out of a room (artwork
off walls, accessories off shelves, move furniture
to one side or into an adjacent room).
● Edit all of the items. Recycle or donate pieces
that are no longer useful. Keep only pieces that
are truly functional or meaningful.
● Select a few accessories to store for a few
months. This makes the room less cluttered and
allows you to rotate certain elements, making
the space feel new with your own personal
collection (you can rotate items seasonally).
Make a Plan. Take measurements of rooms that
can be re-arranged (draw your plan on graph paper,
with each square equaling one foot of space). Now
there a shelving unit in a guest bedroom that would
be more functional in your office? Start to play with
existing furnishings in new rooms – first on paper,
then move into the actual spaces. (Save your plan so
that when you’re ready to purchase new pieces,
you’ll know the size and shape you need.)
Play. Here’s the fun part. Once the large
furnishings are in place, try your artwork, framed
photos and accessories in new places. Try out a
collection of vases on a fireplace mantle. Move a
painting from the foyer to the bathroom. Try photos
on a smaller wall. You’ll find that objects seem new
again simply by seeing them in a new context.
Repurpose. While going through this process,
you’ll discover pieces that, if given a little love, can
be useful and beautiful again. If you’re a do-it-
yourself type person, go online and research how to
recover a chair or refinish a side table. If this isn’t of
interest to you, there are many wonderful local
professionals happy to help. Suddenly what was old
can be new again.
Ashley Cole is a professional
interior designer based in Grand
Rapids. Her work has been featured
on HGTV as well as numerous
publications, including Kitchen
Trends and Home Magazine. Ashley’s
passion is “creating environments
that enliven the spirit.”
www.ashleycoledesign.com

16 April 2011
 Try Spinning for FREE!
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Regardless of how fit, flexible, or
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The first time I stepped on to a
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www.shapeyourlifestudios.com

April 2011 17
The Look:
Spring Summer Trend 2011
A
s warm weather sets in, the
hemlines go up, the shoes
are kicked off and styles
begin to heat up. While
the faces of the runway showed
everything from naked to neon,
Spring/Summer for the local lady
offers a dose of dewy skin, a dash of
color and a dab of cheeky attitude.
Create pretty peepers by stripping
them nearly nude, emphasizing liner
and mascara, or lightly smoke them
out with soft shades of amethyst or
baby blue. This season’s brows have
also been stripped of their heavy,
defining color and leave little or
nothing to speak of; however, shape
still plays an important part so don’t
discount them altogether.
The face is either dewy-smooth
and natural, or gets a little pat of
powder for a satin-y, flawless
finish. Creamy makeup achieves
these looks and cheeks aren’t
any different. Creamy cheek
colors enhance the skin while
adding radiance.
Lips go from bold and bright to
nothingness. Choose either lip
statement to complement your
nearly nude eye look and you’ll be
in trend.
Lastly, beauty trends aren’t just
about the face. Hair has returned to
neat and sleek tresses worn both
down and back in a knot. Savage
tans are out and the glow of
healthy skin is in.
1. Rimmel GLAM’EYES
Quad Eye Shadow
Labeled for easy use and for picking
the right palette for your eye color.
$5.71. Available at mass merchan-
disers nationwide.
2. NYC Smooch Proof LIPStain 16H
Color is absorbed quickly for a real
stain effect. No dry or sticky feeling
(virtually undetectable when on)
and definitely kiss-proof. My
personal must-have!
$4.99. Available at mass merchan-
disers nationwide.
3. Bodyography Creme Blush
Build and blend color easily for
cheeks or any other area of the
face or body for a dazzling dash
of color.
$16. www.bodyography.com
Marianne Bockheim has been waving her magical mascara wand
for more than eight years. Her mission includes journalism,
teaching, makeup artistry for the consumer as well as media, and
providing marketing services to beauty and fashion businesses.
18
By Marianne Bockheim
4. Smashbox In Bloom Soft Focus
Powder Eyeliner
Enhance soft, smoky eyes easily
with the perfect shade of powder
liner. Available in Dark Brown or
Heather (gray).
$22. Available at cosmetic stores
nationwide and
www.smashbox.com.
5. Sante America Lotus & White Tea
Bronzing Fluid
Offers light hydration, anti-aging
benefits and a sheer hint of
natural color.
$18. Available at
www.santeamerica.com. 1
6. TouchBack Hair Marker
Add color dimension or simply cover
the gray with temporary, brush in
color. Color stays true until 2
shampooed out. Available in eight
natural shades.
$29.95 each. For availability,
www.TouchBackGray.com. 3
4
7. YBF Your Best Complexion
Illuminator and Neutralizing Creme
Complexion Illuminator highlights
your best features with a dash of
mother of pearl while Neutralizing
Creme minimizes redness and
softens fine lines and wrinkles.
$24 each. Available on the Home 5
Shopping Network.
8. Lush Solid Body Tints
Skip the stockings and still capture
the look of glamorous gams with a
tint of color and shine. Can be used
on the arms and décolletage as 6
well. Available in two colors: Black
Stockings or Silk Stockings.
$8.95 and $9.95. For Lush locations,
www.lushusa.com or 1-888-733-LUSH.
9. MUD Cream Foundation
Provides smooth, flawless, full
7
coverage for ALL skin types.
$26. Available at
www.mudshop.com.
10. Davines’ Essential Haircare
Lovely locks start with the best in
hair care. Add shine, protect and
fortify with one of five formulas:
MOMO, NOUNOU, DEDE, SOLU,
and MELU.
From $19.50-$32.50. To locate a
salon that carries Davines’ Essential 10
Haircare, visit www.davines.com.
8 9
April 2011
 Divorce is scary. It’ s unknown. But what’s worse?
The uncertainty of divorce, or the life you now lead?

DAWN is a group of attorneys dedicated to helping

women like you. We have defended the legal rights
of women in West Michigan for 25 years, and helped
them rebuild their lives.

We offer:
• A free initial legal consultation
• Personal attention
• Clear explanation of the legal process, custody
issues, and potential financial outcomes
• Protection from violence or abuse
• Qualified counselors, financial planners,
and other resources

Call 616.957.DAWN today to make an appointment.

No More Free Ride

Many women find that the more successful they are in their careers, the
m o re their husbands take advantage of them. Has your husband started to
Divorce
DAWN
®
slack off? Not hold up his end of the bargain? Letting you earn the money,
keep the house, and care for the kids while he contributes less and less?
If your spouse is abusing you financially, then it’s time to call DAWN. We Your life can be different. We can help.
www.dawnforwomen.com
can help you assess the options and make good decisions for your future.
616.957.DAWN

April 2011 19
Faces &Places Heather Treib has been
promoted to manager of
operations for Pine Rest’s
hospital-based services on the
main campus.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Plante & Moran, Grand Rapids
Community Foundation, and
Priority Health are recipients of
2011 Huntington Pillar Award
from Women’s Resource Center
for their dedication to empowering
women in the workplace.

The Huntington Pillar

Award recognizes employers’
contributions to the success of
women in their workplaces. All
three Huntington Pillar Award
recipients are local organizations
that have implemented a variety of
innovative and progressive
policies to ensure their female
employees succeed.
Heather Treib
Georgie Roth
Since 1987, more than 70
organizations have received the
The Grand Rapids Cultural Marketing Group has
award. The awards were presented
announced the 2011 Board as follows: Board
at a March luncheon.
President – Sarah Mieras (Opera Grand Rapids),
––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Vice President – Kerri VanderHoff (Grand
Georgie’s Celebrates
Rapids Art Museum); Secretary – Krys Bylund,
30th Anniversary! Today, 30 years later, Georgie’s is an established
(John Ball Zoo Society); Public Relations Officer –
When Georgie Roth gave up her career as a business with a far-reaching reputation. Georgie’s
Kristy Harrington (Grand Rapids Public
furniture designer, she never dreamed she would offers everything from Gap to Gucci, but is perhaps
Museum); and Support Organizations
end up running what is now West Michigan’s best known for her unsurpassed Designer Room.
Representative – Kate Wiltzer (Experience Grand
premiere consignment clothing store. She bought
Rapids). Each elected position will be for a one-
the historical Post House at 7504 Thornapple Drive Congratulations, Georgie!
year term, with the Vice-President assuming the
in Ada when she was only 28 years old. Her _________________________________________
Presidency in 2012.
husband, a Lowell-based farmer, built and sold calf “All About Women” continues its third year on the
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
hutches to afford the down payment. When she WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin.
Susan Temple has joined The Williams
opened her doors in 1981, the concept of Physician Dr. Robyn Hubbard OBGYN and
Distributing family of kitchen and bath profes-
consignment clothing was so new, Georgie had guests join Shelley Irwin every fourth Thursday
sionals as a certified aging in place specialist,
only her own clothes in what is now the Designer morning at 9 a.m. for candid discussions on
where she will assist clients with Universal Design
Room, and local business owners advised her not to women’s health on WGVU Radio, 88.5 fm, 95.3 fm
options as well as specific applications for those
bother getting a phone. (lakeshore) and www.wgvu.org.
with physical limitations.

Attention Designers, Artists: 19 Windows Design Competition Returns

Last year’s event was so successful, 19 Windows – An East Hills Business
Window Design Competition is making its return in June.

This year’s competition takes place on June 25. The competition boasts a juried
grand prize of $1000, with a second place prize of $500 and People’s Choice
grand prize of $500, with a second place prize of $250. Designers and artists of all
disciplines will compete by creating innovative window displays in one of more
than 19 businesses located in East Hills (near the intersection of Lake, Cherry and
Diamond). The district is planning a kick off to the week-long event on June 21,
2011, and Cherry Street will be closed to traffic on Saturday, June 25, to accom-
modate the large amount of visitors anticipated to view the windows for the final
judging and winners’ ceremony.

Enter the competition as a single applicant or team applicant. It’s an opportunity

to showcase your design vision and creativity to the greater community and to
show your support for one of Grand Rapids most vibrant local business areas.
To download your application, please go to www.19windowsgr.com.
All applications must be postmarked by midnight, April 29, 2011. 19 Windows Design Competition Returns

20 April 2011

The
Practice
West Michigan is home to nationally recognized
physicians and specialists who are dedicated to
helping you look and feel your absolute best.
Women’s LifeStyle Magazine is pleased to
introduce you to area experts.
April 2011
Change your body . . . for the better
4070 Lake Drive Suite 202,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
(616) 464-4420
www.pipsmd.com
Your body is an expression,
reflection and impression of
who you are – not just as you
appear to others, but also as you
appear to the most important
person of all: yourself.
At Partners in Plastic Surgery of
West Michigan, our surgeons and
staff are focused on what’s
important to real people – safety
and beautiful results. You will
find a rare combination of
exceptional patient care, surgical
expertise, conventional and
cutting-edge treatments at our
state-of-the-art West Michigan
plastic surgery practice.
Partners in Plastic Surgery
provides the best in aesthetic
and reconstructive breast surgery,
microsurgery and complex
reconstruction, facial cosmetic
surgery, liposuction and
abdominal contouring,
post-bariatric surgery, Mommy
Makeovers, Botox, Juvederm,
Prevelle and Radiesse injections.
Our surgeons offer SPAIR-Short
Scar Breast surgery, a technique
developed by our own Dennis C.
Hammond, M.D., to reduce
scarring after breast surgery.
Dr. Hammond is an internationally
recognized surgeon and author of
the highly regarded medical
textbook, Atlas of Aesthetic Breast
Surgery. Ewa Timek, M.D.,
specializes in aesthetic and
reconstructive surgery and
microsurgery of the face and
body. She performs all types of
breast reconstructions, including
highly specialized microsurgical
techniques which employ
abdominal tissue and preserve
the muscle (DIEP flap). Dr. Van Pelt
specializes in both cosmetic and
reconstructive plastic surgery of
the face, breast and body. Dr.
Van Pelt recently completed a
highly competitive aesthetic and
laser surgery fellowship.
Renouveau Skin Care, just
adjacent to the practice, offers
advanced skin services such as
state-of-the-art non-laser
permanent hair reduction,
electrolysis, skin rejuvenation
procedures, acne control
programs, permanent cosmetics,
make up consultations as well as
sophisticated facial care
designed to improve your skin and
provide you with total relaxation.
Our cosmetic procedures are
performed in our private,
outpatient based, fully accredited
onsite surgical center.
Our physicians are committed to
providing the most modern,
up-to-date, safe and effective
care possible, while always
respecting our patient’s desires.
We work with the patient to
establish realistic expectations
and appropriate motivation
before undergoing plastic surgery.
The staff includes board-certified
anesthesiologists, RNs, LPNs, a
licensed aesthetician, a master
permanent cosmetic specialist
and a registered electrologist.
For more information visit our
website www.pipsmd.com.
Appointments can be made by
calling (616) 464-4420.
21
 Grand Rapids Ophthalmology Physician Team

Eight optical boutiques offer everything from exclusive designer

frames to budget-conscious solutions. Kids’ packages are
unparalleled in price and guaranteed to eliminate the worries
about your child wearing glasses. Our state-of-the-art in-house
lab assures the highest quality, stringent standards and very
competitively priced glasses. Experienced and certified opticians
are experts at finding the pair of glasses for your unique needs.

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology was recently honored as one of the

Top 25 Laser Practices in the U.S. by Sightpath Medical, a provider
See the world more clearly. of laser and surgical services. “Our main goal is to help every
patient receive the best care possible. We want our patients to be
confident that they are getting expert treatment and a positive
Since 1982, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology has focused on experience so they can get the most out of life,” says Dr. Scott
providing a routine—to the most advanced—level of eye care in Weber. “We want to be there for our community.”
West Michigan. Today, the practice includes eight locations—four
The physicians and optometrists of Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
in Grand Rapids, Holland, Greenville, Ionia and Belding as well as
represent a remarkable blend of talent and expertise. They are
satellite clinics in Grant, Big Rapids and Kalamazoo.
here for the lifetime of your family’s eye care, providing world-class
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology offers one of the most complete care to West Michigan.
service ranges—not only in West Michigan but also in the
country. The doctors include specialists in Custom BLADE-FREE
LASIK, cataracts, cornea, retina, glaucoma, pediatrics, oculoplastics
(cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery) along with routine eye
exams, contacts and glasses. In addition, two AAAHC-approved
surgical centers provide patients with convenient access to the
highest quality outpatient care. Our surgical centers feature the
latest medical eye care technologies such as the VISX Star S4 Laser,
the #1 LASIK laser in the United States. seeitclear.com 949.2600

Restore. Renew. Revive.

Revitalize your skin’s overall appearance with aesthetic solutions
designed to achieve your goal of healthier, smoother and younger
looking skin.

For over 29 years, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology has developed

in-depth expertise in treating and restoring eyes, eyelids and
surrounding facial areas with a variety of advanced medical
treatments. Skin Solutions, a service of Grand Rapids
Ophthalmology, takes medical eye care expertise to another level
by offering advanced skin care solutions in a spa-like atmosphere.

Partnered with cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgeon Dr.

Michael Boyle, aesthetic skin care consultants provide you with
the most advanced medical skin care. Our team of specially
trained skin care consultants will evaluate your skin and design a
program that’s right for you. They can show you how to prevent Holly Van Vuren, RN and Kristen Thome, Aesthetician
skin damage, photoaging and premature line formation, as well
as develop restorative programs to renew and revive your skin’s Products & Services
natural beauty. All of our products and procedures have been Q BOTOX® Cosmetic Q Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
selected because of their proven ability to promote healthier skin.
Q Latisse® for Eyelashes Q Cosmetic Fillers
Q Permanent Makeup Q Medical Microdermabrasion
Q Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup Q Obagi® & SkinMedica® Products
Q Facials & Vitalize® Chemical Peels
3300 Walker View Drive, Walker, MI 49544
Contact Skin Solutions for your complimentary
skinsolutionsgro.com 588.6550 skin care evaluation with Holly or Kristen.

22 April 2011
celeb‰ating
25 years

From left: John D. Renucci, MD, Douglas L. Vander Woude, MD, Marguerite E. Aitken, MD,

EXCELLENCE
David R. Alfonso, MD, and W. David Moore, MD

in plastic surgery
Plastic Surgery Associates (PSA) specializes in cosmetic
and reconstructive surgery for women and men. Listed in
Best Doctors in America and Best Doctors in Grand Rapids*,
PSA’s five board-certified plastic surgeons have performed
over 50,000 successful procedures—more than anyone in
West Michigan!
plastic surgery throughout West Michigan. Each
of the doctors use the latest advances to offer you
the best techniques for your surgical and cosmetic
procedures. Our board-certified surgeons are happy
to offer a consultation and discuss any questions
you may have about specific areas of enhancement.

Conveniently located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel,
PSA’s facility provides three hospital-quality operating
rooms and seven recovery rooms—exceeding the standards
of the American Association of Ambulatory Health Care.
The doctors’ training, education, and surgical skills have
contributed to their success as the pre-eminent leader in
Along with our renowned reputation, Premier Skin
Care at PSA offers the latest innovations in anti-
aging treatments and procedures for your skin.
Call us at 616.451.4500 to schedule your appointment today!
*Physician specific

FACE BREA ST BODY SKIN CARE HAIR RESTORATION

®
Face, Forehead, Augmentation Liposuction BOTOX and Fillers Laser Hair Removal For Men and Women
Brow & Neck Lift Lift Tummy Tuck Laser Skin Renewal Spider Vein Treatment
Eyelid Surgery Reduction Lower Body Lift Skin Care Treatments Skin Care Products
Nose Reshaping TRUE Mineral Makeup Permanent Makeup

plastic surgery associates

W. David Moore, MD š Douglas L. Vander Woude, MD š John D. Renucci, MD
Marguerite E. Aitken, MD š David R. Alfonso, MD š Pamela M. Jendritz, RN
lo c at ed in t he amway grand plaza ho t el 616 45 1 45 00 800 419 4702 p s a-g r.co m

April 2011
23
 Want Good Health?
Experience
Eat Your Greens Compassionate Care
There’s a new wave of processed food
companies touting how their sauces and
canned pastas now contain a full day’s
allotment of vegetables — but Iva Young
thinks that’s just a bit deceiving.

“It’s a tricky definition of terms,” said Young,

author of “Healthy Mom” (Yorkshire
Publishing, 2010; $21.99). “It’s really not as
healthy to eat processed foods to begin with,
but for them to say that using vegetables as
fillers somehow makes processed foods
healthy is disingenuous, at best.”

Young says we need to eat actual vegetables if we want a healthy diet, and there are
five key veggies that top her list as the healthiest:

Spinach – an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A,

manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin
B2, calcium, potassium and Vitamin B6. It’s also a good
source of fiber, copper, protein, phosphorous, zinc,
Vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, niacin and anti-oxidants.

Lettuce (greenleaf, red leaf, romaine) – Lettuce is a low-

calorie, fiber-rich food with Vitamin A, folic acid, lactu-
carium (which helps enhance calmness and pain relief), as
well as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Lettuce also
contains a good amount of anti-cancer properties.

Broccoli – Besides having great flavor and texture,

Broccoli contains copious amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin
C, beta carotene and Vitamin K. The minerals in broccoli
include calcium, potassium, iron, folate and fiber. Broccoli
also provides lots of bioflavonoids, an antioxidant that
helps protect against cancer and heart disease.
Introducing the women of East Paris Internal Medicine Associates:
Diardre H. Quinn, M.D., Audrey L. Keller, PA-C,
Brussels Sprouts – A staple in the diets of Asian cultures,
who are among the longest-living people in the world, the Danielle L. Waggoner, M.D. Suzanne M. Howard, M.D.
crunchy garnish contains lots of potassium, Vitamin C,
Vitamin A, beta carotene and Vitamin K. This is another

W
ith the independent medical group, East Paris
great anti-cancer vegetable.
Internal Medicine Associates, you’ll experience
the level of care you and your family deserve.
Cabbage – Although best known as the partner of corned
beef on St. Patrick’s Day, cabbage is a great low-calorie
food containing a good amount of fiber, calcium and Since 1978 they have been treating unexpected illness and
Vitamin C. Cabbage is incredibly packed with substantial minor injuries, and providing comprehensive care that
anti-cancer agents.
includes preventive exams, gynecological exams, and
immunizations. They specialize in non-surgical solutions
When picking vegetables, Young believes that fresh and frozen vegetables are better and take the time to listen to their patients.
than canned vegetables, because they have less added salt. If you have to buy canned
vegetables, she recommends draining the water they are packed in before preparing
them to remove a good amount of the added sodium, or simply buy those veggies Full laboratory services, and basic radiology services may
labeled as having low sodium.
save you time and money. Most insurance plans accepted.
“Broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts also contain glucosinolates, which are
known for their chemoprotective agents against chemically induced carcinogens by
blocking the initiation of tumors in the liver, colon, breasts and pancreas,” she adds. East Paris Internal Medicine Associates, PC
“These anti-cancer compounds are released more effectively when you chop those
vegetables before serving, and serving them raw increases the anti-cancer benefits 1000 East Paris Ave SE, Suite 260
even more.”

Young has found in her research that “the vitamin numbers go up when vegetables
are cooked, but the anti-cancer compounds go down, and she suggests steaming or
roasting on a pan for no more than 7 minutes, which has proven to be a good way to
(616) 957-9237
keep the anti-cancer compounds and make it more edible.
Now accepting new patients
For more information, visit www.ivayoung.com.

24 April 2011
April 2011 25
 April Inspirations
Houseplants – good
for home and health
Houseplants provide valuable health benefits
during harsh cold months. Most houseplants
add oxygen and humidity back into the air and
some can even rid an area of toxins expelled
through materials used to build, decorate and
furnish a house.
Indoor plants add color or texture in your home
and provide wonderful health benefits. By
following a few simple steps, you can host healthy
and beautiful houseplants in your living space:
Location
After plants are arranged appropriately in their
containers, find a suitable location for them. The
first step in keeping a plant healthy is to situate it
away from drafty areas or heat sources. For
instance, do not place a fern near a front or back
door, or on top of a heating vent. Heat sources
such as fireplaces will also cause plants to dry out.
Water
Many of us overwater our plants. Using a product
that regulates overwatering and infuses soil with
oxygen helps you to avoid the woes of overwa-
tering, which results in wilting, dulling and death
of the houseplant.
Sun
Placing houseplants indoors where the sun will hit
them only about four to six hours a day is suffi-
cient. Sunlight results in denser, greener foliage
and overall healthier plants.
26
Courtesy ARAcontent
Crafting
Here are some fun and easy crafts you can do as you
wait for warmer weather to appear:
Create a Home – for the birds: Head to the
hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Or check
your garage or home for scraps of wood, metal, tiles,
and plastic bottles to craft a bird house or feeder.
Add some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or
cotton, inside the house to entice birds to move in
once the weather warms.
Stepping stones: Stepping stones are a whimsical
way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. Plaster
or quick-set cement (available at craft stores) can be
the medium to set the stones. Experiment with
shapes that can be used as molds, and gather
Instant Spring
It’s possible to make your home look, feel and smell
fresh for spring instantly. Here are three easy steps:
Step 1 - Brighten the look
Making your house look brighter for spring can be as
simple as opening all the blinds and curtains you kept
closed against winter’s chill. Another quick fix is to
replace heavier drapes with light sheers that welcome in
the spring sun. Replace heavy comforters and quilts
with lighter bedspreads and throws in creamy shades of
orange, pink, white, green or blue.
Step 2 - Create fresh scents
Fragrance experts at The Yankee Candle Company Inc.
suggest that scent is closely associated with mood, and
you can create a spring-like oasis in your home by
simply burning a premium scented candle in a fragrance
that evokes warm weather, such as Lilac Blossom,
Pineapple Cilantro, Sun and Sand, or Sage and Citrus.
Step 3 - Bring in the sound of spring
Don’t overlook the impact that sound can have on
making your home feel like spring. Pop in a CD of your
favorite upbeat music. If the climate allows, open
windows to welcome in the natural sounds of spring,
from the chirping of birds to the sounds of children
playing outdoors.
different materials that can be embedded into the
stepping stone, such as pebbles, marbles, beads, etc.
Use a pencil or another pointed tool to engrave a
message or name on the stepping stones before
allowing them to dry and harden.
Make a Kite: The beginning of the spring season
often arrives behind a burst of wind. Make the most
of blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a
kitchen trash bag, some sticks and string.
Gigantic Checkerboard: A large piece of
plywood becomes a checkerboard with some painted
squares. Use spray paint to stencil on alternating
squares of red and black for a larger-than-life
checkerboard. Use red and black sand bags for game
pieces, or painted stones of similar shape and size, or
paint the trays of terra cotta flower pots to use as
game pieces.
April 2011
April 2011 27
 Glazed Ham
with Pineapple-Raisin Sauce
Serves 18

Treat your Easter guests with this glazed ham. Top

with the pineapple-raisin sauce and serve with new
potatoes and your favorite springtime salads.

5 pound fully-cooked boneless ham

1 six-ounce can frozen pineapple-orange
juice concentrate, OR pineapple
juice concentrate
3 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
4 teaspoons cornstarch

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Place ham on rack in

shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, for 1 1/4
hours, until internal temperature (measured with a
meat thermometer) is 140 degrees F. (about 15-18
minutes per pound.)

In small saucepan, combine half of the juice

concentrate, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 table-
spoons vinegar and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce
heat to low, simmer uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or
until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Baste
ham with glaze the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Remove ham from oven, slice and serve with
Pineapple-Raisin Sauce.
.
Pineapple-Raisin Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, sauté onion in butter until
tender. Add remaining juice concentrate, water,
raisins, maple syrup and mustard. Stir together 1/4
cup vinegar and cornstarch; stir into raisin mixture.
Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and
stir for 2 minutes more.

Cooking Tip: Do not overcrowd pork cuts when

sautéing. Leaving space between them will allow
them to brown and cook more evenly.

Ham it up
Smoked Ham
with Cranberry Chutney
Serves 16

Serve with roasted new potatoes and sauteed fresh

asparagus. A classic Easter meal to please the whole family!

4-6 pound fully-cooked boneless ham

1 16-ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 8 1/4-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
1 5-ounce bottle prepared horseradish

Place ham in shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a

325 degree F. oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours (about 15-18 minutes
per pound), or until meat thermometer registers 140 degrees
F. Remove from oven, slice thinly to serve.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl.

Transfer to serving bowl, serve immediately or cover and chill
until serving. Serve chutney alongside ham.

28 April 2011
Breakfast Polenta Crostini
with Ham & Wisconsin Asiago
Makes 12 servings

As featured at the International Association of Culinary Professionals

breakfast. The assembly for this dish takes a little time, but makes a
pretty and tasty meal. Polenta is a staple in northern Italy made from
cornmeal and makes for a hearty breakfast.

9 thin slices cured ham

2 Eleven-ounce tubes refrigerated polenta* with
sun-dried tomato
3/4 cup Wisconsin Asiago cheese, shredded
1 large Roma tomato, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil, OR 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons Sundried tomato-flavored mayonnaise
Nonstick cooking spray, as needed

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Slice each tube of
polenta into 6 slices. Arrange slices on baking sheet. With a small
spoon, scoop out shallow depression in each slice. Spray slices light
with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine Asiago cheese, Roma tomato, pine nuts,

and basil. Set aside. Stack three slices of ham and cut into quarters,
keeping stacks intact. Repeat twice.

To assemble, spoon some of the cheese mixture into depressions in

polenta slices. Top each polenta slice with about 1/2 teaspoon of the
tomato-flavored mayonnaise. Add a stack of ham slice quarters to
each polenta slice. Top each with some of the remaining cheese
mixture. Return the crostini to oven and heat 2-3 minutes or until
cheese is slightly melted.

*Polenta can often be found at Italian markets or in the

speciality/produce refrigerated section of supermarkets.

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April 2011 29
Healthy
Career By Kim Monaghan

This month we celebrate Earth Day and our thoughts turn to

keeping our planet healthy, but it’s also a great time to give careers
a healthy boost. A healthy career challenges, enriches and offers
ample opportunity for growth. In a way, developing a healthy
career parallels the efforts we employ when protecting our planet:

Seek Alternative Energy. Whether your day is

spent juggling a growing family or strategizing in
boardroom, work is where we spend most of our
waking energy. When you feel your batteries start
to drain, turn to alternative energy sources:
Identify what makes you happy and what little
elements you could incorporate into your day that
provide empowerment. Whether it’s lunch with a
friend, a delicious snack, a quiet moment in the
garden or even a catnap, time away from the task
at hand can be re-energizing.

Protect the Most Valuable Resource - You.

Work, family and other obligations leave
little time to take care of ourselves, so
fitness routines and nurturing diets may
get set aside. But in order for your
career to thrive, you – the most valuable
resource – must thrive. Make a healthy lifestyle a
priority using small manageable steps: Choose
restaurants that offer healthier fares or opt to pack
a balanced lunch and stash nutritious, low-calorie
snacks in your desk drawer, purse and car. At
work, ask about corporate wellness programs and
local gym discounts and while there, take the
stairs instead of the elevator. At home, actively
play with the kids and the pets in the backyard or
find a fitness buddy who will keep you motivated.

Keep it Clean. Every career has its unwelcomed

challenges. When confronted with a problem, take
a moment to reflect on your initial, instinctual
reaction and determine whether it is really the best
course of “reaction.” After removing the emotional
quotient, find a resourceful way to turn the
challenge into an opportunity for learning and
growth. Don’t allow workplace conflict, toxic
employees or inappropriate verbal or written
communications to bring your career to a
screeching halt. Instead, develop strategic
solutions, then consult with a supervisor,
mediator, expert or mentor and explore how you
can turn a potential deterrent into an occasion for
you to shine.
Relationships that help
you grow, provide
guidance and keep
you and your career
strong should always
be preserved.
By ensuring your
relationships are
mutually beneficial,
they will survive any
climate change.
Preserve Habitats: Relationships that help you
grow, provide guidance and keep you and your
career strong should always be preserved. This
group – or habitat – in which you thrive should be
cared for by you, as well. Take time to listen, offer
support, provide business leads and routinely ask
family, friends and individuals in your professional
network how you may be of help to them. By
ensuring your relationships are mutually
beneficial, they will survive any climate change.
Nurture Growth. Take time regularly to reflect on
your strengths. Identify what makes you great at
what you do, what it is that people turn to you for
help with, and more importantly, what activities
you excel at. A career founded on strengths is a
healthy one that should be nurtured. Attending
professional development opportunities,
networking groups and building your knowledge
base through education, reading and research
provide opportunities to grow your strengths.
Moreover, volunteering is a great way to demon-
strate and share your strengths with those in need.
Kim Monaghan is a
career coach,
consultant and owner of
Career Connections
(www.cc-career.com).
She is a certified resume
writer, West Michigan
Careers in Transitions Coach and a member of
the Professional Coaching Association of
Michigan. As a certified yoga instructor,
RYT, Kim routinely uses wellness strategies to
help her clients explore, develop and thrive in
healthy careers.

30 April 2011
 omen’s LifeStyle is pleased to present a monthly feature page highlighting women in

W business from our west Michigan community. Here you’ll be introduced to women in a
variety of capacities - all designed to improve your life.

In all realms of life it takes courage to

stretch your limits, express your power,
and fulfill your potential.
– Suze Orman

Amanda Nawara Emily E. Roth

West Michigan Glass Coatings Simplify your Space
Email: amanda@westmgc.com Email: emilyeroth@yahoo.com
My residential and commercial clients trust
An organizer of residential spaces, I strive
me to provide them high-quality window film
to help my clients simplify their lives by
for comfort, safety and security. Using 3M
transforming their surroundings. I love
solar control window film, we can reduce
delivering immediate results and making
UV rays (the No.1 cause of fading), glare and
the process light-hearted and fun. I’ll help
help with heating/cooling costs. Contact me
you create the peaceful environment you
today for a free estimate!
envision for yourself.
(616) 540-1692 • www.westmgc.com Call today for a consultation (616) 581-3313

Georgie Roth Judy Cisler

Georgie’s Consignment Clothing
A Kendall graduate and former furniture
designer, Georgie Roth bought the historic
Post House in 1981 to establish what is
now considered West Michigan’s premier
consignment shop. Georgie’s is known for
its unparalleled Designer Room, but the
shop offers everything from Gap to Gucci
and is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
~ Find us on facebook ~
Gotcha Covered
Email: judycisler@gotchacovered.com
With Gotcha Covered I’m here to help you
achieve beautiful window fashions. Using
Gotcha Covered's 3D Decor creator software,
see the colors, fabrics, and treatment styles
you selected before you buy! Custom blinds,
shades, drapes, valances, cornices, shutters
and bedding unique to your home and profes-
sionally installed. Free in-home appointments.

(616) 676-1869 • www.georgiesconsignment.com (616) 304-2657 • judycisler.gotchacovered.com

Laura Cicholski Robin R. Thomas

Lakeshore Home Referrals
Email: info@lakeshorehomereferrals.com
I save you time & offer peace of mind when
looking for a reputable contractor.
We provide a simple solution for finding
pre-screened, licensed & insured home service
professionals. Lakeshore Home Referrals covers
services for home and business owners from
painting, plumbing & floor refinishing to complete
room additions, renovations & home building.
(616) 399-9110 • www.lakeshorehomereferrals.com
Estate Sales Warehouse
Grand Rapids & Holland
Email:robin@estatesaleswarehouse.com
With Estate Sales Warehouse locations in GR
and Holland and our online auction site, my dream
of providing great deals on all types of items has
come true. Shop from over 100 vendors providing
a huge variety of items including household
items, antiques (vintage and primitive), books,
collectibles and so much more.
(616) 425-1968 • www.estatesaleswarehouse.com

For information on being featured in our SHE Means Business promotion, please contact Roxanne O’Neil at (616) 458-2121.

April 2011 31
DIY Jobs for
Weekend Warriors
Weekend warriors can finish a home improvement project over the weekend with
planning, skill and time management.

The following projects are ideal for the

weekend warrior who wants to start and
finish a project over the course of a few days:

Paint up a storm. Painting can be the ideal

weekend project, one that truly gives
homeowners a sense of accomplishment.
When done correctly, painting can give a
room or rooms an entirely new feel, making a
homeowner feel as if the home she arrived
home to on Friday night is not the same one
she’s leaving on Monday morning.

When attempting to complete a painting

project in one weekend, be sure to choose
rooms that only need paint. In rooms with
significant plaster work to be done, the
project will likely take longer than the
weekend, as the plaster will need to be
patched and sanded (rooms with only minor
plaster damage should be more weekend-
friendly). Choose smaller rooms for weekend
painting projects and reap the rewards of a
weekend well spent.

Tile till the heart is content.

Measuring and choosing tile is time
consuming on its own, so all preliminary
measuring and tile choosing should be
done in advance of the weekend.
We suggest this job for only the
hardcore do-it-yourselfer as tiling a
floor or even the bathroom walls
may prove challenging. Even by the
time you purchase everything you need to do
the job, you may feel as if you should have
called a pro and spent your time doing other
things. If you decide to go ahead with a tile
project, make measurements during the week
and make sure all the materials, including
appropriate tools, are purchased and ready to
go before the weekend starts.
Replace the toilet. For homeowners with
older toilets, replacing the toilets might be the
ideal weekend task. Replacing a toilet should
not take very long, and homeowners will
notice their new toilet is not only an upgrade
in visual appeal, but an upgrade that’s
attractive to the bottom line as well. Older
toilets may consume anywhere from 3.5 to 7
gallons per flush, whereas newer toilets
generally consume between 1.5 to 3 gallons
per flush. That helps homeowners reduce
their carbon footprint while also reducing
their monthly water bills.
Replace vanity faucets. Another easy
project that can make a dramatic visual
difference is to replace vanity faucets around
the home. Old vanity faucets can be an
eyesore. But they can be easily replaced in a
single weekend as long as there are no issues
with the plumbing, and the replacement parts
are the same size as existing parts.
Homeowners who are aware of or suspect
issues with plumbing, should consult a
professional before replacing any faucets.
Risking it and going it alone could result in
disaster, one that takes more than a weekend
to correct. - WL
Eco-Fabulous Faucets
Bathroom faucets are the culprits of much water waste. Luckily, you can easily save water by
installing a new lavatory faucet with a water-saving aerator. The Lindley bathroom faucets from
Moen feature new flow-optimized aerators that allow water to flow at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm),
versus traditional aerators that flow at 2.2 gpm. The result is water savings of up to 32 percent
without sacrificing performance.

It takes half your life before you discover life is a do-it-yourself project.
– Napoleon Hill

32 April 2011
 See What’s New for Your Patio

By Denise Hopkins

I
’m so excited that gardening season will soon be in full bloom. If you’re an
avid gardener, you’ve spent the winter perusing catalogs and dreaming of the
fragrance of the first hyacinths and the taste of the first sweet peas. So experi-
enced gardeners, novices, and those starting your first garden – is your garden
really green? Or do you rely on toxic fertilizers and pesticides, and use more
water than your teenage daughter does in the shower? Read on for easy ways to make
your garden thrive naturally.

Go native. Native plants are adapted to our soils, temperatures, rain, snow and local
pests. Like most native Michigan residents, they are inherently able to thrive in these
conditions with less pampering. Check out the Michigan Native Plant Producers
Association at www.MNNPA.org or visit your favorite local nursery.

Select heirloom and organically grown plants and seeds. Organic plants and seeds
are developed without chemicals, and they’re easy to find in your local garden center
or online. An heirloom is an open pollinated plant that was grown in an earlier era,
generally before large scale agriculture. Heirlooms have better flavor and color, and
are disease- and pest-resistant. You can also save the seeds at the end of a growing
season, and the plant will maintain its qualities in the following year. Hybrids do not at
consistently pass on their qualities from one year to the next. Thankfully, genetically
modified food plants, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), have
not been introduced into the home garden scene. – not your ordinary hardware store –
Eliminate chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Nature doesn’t require fast-acting 1234 Michigan NE (Michigan & Fuller)
expensive toxic remedies. Use compost as a fertilizer – it’s free and very easy. Got Hours: Mon thru Fri 8-8 • Sat 8-6 • Sun 10-5
pests? Mix a solution of one part organic dish soap to two parts vegetable oil. Dilute (616) 451-0724 • visit www.ryleesace.com
one tablespoon of this mixture with one quart of water and spray infested plants. The
solution sticks to the plants, killing aphids, ants and other small pests. Be careful not
to spray on our friends – bees, ladybugs and lacewings! I’ve used this solution on
indoor and outdoor plants with great success. There are also hundreds of easy, A C C E P T I N G N E W P AT I E N T S
organic, inexpensive solutions available online.

Water wisely. You’ve already added compost to your soil; now add mulch to retain
Michigan Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C.
W e l l n e s s f o r W o m e n
moisture. Lay a four-inch layer, keeping it away from the base of the plants. My
favorite efficient, inexpensive watering method is soaker hoses, which use 50 percent
less water than sprinklers. Place them directly around the base of the plants where
they can slowly drip water in to the soil, directly where the plants need it. Any
watering method should be used in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Add a
rain barrel at your home’s downspouts and water plants with nature’s water. You can
easily make your own rain barrel through training from the West Michigan
Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), or purchase one from them at
http://wmeac.org/water/the-wmeac-rain-barrel/.

Dig in to enjoy the abundant rewards of truly green gardening. You’ll grow physically
and emotionally, your children will learn where fruit and vegetables come from and
may actually eat them, and you’ll create a haven for butterflies and bees.

Denise Hopkins, owner of ImaginEco Design, is a registered

architect whose expertise is sustainable design. Denise is a
LEED Accredited Professional, and a passionate gardener.
DeniseH@ImaginEcoDesign.com and 616-460-5191.

Steven J. Lown, D.O. • Peter Kaczkofsky, D.O.

Kelly Hansul, D.O. • Mary Beth Grey, D.O. • Judy A. Florido, D.O.

Grand Rapids Wyoming

247-3800 532-5025
4300 Cascade Road 2221 Health Drive SW • Suite 2100
(Near Byron Center Ave. & 56th Street)

Offices also located in: Allendale, Caledonia and Wayland: 532-5025

Belmont, Comstock Park and Cedar Springs: 247-3800

www.michiganobgyn.com
OBSTETRIC & GYNECOLOGICAL CARE • INFERTILITY • SURGERY • ULTRASOUND

April 2011 33
 Against
Sexual
Assault
By Dr. Elizabeth Luce
Grand Rapids Women’s Health

S
exual assault affects one in six women Do not bathe, wash your hands, brush your teeth, in dealing with the events of the assault itself as well
and one in 33 men in their lifetimes. eat or smoke as the anger, fear, depression or anxiety that many
College-aged women are at the greatest ● Leave the scene intact if that is an option; report people feel afterwards. Sometimes antidepressant
risk, estimated to be as high as one in four. the attack immediately by calling 911 and/or anti anxiety medication may be recommended.
As many as 60 percent of assaults are not ● Seek medical care as soon as possible The YWCA also offers a six-month group counseling
reported to police. These numbers tell of the program for men called Men Choosing Alternative
importance of education, prevention, medical care, The Grand Rapids Rape Crisis Hotline is 616-776- to Violence.
and need for resources for sexual assault victims. RAPE (7273). The National Sexual Assault Hotline is
800-656-HOPE Finally, the legal issues and requirements vary by
Sexual assault is any type of sexual (4673). The state. Information about individual state laws is
activity that is not agreed to. It can be Sexual assault is a medical provider available online at the United States Department of
verbal, visual or contact. It may result you see should be Justice Office of Violence Against Women website
from the use of force, the threat of force, traumatizing event. trained in evalu- (www.usdoj.gov/ovw/) or through YWCA or
RAINN(see resources below). For example, in most
or from the victim’s inability to give Education, prevention, ation of sexual
states only rapes involving children or elders require
consent. Rape is a common form of assault and
sexual assault, and 73 percent of the time evaluation, medical perform a Sexual reporting by providers, while others require mandatory
the victim knows their assailant. Assault Forensic reporting for any sexual assault.
treatment, psychological Exam (SAFE).
Prevention is not to be overlooked. Here support and legal action Care will be taken Sexual assault is a traumatizing event. Education,
are some ways to prevent sexual assault: to not re- prevention, evaluation, medical treatment, psycho-
● Avoid dangerous situations by staying are the framework to traumatize the logical support and legal action are the framework to
aware of your surroundings combat this crime. victim with the combat this crime.
● Avoid isolated areas exam. In Grand
● When in public, don’t overload arms Rapids, the YWCA
with packages or wear headphones in both ears Nurse Examiner Program provides this service. A
● Always walk with confidence complete history of the assault will be taken.
● Don’t prop open self-locking doors RESOURCES:
● Watch your keys and don’t put your name or The evaluation includes a thorough physical exam and ● Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
address on them uses an evidence collection kit to get fingernail www.rainn.org
● In social situations, go with a group of friends and scrapings, etc. Laboratory testing for sexually trans- ● 1-800-656-HOPE(4673)
check in with each other throughout the evening mitted diseases is offered, but it’s important to know ● YWCA Grand Rapids www.ywca.org
● Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept a that the results become part of the medical record and 616-776-RAPE 24 hours a day
drink from someone you don’t know or trust could be used in court. Some victims choose to avoid
● YWCA Counseling Center 616-459-4652
● Be aware of the “date rape drugs” Rohypnol, GHB the testing at this time. Blood and urine tests for drugs ● United States Department of Justice Office of
and benzodiazepines, which can be used to create that could affect the victim’s level of consciousness
sedative and amnesiac effects are recommended. Preventive treatment for sexually Violence Against Women
● Alcohol is still the drug most frequently transmitted diseases and pregnancy will be offered. www.usdoj.gov/ovw/
implicated in substance-assisted sexual assault This includes antibiotics, hepatitis B vaccine, and HIV ● National Sexual Violence Resource Center
● Have a code word for friends and family so you prevention. Follow up with a healthcare provider www.nsvrc.org
can communicate danger, without the person within two weeks for further testing. HIV testing is 1-800-692-7445
you’re with knowing repeated at six weeks, three months and six months ● National Domestic Violence Hotline
● Look around for an escape route after the assault. www.ndvh.org
1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or 1800-787-3224
If someone is pressuring you, remember that being in The psychological aspect will be addressed as well.
(TDD)
Rape and sexual assault are never the victim’s fault.
this situation is not your fault. Don’t feel obligated to
The victim does dot “entice” their assailants.
do anything you don’t want to do. “I don’t want to” is
always a good enough reason. If you don’t want to Survivors can suffer long-term effects such as Post
hurt the person’s feelings, it’s better to Traumatic Stress Disorder
lie and make up a reason to get out of or more specifically rape Dr. Elizabeth Luce is a
the situation. Always trust your trauma syndrome. board certified OBGYN
practicing at Grand Rapids
instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel Rape
is a common Healing from an attack
Women’s Health. She is
safe it probably isn’t. takes time; therefore,
form of sexual assault, interventions and
devoted to the care of
women through all phases
If you’re attacked and wish to seek and 73 percent of the time counseling are important. of life including menopause,
help, here’s what you can do and what The YWCA Grand Rapids urinary incontinence, pelvic
to expect: the victim knows has been providing pain and adolescent health.
● Find a trusted friend who can be the assailant. counseling in the area of When not working, Dr. Luce
with you for support sexual assault since 1990. also enjoys gardening,
● Preserve all evidence of the attack Counseling can be helpful photography and yoga.

34 April 2011
 FREE 8x10 WITH SITTING

WEDDINGS • FAMILY • SENIOR PORTRAITS • EVENTS

PHOTOGRAPHER DANIEL E. JOHNSON
OVER 30 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN GRAND RAPIDS
AFFORDABLE RATES • 616/617-0552
www.crossroadone.com

‡0LG7RZQH6W1(6XLWH‡ZZZJUDQGUDSLGVZRPHQVKHDOWKFRP

April 2011 35
 C o n q u e r Y o u r C l u t t e r

Get Ready to Mary Dykstra MBA, CPO is a Certified

Garden
Professional Organizer, speaker and Time
Management Coach. She is immediate past
director of Examination Development for
the Board of Certified Professional
Organizers and a current Industry Member
Board Director of National Association of
Professional Organizers. Her website is
by Mary Dykstra, MBA, CPO www.withinreach.biz.

N
ow’s a great time to start a list of what plants you wish to add to your
garden and planters this spring. Make a mental note of what annuals
you’ve used in the past that have grown well, as well as those that
didn’t. Think about flowering color combinations you enjoy and fresh
veggies or herbs you’d like to grow. Even if you have a condo or
apartment with limited planter access, you can add color to your life
and grow tasty foods and herbs for your table.

Things to consider: Choose plants that work well in the conditions you have, including the time
you have to spend on deadheading and watering. There are a number of landscaping and
gardening books/magazines and resources available online which give tips and descriptions of
plants. For great information on general plant requirements and care, including what kinds of
flowers and food to grow, visit www.migarden.msu.edu.

Also, take into consideration how much space you actually have to
dedicate to your green friends before you walk into the nurseries and
greenhouses. It’s easy to overbuy plants and get overwhelmed when
you actually get your purchases home. Plus, those tiny starters you
plant now will be bigger later in the season. Fewer is better; they’re
easier to maintain and they’re lighter on the pocketbook. Choose
what you love and find joy in the quality of plantings vs. quantity
of plantings.

Checklist of basic supplies for a successful items such as

start to a beautiful garden:
● Notes/shopping list of plants, seeds
and pots needed for the season
(including quantities)
● Prep soil with needed soil amendments
plus a good fertilizer
● Clean & sanitize any pots from last season
● Clear out any old chemicals, fertilizers and
out-of-date seeds
● Equip yourself with a good pair of garden
gloves, hand shovel, spade and trimmers
● Gather stakes, ties, netting or fencing to
protect vulnerable plants
● Consider self-watering containers if you
don’t like having to water planters daily
(I have used Earth Box with a lot of
success – www.earthbox.com)
● During the gardening season, use a bucket
or small carrier to tote your most-used
hand pruner,
hand spade,
fertilizer, plastic shopping
bags (for deadheading or
collecting flowers or
vegetables), permanent
marker, bug repellent and
other pesticides or herbicides
that you use often
● You may also want to keep a
yard map and seasonal photos
in a Ziploc bag to know what
you planted where, especially
when you are adding bulbs and
permanent plantings “off season”
With a little pre-planning and your lists
in hand, you’ll will be well set for a fun
and beautiful season outdoors!

36 April 2011
 The Best In
GR Northeast
Good As New
Consignment Boutique
5280 Northland Drive NE
Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4 • (616) 363-6622
Featuring an emphasis on contemporary
fashion. High-quality, affordable clothing
for women, young men and girls.
Beautiful new items arrive daily and
consignors always welcome.
littlePOSH
3140 Plainfield Ave NE
(Off I- 96 in Plainfield Plaza)
Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-4 • (616) 363-7929
Wide selection of children’s & infant
clothing; Carter, Gap, Hollister and more.
Baby gear, toys, DVD’s, books +. Superb
maternity section. New Items daily.
Grandparents receive 10% off entire
purchase on Wed. www.littleposhgr.com
Ready Set Grow Boutique
1971 E. Beltline Suite 117
Knapp’s Corner
Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5 • (616) 635-2484
Discover name brand clothing in sizes
newborn to 5T. Baby gear, toys and
locally made beautiful blankets, bibs
and tutu’s. In-house "child friendly"
professional photography studio with
affordable prices.
Lowell
Flat River Cottage
317 East Main Street
Mon 11-5, Tues-Sat 10-6 • (616) 897-8601
Eclectic mix of vintage and antique
treasures. Beautiful one-of-a-kind
custom painted furniture and
accessories. Pieces to make a house
a home. www.flatrivercottage.com.
April 2011
The Garden Goddess makes house calls . . .
Consultations, education, advice on plant care/selection
Design, re-design, renovation services
Perennial gardens, seasonal containers & plantings
Maintenance, weeding, pruning
Working for you or with you • Affordable hourly rates
GR Southeast
Rock Paper Scissors
Call for your Consultation
Gail Mason, A.S. Landscape Horticulture
Consignment Boutique
145 Diamond Ave. SE
Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Mon 12-6, Tues, Wed, Thur 10-7
Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4 • (616) 805-6848
Get the bragging rights of finding
(616) 745-4441
something amazing and affordable. On- E-mail: gardengoddess@live.com
trend, gently worn fashions and acces-
sories plus new overstock items from
showrooms and boutiques. Accepting
in-season drop-offs anytime. Do you know all the new tax laws?
www.rpsgr.com Tax preparation laws are constantly changing. The regulations
and corresponding paperwork are more complex than ever.
Rosa’s Closet
2141 Wealthy ST SE
East Grand Rapids
Tax problems? Call today for a
Mon-Fri 10-7 & Sat 10-6 • (616) 242-9100 FREE phone consultation.
An upscale women’s resale clothing
boutique with a mix of new fashions.
We also have fabulous handbags, shoes (616) 691-8107
and accessories. New items arrive daily.
Receive $10 off your purchase when you
www.jkellyassociates.com
bring in your current Women’s Lifestyle
Magazine. www.rosascloset.com Call Judy at J. Kelly & Associates today for your
personal or business tax and accounting needs.
Rockford Judy is a professional. She is reliable and cares about your business. She has been my
acountant and tax consultant for 17 years. She would be an asset to any business.
Gild the Lily
– Tom Skipper, Cannonsburg Sand & Gravel
450 East Division
Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-4 • (616) 863-8491
Two floors of fresh fashion for your home
& body at “get it now” prices.
Formal wear, plus, petite, and
designer departments. Nominated
2010 Rockford Retail Store of the Year.
www.shopgildthelily.com
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37

Prices are:
Gadget Bags $15.95 (at Spirit Dreams and D2)
Mini Critters $9.95 (at Spirit Dreams and D2)
Woven Art Hangings $ 65 (full collection at
Spirit Dreams and some at D2)
Ergo Pads; Keyboard $19.95 and
Palm Rest $7.95 (at Spirit Dreams)
Gadget Pad with Fringe $15.95
(at Spirit Dreams)
38
Check out some of the latest and greatest in home trends across west Michigan. Journey
with me into a few small spaces and great places around our city and beyond.
STUDIO Z
TEXTILES
In downtown Grand Rapids,
I discovered some fabulous interior
accessories that are sure to enlighten
your life. Whether you’re young or old,
Studio Z has something special for
everyone. Founded by Anna Zaharakos,
Studio Z is a small, local group of talented
designers who have been working diligently
backstage creating classic, original designs for the
contract textile and furniture industry for more than 20
years. Though you may not know the name, their
designs speak for themselves through more than 30
North American furniture and textile suppliers
including companies like Knoll, Steelcase and Haworth.
But you don’t have to be a major company to get in on
the fun!
Made right here in our own metropolis, I was particu-
larly impressed with the Woven Art Hangings, Critter
Pillows and Ergo Pads. Bestsellers include the Gadget
Bag which is a great way to carry your essential items
when your pockets aren’t available. Designed to carry
small devices, the Gadget Bag is also specifically
designed to hold a passport, credit cards, cash and
many other small items. I absolutely adore the Mini
Critters – collectible “Bean Bag” critters that make
great landing pads for your gadgets. They give your
phone, music player, camera or other gadgets a soft
spot to hang out on your desktop while they charge or
transmit data. Mine sits on my dresser and I use it
nightly as a crash pad for my cell phone. Most of the
items you see pictured here can be purchased at
Design Quest/D2 or Spirit Dreams. For more
information, please visit www.studioztextiles.com
At Home
By Latesha Lipscomb
WEALTHY AT CHARLES
Walking into this boutique was a pleasant smorgasbord
for the senses! Everything, I could see, hear, touch or
smell made me feel beautiful. Sounds poetic, I know,
but I assure you just one trip into Wealthy at Charles,
and you won’t leave disappointed or empty-handed!
This boutique is an urban design store with an immac-
ulate garden that features big planting pots for purchase
and pleasure. They also showcase and sell hand-
formed/mouth-blown pieces from local artists, as well
as fragrant Root Candles which are a beeswax blend of
organic essential oils made here in the Midwest. They
offer gifts, home accessories and furniture to suit just
about every customer that walks through the doors.
Most of their product offerings, about 90% of what they
sell, are exclusive to the store and reflect “things from
nature that ground us, and tell us where we are from.”
The products reflect their inspiration which is nature,
and this becomes evident when you experience the
texture and weight of items like the Telia Sea Urchin or
Thorn Vase.
One of my favorite offerings at the boutique are the
fresh flowers, which they offer because they firmly
believe that “Happiness is when you have flowers in
both hands!” You should definitely be adorning your
space with fresh flowers and treating yourself to that
happiness they speak of.
When I asked about the home trends for Spring, I
learned that the owners re-paint and redecorate the store
twice a year to reflect the new color story. The walls
help set the stage for the color trends for spring and
summer. And this time around, those trends
include shades of blue and yellow. When using
statement pieces in the home that are these
colors, one should be mindful to place them
April 2011
 among your basic color scheme which may include shades of white, black, grey,
silver or earthy browns.
Russo & Amante Brand exclusively at
I encourage you to visit them today,
even if it’s just to check out their John Russo’s Wine Warehouse & Deli
phenomenal window display. Wealthy at
Charles is sure to incite you chorus
while making your heart dance.

Fore more information:

Wealthy at Charles, LLC
738 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 458-6664

THE SPARTAN ACES IN

CULINARY CLASSROOM THE KITCHEN
Grandville Family Fare Rylee’s Ace Hardware
3960 - 44th St. SW 1234 Michigan Street SE
Grandville, MI 49418 Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 451-0724 ext. 204.
Incredible prices, personal service, Italian groceries,
1-888-296-5850
http://dwfm.spartanstores.com/ www.ryleesace.com desserts, deli meats & cheeses, beer & wine

With so many trends in food and wine, one of the coolest activities to engage in is 4301 Kalamazoo
the modern-day cooking class. It is the most delicious and fun way to expand at 44th Street SE
your knowledge of amazing recipes and increase your kitchen skills, all while Towne & Country Plaza
having some good old-fashioned fun! Learn how to create delectable cuisines you 827-3902
can make in your own home. Mon- Sat 10 am to 8 pm

The classes at the Spartan Culinary Classroom range in subject matter from www.johnrussowine.com
Cupcake Decorating to classes on fabulous Italian Pasta dishes. This month’s
classes include: "Girl’s Night Out" on April 13, "Make Ahead Sides" on April 14,
and "Stick to your Ribs" on April 27. The classes are taught by professional chefs
and have been appropriately characterized as "Educational Entertainment.”
The classes are very hands on and guests are even allowed to indulge in the fruits
of their labor. All of the ingredients, aprons and equipment are provided; all you
have to bring are your taste-buds. For more information or to sign up call
(888) 296-5850 or visit http://dwfm.spartanstores.com/classrooms

At Rylee’s Ace Hardware, class participants are situated in comfy stools around
the kitchen island. A 20% discount is offered on any cooking items or gadgets
you purchase that day. Upcoming classes include "Tapas" with Chef Teri Rees
(April 9), "Spring Fling" (April 14), "Easter Brunch" (April 16) and a free
"Eggstravaganza" class (April 19) with chef Kathleen Schiefler. For more
information or to sign up call 451-0724 ext. 204 or visit
www.ryleesace.com/index.php/april-2011

Cooking classes are all the rave because they fill a need and fuel a passion. So go
ahead, visit a culinary classroom and experience something different this month
for a scrumptious experience AT HOME!

Fun & Funky

yet
Sweet & Girly Transition & Advocacy
size newborn Services, LLC
to girls 16
Senior Care Consultants
accessories
gifts Patient Advocates
About our TREND EXPERT Latesha Lipscomb: Seven custom decor
Let our experts in senior &
Years on the East Coast in Boston and New York patient care navitage the
City, five years in Chicago, multiple degrees (and maze of options available
one of them is a Doctorate), she is a beauty guru, for your loved ones.
style maven and arbiter of all things cool. She is
the go-to person for all that is hip, hot and Call for a free consultation
happening NOW in west Michigan. Contact her at
Latesha@womenslifestylemagazine.com 51 1/2 E. Bridge St • Downtown Rockford
(616) 433-9750 • M-F 10-7 • Sat 10-5
(616) 608-3260
www.sassypantsgirlsboutique.com transitionandadvocacyservices.com

April 2011
39
 Taking on the Grand Rapids Dating Scene . . . two at a time.
Juggling
...
Juggling (multi-men-tasking as I like
to call it) is as tricky as a lady, but it
can be done.
Coming from someone who considers
herself a self proclaimed pro at dating
multiple people… it can be done. To
share some insight: I had a date
yesterday and I have two more lined
up this week – all with different men.
I stick to the following few guidelines:
1) My counterpart HE says it best…
be up front. If you tell the guy you
aren’t looking for something serious
but still like spending time with them
it takes a lot of the pressure off you to
be the girlfriend.
2) Don’t date guys who are friends
with each other. It can go downhill
rather fast. All I picture is everyone
ending up with bloody noses.
3) I’ve said this before… attempt to
keep all communication centered
around texting. This way you can
answer back in your own sweet time,
be talking to multiple guys at once,
always have a record of what was said,
...
Unless you’re 100% “love-drunk” keep
it casual, keep it Sheen. The fact that
it is more difficult to play the field
with the presence of social media is
a myth.
The Key: Be upfront.
Let every person know that it’s casual.
This isn’t fool-proof but as long as
people know the expectations it will be
easier. Now, you run the risk of losing
someone from the mix by being
upfront, but it’s much better than if
you don’t say anything and they tell all
of their friends to stay clear. Grand
Rapids is small. Remember that. If you
thought I was going to give you some
You can read more (and comment on) at
www.thesexpendables.wordpress.com,
a fun, new blog about the west Michigan dating scene.
40 April 2011
and most importantly, regulate how
often he tries to connect with you.
4) No kissing. I may date multiple
guys at once but never am I kissing
more than one at a time. Yucky people.
That’s yucky. You wait til you find one
you really like to let him kiss you.
5) Let your roommate in on the gig.
If they are in the know (names, places,
faces) it will be easier for them to help
you pull off your juggling skills. If
your roommate doesn’t approve… get
a new roommate.
6) Careful about where you go out
together. I once went to a restaurant
with a guy on a Thursday night and the
next night a different guy took me to
the same place. The look the waitress
(who happened to work back to back
nights that week… lucky me) gave a
look that could have burned holes in
my forehead. Which brings me to a
whole new topic up for discussion…
Why would she not be high-
fiving me?!?
elaborate guide to maneuvering
multiple hook-ups, you are wrong.
Inherently there is always going to be
one crazy beautiful girl in the mix.
See my first blog post about Stage-
Five Clingers. You may know who that
is now. You may find out later. The
moment you are aware of this, drop
them from the mix – gently. Why?
Because at some point they will try
and find out who else is in the mix and
become territorial. You don’t want that.
Enjoy yourself. Be upfront.
Stay classy, GR.

Special Events:
Ongoing
Through June 17
“The American Soldier - A Photographic
Tribute to Soldiers and Marines from the
Civil War to Iraq” exhibit at the Gerald R.
Ford Presidential Museum. $7
www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov
Through May 8
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture
Park presents the work of sculpture Jim
Dine. www.meijergardens.org
Through May 1
The Design Gallery at Design Quest
presents the 2011 Furniture Design
Competition. The exhibit is free and
open to the public. www.designquest.biz
Through April 30
“Butterflies are Blooming” at Meijer
Gardens. Exhibit hours: Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and
events
Saturday 9 am–5 pm; Tuesday, 9 am-9
pm; Sunday 11 am-5pm.
www.meijergardens.org
Every Wednesday
Wine Socials at Bar Divani.
www.bar-divani.com
Every Thursday
Acoustic Stew Concert Series at One
Trick Pony. Bringing you West Michigan’s
finest acoustic musicians! Reservations
are encouraged. www.onetrick.biz
Every Friday
Unwind during Friday Nights at
GRAM with art, live music, and good
conversation. Galleries are open late
each Friday, and a cash bar is available
in the Museum Lobby. 5-9 pm.
www.artmuseumgr.org
Paranormal Investigations Tours
delivers you into the darkest places in
our city. Stay close to your tour guide.
You’ll hear bone-chilling tales, learn how
to use ghost hunting equipment and test
your ability to sense paranormal activity.
www.cityscapeadventures.com
April 2011
Every Saturday
Salsa Dance at Pietro’s Italian
Restaurant Pietro’s dance floor is hot! A
friendly group of locals and folks from
different countries gather to dance,
socialize and have a good time on
Saturday nights.
Every Sunday
Revival ‘80s Dance Night at Billy’s
Lounge. www.billyslounge.com
April 1
Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys
Music for Lent and Easter at the
Cathedral of St. Andrews. Free. 7-8 pm.
www.grcmb.org
April 2
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band at
Van Andel Arena. 8 pm. $72.50.
www.vanandelarena.com
April 2
Boogie Woogie Babies Reunion Concert
at Wealthy theatre. 7 pm. $10 advance,
$12 door. www.weathytheatre.org
April 4
WYCE opens the Spring 2011 Hat Trick
concert series with Boulder Acoustic
Society at One Trick Pony. The show
benefits Indians Trails Camp.
www.wyce.org
April 5
Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart
Tour at Van Andel Arena. 7:30 pm.
$32.50 & $67.50.
www.vanandelarena.com.
April 5 – 9
Grand Rapids Ballet features seven
spring break performances of the
premiere of a new ballet for kids: “The
Aquatic Adventures of Johnny Starfish
and the Mermaids” featuring music by
Brian VanderArk. $5. www.grballet.com
April 7, 8, 9
Festival of Faith and Music at Calvin
College featuring My Brightest Diamond,
Matisyahu, The Civil Wars, Jon Foreman
and Vienna Teng. $15 -$25.
www.calvin.edu
April 7, 8, 9
Latin American Film Festival at Wealthy
Theatre and Celebration Cinema.
April 12
The Michigan Women’s Foundation
honors two Grand Rapids women;
Schuler Book Stores owner, Cecile Cave
Fehsenfeld and former Michigan
Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land, at
Meijer Gardens. $75. www.miwf.org
April 12
Grand Rapids Symphony
SymphonicBoom with Jim Brickman.
7:30 pm. $32+. www.grsymphony.org
April 13
Reach for the Stars spring gala
fundraiser for Women in Transition
featuring keynote speaker author
Jackson Katz. Dinner catered by the
Gilmore Group. Valet parking available
and black tie attire is optional. $100.
www.aplaceforwomen.org to register.
41
 April 14
Experience a New York style hair and
fashion runway event by Serendipity Hair
Design at Cannonsburg Ski Lodge to
benefit the National MS Society. 7-10
pm. $40 VIP, $25 general admission.
784-5550.
www.serendipityhairdesign.com/
April 14
Local First Street Party Poster Contest
at Founders Brewing Company 5-7 pm.
Help choose the poster that will
represent the 8th Annual Local First
Street Party. www.localfirst.com
April 15
& 16
Take a trip back
in time in the
elegant and opulent
Victorian era at the
Voigt Home (115
College Ave SE). Enjoy a
guided tour of the first floor,
and partake in tea and sweets
in the formal dining room while
learning about clothing from the 19th
Jeff Beck and early 20th centuries. 1 – 2:30 pm.
(616) 456-3977 www.grmuseum.org
April 15-May 15
“Associations” at UICA features the work
of UICA’s Visual Arts Committee and
over 25 invited artists. The Visual Arts
Committee will select artists that have
previously shown at UICA to join them
for an encore appearance. In turn, each
invited artist will choose another artist to
participate as a means of encouraging
new connections and collaboration.
www.uica.org
Bob Seger
Celtic Woman
42 April 2011
April 16
River City Improv at the Ladies Literary
Club. 7:33 pm. $9.
April 16
Jake’s Music Festival, a benefit concert
supporting the local chapter of the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
at Wealthy Theatre, featuring over a
dozen bands and special performers.
Doors 2:30 pm. Show starts at 3 pm.
www.wealthytheatre.org
April 18
WYCE presents Mike and Ruthy at One
Trick Pony. The show benefits ARC Kent
County. www.wyce.org
April 19
Jeff Beck in concert at Devos
Performance Hall. 8 pm. $29.50-$55.
www.devosperformancehall.com
April 21
Jackson Browne at Devos Performance
Hall. 7:30 pm. $29.50-$79.50.
www.devosperformancehall.com
April 22-May 1
On a mission to save Wilbur from the
dinner table, Charlotte hatches a plan
and spins the tale of “some pig.” In
“Charlotte’s Web” at the Grand Rapids
Civic Theatre. It’s the beginning of a
victorious campaign which ultimately
ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing
what is most important to Charlotte. $14.
www.grct.org
April 22-May 14
Master Arts Theatre presents “To Kill a
Mockingbird.” Thursday, Friday and
Saturday at 7:30 pm. Saturday at 2 pm.
$15. www.masterarts.org
April 25
The Decemberists and Justin Townes
Earl at Spoelhof Fieldhouse, Calvin
Professional CHILDREN'S PLAY

College. www.calvin.edu/admin/sao Development

April 28-May 1 April 5
Crush at the B.O.B. is transformed into Introduction to GROW, the first step

CHARLOTTE'S
a fantasy land of candy, hosted by Mr. enrolling in classes at Grand Rapids
Willy Wonka. Satisify your sweet tooch Opportunities for Women. 6 pm.
with an abundance of sweet treats, www.growbusiness.org. 458-3404.
candy infused cocktails, and surprise
Vodka samplings at the “Candy
Factory.” www.thebob.com

April 29 & 30
In what is probably the most beloved
comedy in all of opera, pure silliness
and hilarious situations abound in “The
Barber of Seville,” an opera for the
entire family. With a zany plot full of
mayhem, mistaken identities and
madcap fun, matters of the heart come
to a beautifully comic conclusion that
will leave you laughing long after the
final curtain comes down at Devos Hall.
$29-94. 7:30 pm. www. operagr.com
April 30
Psychic Fair at Spirit Dreams. 11 am - 4
pm. www.spiritdreamsgr.com
Shopping
April 4
April showers bring May flowers, so
bring your toddlers, preschoolers, and
older kiddos in to paint small ceramic
flower vases at Hop Scotch Children’s
Store. Vases will be taken to the kiln
and delivered the following Monday.
Free. www.hopscotchstore.com
April 11
Story Time with children’s author and
illustrator Amy Young at Hop Scotch
Children’s Store. A fun craft for ages 2
and up will follow. 10:30 am to 11:30
am. www.hopscotchstore.com
April 13
Interchange recognizes an area
business/community leader with their
WEB
Communicator of the Year Award.
11:30 am -1 pm. University Club. $30. By Joseph Robinette,
www.interchangewmi.org Adapted from the book by E.B. White
April 13
Inforum presents “Live Well...Give
Back” dinner event with Padma
Lakshmi, award-winning author, and
host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-winning
series “Top Chef” (and co-founder of
the Endometriosis Foundation of
"It is not often someone comes
America). In Partnership with MSU along that's a true friend and
College of Human Medicine at Amway
good writer. Charlotte was both."
Grand Plaza Hotel. 5-8 pm. $100.
www.inforummichigan.org
April 14
“Get Motivated” business seminar
featuring General Colin Powell, Lou
Loltz, Rudy Giuliani, Terry Bradshaw,
Text the word CIVIC to  for special offers.
Dr. Robert Schuller, Rick Belluzzo,
Krish Dhanam, John Walsh and
APRIL 22 - MAY 1
Howard Putnam. 8 am-4:45 pm.
$1.95. www.getmotivated.com
April 20 7,&.(76‡ZZZJUFWRUJ‡
Mentoring bright students and listening
to their amazing ideas is why Hart
Davidson Designs quintupled in size
and profitability in the last 5 years.
Learn how your business can benefit
from a well-designed college intern
program at this “Lunch with Punch”
event by GROW.
www.growbusiness.org

April 30
Pets
Experience a night of fashion, food, Wednesday and Sundays
prizes, entertainment and fun. Splurge Open adoptions at Carol’s Ferals.
Salon/Spa, Jim Gebben Photography www.carolsferals.org
and Flashback clothing present
ICONS, a celebrity makeovers event.
Dress up as your favorite celebrity and
walk the red carpet at Flashback. 450
Leonard NW. 7-10 pm. Call 459-0097
for more information.

Expand Your Horizons

Special Events at the Women’s City Club
254 East Fulton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 • www.womenscityclubgr.org

April 5 “Chinese Medicine and Women’s Health plus The Art of Tai Chi”
April 8 Cheese-Making Class
April 12 New Member Luncheon
April 18 Opening Used Book Sale and Dinner - 5:00 p.m.
April 19-21 Used Book Sale
April 19 Fashionette by Kimberley’s
April 26 Birthday Luncheon
April 26 An Enjoyable Evening with Golf-Pro Mark Wilson.
Dinner and Program

For more information call 459-3321.

April 2011
43

Seminars
& Classes
April 5, 12, 19, 26
Money Smart Classes at the Grand
Rapids Public Library main branch at 7
pm. Free. www.grpl.org
April 9, 16, 30
P.A.T.H. (Personal Action Toward
Health) is a fun and interactive
workshop that helps participants with a
long-term health condition improve their
health and feel better. Held at the Metro
Health Professional Building,
Community Room, Suite 210. 9:30 am
to noon. Free. (6160 252-7117.
www.metrogr.org
River Hollow
Unique casual and rustic home décor. Beautiful April 19
handmade candles through lodge classic furniture. Dr. Douglas Leppink of Centre for
Woolrich sportswear for men and women. Plastic Surgery lectures on
223 W Main Street • (616) 897-5000 Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at the
Grand Rapids Public Museum. 7 pm.
www.grmuseum.org
Flat River Grill
We offer guests a warm and cheerful experience - filled April 28
with tantalizing smells from the classic wood-fired grill. “Compounding For You and Your Famly”
www.thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver.php with David J. Miller, RPh, PhD., owner
201 East Main Street • (616) 897-8523 of Keystone Pharmacy, 4021 Cascade
Road, SE. $20. 6:30-8 pm. RSVP by
calling 558-8334.
Night Forest Jewelry
Beautiful one of a kind vintage and artisan jewelry,
clothing and handbags. Always a fun place to shop.
210 W Main Street • (616) 897-7516
Group Meetings &
Support Groups
Flat River Cottage
Eclectic mix of vintage and antique treasures. First Monday
Hand painted furniture and accessories. Mothers & More Chapter 137 at St.
www.flatrivercottage.com Thomas Catholic Church. 648-6988 or
317 W Main Street • (616) 897-8601 www.grmothersandmore.com
Mondays
Main Street Inn Good News Community presents
Quiet elegance on the Flat River in historic downtown Creative Growth at John Knox
Lowell, offering 7 rooms, conference room, balconies Presbyterian Church, 4150 Kalamazoo
overlooking the river. SE. $5
117 W Main St • (616) 897-1171
Breastfeeding Support Group at the
Spartan Stores Family Childbirth
Center. 252-7985
Girls’ Night Out: “These Shoes Are Made For Shopping”
Join us in historic Lowell for a great night of fun, goodies, sales and giveaways! Women’s Co-Dependant Support
Wear your favorite or the wildest shoes in your closet! www.girlsnightoutlowell.org Group meets at Kentwood Community
Church. 455-1740 ext. 3162
Second & Fourth Mondays
Citizens for Parental Rights. WKTV,
Have Your Taxes Terri’s Window 5261 Clyde Park, SW, Wyoming.
secretary@abusedswan.com
Done Correctly!
Treatments
“EVERYTHING FOR YOUR Tuesdays
DeGraw Ministries invites women to
Over 30 years experience HOME DECORATING NEEDS”
attend “In His Presence for Women,” at
* Hunter Douglas Window Fashions:
Personal • Business Blinds, Shades, & Verticals
4264 Caddo S.W. Grandville.
Gift/Estate & Trust Taxes *Custom Made: Draperies, Valances,
Tuesdays
Pillows, Crib Ensembles,
Cushions & Upholstery Domestic abuse survivors support
group meets at 25 Sheldon Blvd SE.
For Prompt & Reasonably *Over 50 Fabric Sample Books
Priced Tax Service Call * Free In-Home Consultations 451-2744
* 15 Years in Business
* Licensed & Insured
Second Tuesdays
David H. Spencer The National Organization for Women
CPA, MST, MBA (NOW) meets at 629 Michigan St NE.
855-1526
(616) 914-7016 (616) 895-5599
TerrisWindowTreatments.com Second Tuesdays
dhs857@charter.net terrisdesigns@altelco.net Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & CFS-
44 April 2011
related Fibromyalgia support group
meets at the Peter M. Wege Health &
Learning Center. 531-7088 or cfssolu-
tionswm@gmail.com
Second Tuesdays
Diabetes Support Group at the Metro
Health Professional Building
Conference room. 252-7985 or
antoinette.lopez@metrogr.org
Second and Fourth Tuesdays
MomsBloom Postpartum Depression
Support group meets at Spartan Stores
Family Childbirth Center. 252-7985 or
antoinette.lopez@metrogr.org
Wednesdays
The Mother-to-Mother Support Group
meets at 10 am at 555 Midtowne St
NE, Suite 100. 977-5683 or
www.babybelovedinc.com
Third Wednesdays
Progressive Women’s Alliance of
West Michigan meets at the
Women’s City Club.
www.progressivewomensalliance.org
Thursdays
Metro Moms Pregnancy Yoga at
Metro Health Hospital, Level 2,
Childbirth Conference Room. $5.
www.metrogr.org
First Thursdays
The Zonta Club of Grand Rapids meets
at Pietro’s Italian Restaurant.
membership@zontagr.org
Third Thursdays
Mothers & More hosts “Mum time:
crafts, projects, crumpets, and tea.”
648-6988 or
mattandmandysuhan@hotmail.com
First Thursdays
Free Caregiver Support Group for adult
cancer caregivers, 7-8:30 pm, at the
Bluebird Cancer Retreats office, 917 W.
Savidge, Suite 36, in Spring Lake.
RSVP not required but appreciated.
rdenslow@bluebirdmi.org or 847-0839
Third Thursdays
Sexual assault/abuse survivors support
group meets at 25 Sheldon Blvd SE.
459-7062 ext. 106
Daily
Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups.
774-1079 or grafg.org
Volunteers
Michigan Blood is in need of volunteers
to fill positions at mobile drives.
Scheduling is flexible and no
experience is necessary. 233-8523
The Public Museum needs volunteer
interpreters, guides, office workers and
special event assistants. 456-3588
Junior Achievement of the Michigan
Great Lakes seeks volunteers to teach
in classrooms K-12 in the Kent County
area. Training is provided. Contact Ivy
Kowalski at 575-9080 ext. 225 or
ivy.kowalski@ja.org.
Lutheran Social Services of Michigan
Refugee Services needs volunteer
reading tutors. 356-1934
Lutheran Social Services of Michigan
needs volunteer sewing teachers.
356-1934
MomsBloom is seeking volunteers who
are interested in helping new moms.
Volunteers help support the mother
during this postpartum transition.
Join us for free training at Grand
Rapids Womens Health at 6:30 pm.
Contact Angie for more information at
angie@momsbloom.org or 828-1021.
American Red Cross of Greater Grand
Rapids seeks volunteers to donate
blood, help run blood drives, assist in
set-up/take-down, and serve as regis-
tration greeters and refreshment
providers. 456-8661
Faith Hospice seeks volunteers for
respite care, visiting, massage therapy,
beauty services, and more.
356-4859
Event information can be submitted on our online calendar at
www.womenslifestylemagazine.com.
Join Women’s LifeStyle
Magazine on facebook
www.facebook.com/WLMag
Prizes • Updates • Inspirations!
April 2011
Faith in Action Program of Guardian
Angel Homes seeks volunteers for
friendship/mentoring to adults with
developmental disabilities. 458-7000
ext. 14
Inner City Christian Federation’s Home Specializing in unique gifts, jewelry, natural
Ownership Program needs volunteers
aromatherapy and body products, meditation
for their childcare room during class
times. 831-1205 ext. 116 tools, candles, books, music, cards, incense
and art with something for everyone.
The Literacy Center of West Michigan
needs volunteer tutors. 459-5151 ext.
10 Body | Mind | Soul
The WORD Project ESL is looking for Psychic Fair • Saturday, April 30 • 11 am to 4 pm
tutors to work in the ESL program as
one-on-one tutors. 454-4874
Introducing Readers at Spirit Dreams
Spectrum Health seeks volunteers to
work with florists, patient escort, and
the emergency department. 391-1804
Karen Hays Marcia Camp Eugenia Marve Margaret Newman Vivan Love Kyle
Psychic Reader Tarot Reader Psychic Reader Nickelsen Intuitive Angel
Psychic Reader Reader
Available by appointment for half-hour ($35) or full-hour ($70) readings.
Call (616) 456-9889 to Schedule
Spirit Dreams • 1430 Lake Drive SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Mon-Fri 11 am to 6 pm | Wed till 7 pm | Sat 10 am to 5 pm | Sun noon to 3 pm
Discover new products, upcoming events and specials at www.spiritdreamsgr.com
You are invited to the 19th Annual Reach for the Stars gala dinner
& auction to benefit the Center for Women in Transition
Keynote Speaker
Jackson
Katz
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 – 5:30p.m.
Midtown Center
96 W. 15th Street
Holland, MI 49423
Black Tie Optional/Complimentary Valet Parking
Line item and Live Auction with more than 80 items
including services, art and travel.
Tickets: $100
Tickets may be purchased online at:
www.aplaceforwomen.org/events
Or by calling: 616/494-1744
Center for Women in Transition
411 Butternut Drive, Holland MI 49424 616/494.1744
45
 Reader’s
Lounge By Alexandra Fix
Conversation
Starter

The Red Thread: A Novel

By Ann Hood
W.W.Norton&Co, 2010, $23.95
Ape House
By Sara Gruen “In China there is a belief that people who are
Random House Audio Books, 2010, $40 destined to be together are connected by an
(11 hours unabridged) invisible red thread.” Each year in that country,
more than 150,000 baby girls are abandoned.
Sometimes these infants are cared for in
At the Great Ape Language Lab, scientist Isabel Duncan has devoted orphanages. Seldom are the babies left without
her life to studying the bonobo apes, a highly intelligent animal heartbreak and sadness. With the one child policy
species. In her care, Sam, Lola, Bonzi, Mbongo, Jelani and Makena in China, boys are favored. Only a son can inherit
have proven to be capable of logical thinking in their communication property, money and even ancestors. A family may
with humans. Using American Sign Language, these bonobos have be allowed two children, but only if the first is a
learned to “converse” with Isabel and her coworkers. girl. The greatest risk of a second pregnancy is that
it might result in a second girl who must then be
On a seemingly ordinary work day, an explosion devastates the lab, abandoned. Upon these very real facts, author Ann
Isabel is seriously injured and the bonobos are abducted. Initially Hood has created an absorbing novel about
assumed to be an attempt by animal rights activists to “liberate” the apes from a research lab, the American adoption of children of China.
truth is much more complicated. When the missing apes suddenly appear on a television reality Maya Lang, who has lost a biological daughter in
show, the public is fascinated and the show becomes the absolute hit of the season. An inves- an accidental death, has started an adoption agency
tigative journalist, John Thigpen, joins forces with Isabel as they attempt to save the apes from the to match American parents with these lost children
clutches of media stardom. of China. This novel captures the very special 9
months of preparation for adoption for 6 fictional
This novel is also available in hardcover (Spiegel & Grau, 2010, $26) families. Getting ready for their new baby will
stretch and strain relationships, crystallize dreams
and bring out their strengths and weaknesses –
all so similar to the natural progression of
biological pregnancy. Into her story, Hood weaves
a wonderful band of connection between the
mothers in China and the prospective American
The Madonnas of Leningrad
By Debra Dean parents. The story of motherly loss fits magically
Harper Perennial, 2006, $13.99 into the story of the joyful new parents, as if the
red thread legend is true.
The fall and winter of 1941 bring disaster to the
Russian inhabitants of Leningrad. The German army Hood herself knows love and loss. She lost a
is on the move and is closing in on this city. As the daughter to an accident at age 3 and she too gained
enemy’s approach becomes imminent, the workers a daughter by adoption from China.
at the Hermitage Museum rush to pack away all of
the art treasures before they can be destroyed. Each
painting is carefully removed from its frame and
packed away, leaving the mere skeleton of an art
museum behind.

To hold onto her own sanity in the wake of fear and

starvation, Marina, one of the museum docents,
commits to memory each of those lovely pieces of
art so dear to her. This “memory palace” in her
mind helps her to endure that bitter winter of
despair. In later years, an aging Marina, slowly
robbed of her memory by dementia, once again
turns to that “memory palace” to give her hope. This
novel is a beautiful expression of courage and
character in the face of evil.

Alexandra Fix is the author of ten non-fiction children’s book, including the
series “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” (Heinemann Library). Over the years, she has
truly enjoyed being a children’s librarian, registered nurse, freelance writer,
mother and grandmother.

46 April 2011
 ©Floor Designs Copyrighted by Mannington Mills, Inc. ®©™Mannington Mills, Inc. 2010

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Hudsonville, MI 49426
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47
 Click name of business for direct link to website
SHOPPING & RETAIL
■ Art of the Table
■ Burgett Floral, Inc
■ Clothing Matters
■ Compucraft
■ Eastern Floral
■ Ferris Coffee & Nut
Retail Shoppe
■ Frames Unlimited
■ Gazelle Sports
■ Global Gifts –
Your Fair Trade Store
■ Harvey Automotive –
Cadillac, Hummer, Lexus
■ Heather Lane Pottery
■ Horizen Hydroponics
■ LaFontsee Galleries -
Underground Studio
■ Literary Life Bookstore
& More, Inc
■ Nawara Bros. Appliance,
TV & Bedding
■ Robinette’s
Apple Haus & Winery
■ Rylee’s Ace Hardware
■ Southland Auto Wash
■ Spirit Dreams
■ Standale Interiors
■ Stonesthrow/EQ3
■ Wealthy At Charles
HOME PRODUCTS
& SERVICES
■ DeGraaf Interiors, Inc
■ Godwin Plumbing
■ Pat’s Curios, Sewing
& Alterations
■ The Shade Shop, Inc
■ UBU Furniture
■ Verhay Carpets
Online readers
Learn more about these businesses and Local First at www.localfirst .com
DINING & CATERING ARTS &
■ Applause Catering + Events ENTERTAINMENT
■ Bar Divani
■ Bistro Bella Vita
■ Café Stella
■ Cambridge House
■ Connie’s Cakes, LLC
■ Derby Station
■ Founders Brewing Company
■ Graydon’s Crossing
■ GRPD - Grand Rapids
Pizza Delivery
■ Marge’s Donut Den
■ One Trick Pony
■ Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
■ San Chez Bistro,
■
Café & Catering
The Gilmore Collection
■ The Green Well
■ The Score Restaurant &
Sports Bar
■ Wealthy Street Bakery
GROCERY &
FRESH FOOD
■ Cascade Winery
■ Eggland’s Best Eggs
■ Dancing Goat &
Cowslip Creamery
■ Grand Central Market & Deli
■ Grand River Grocery
■ John Russo’s Wine
Warehouse & Deli
■ Making Thyme Kitchen
MEDIA &
TECHNOLOGY
■ Community Media Center
■ Exceed Consulting
- click on business
■ Celebration! Cinema
■ Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
■ GRBrides.com
■ GRnow.com
■ River City Improv
■ The Mud Room
■ Women’s Expo -
Kohler Expos, Inc
BUILDING & DESIGN
■ Ashley Cole Design, Inc
■ Eden Environments –
sustainable design center
BUSINESS SERVICES
■ EPS Security, Inc
■ The Image Shoppe
HOSPITALITY & TRAVEL
■ Lasting Impressions
Bed & Breakfast
■ Witte Travel & Tours
MARKETING &
CONSULTING
■ Ad Shop, etc.
■ AMC Marketing Group, LLC
■ Clark Communications
■ Top Of The List –
search engine marketing
■ Women’s LifeStyle Magazine
COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS
■ Grand Rapids Opportunities
for Women - GROW/AWE
■ Grand Rapids Public Library
■ Widowed Persons Service
name for
MEDICAL, HEALTH,
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
■ Beacon Hill at Eastgate
■ Capelli Salon
■ Discover Chiropractic
Center, PC
■ Expressions of Grace
Yoga & Books
■ Grand Rapids Eye Institute
■ Holistic Care Approach
■ Keystone Pharmacy
■ Partners in Dental Care
■ Stonecastle Dentistry
■ The Center for Physical
Rehabilitation
■ Yoga Studio
PHOTOGRAPHY
■ Christine Wedding
& Portrait Design
REAL ESTATE
■ Julie Grevengoed,
JGR Real Estate
■ Ultimate Staging
& Décor, LLC
FINANCIAL & LEGAL
■ Baker Spindler Holtz
■ Culver, Wood & Culver CPAs
■ Discovery Financial, LLC
■ Doug Zandstra CPA EA
■ Founders Bank & Trust
■ FourSquare Financial Group
■ Northpointe Bank
■ Option 1 Credit Union
■ United Bank
■ Watermark
Insurance Services
direct link