RVW March low res
Transcription
RVW March low res
Vicki Hagen K ato Roofing Owner Hy-Vee’s Incredible Bulk Home & Living C&N’s Got Game! Your Home... Organized by Jayne Jensen RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 1 Service with uS! When You’re Happy, We’re Happy www.mankatoford.com 507.387.3454 HigHway 22 Back in our Brand New Showroom! 2 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Madison avenue Mankato Ford 016542 12 20 22 42 contents Publisher New Century Press 6 Chief Operating Officer Jim Hensley General Manager Lisa Miller Please direct all editorial inquiries and suggestions to: Managing Editor Eileen Madsen [email protected] Sales Manager Natasha Weis 507-227-2545 [email protected] Sales Team Judy Beetch Tessa Donato Erin Fritz Dawnn Hannover Alika Faythe Hartmann Ruth Klossner Tami Leuthold Janelle Magelee Designer Amy Leuthold Cover Photographer Alika Faythe Hartmann Despres Photography River Valley Woman New Ulm & Mankato, MN 507.354.6158 For advertising and editorial contact information and a list of newsstand locations visit rivervalleywoman.com River Valley Woman is published monthly and distributed free in the Minnesota River Valley area. The content used in this magazine is copyright 2015 River Valley Woman and may not be reprinted in part or in whole without written consent by the publisher. All articles and editorial material represent the opinions of the respective authors. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject, or position any advertising. In the event of any error, River Valley Woman will rerun the incorrect part of the ad or cancel charges on the incorrect portion. {{ march • 2015 } Go She’s Got Game - C&N Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Incredible Bulk - Mankato Hy-Vee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Strut Your Stuff Fashion Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Fun, Festivals & Frolics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Be Be Well: Stretching of the Lower Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Be Well: Beat the Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Be Well: Get a Move On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Oscar vs. Felix? Compromise is the Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Is Your Home Cat Friendly? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Organizing Your Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Do Make Your New House Feel Like Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Spaces: That Lived-In Look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Creating Space That Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Plan Ahead For Easier, Healthier Meal Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Money Talks: Spring Into Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Money Talks: Home Improvements & Your Home’s Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Suze Orman: Let’s Not Sell Young Retirement Savers Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Readers Rave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Plant a Tree, Prune a Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Good Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 connect Lather, Rinse, Repeat - Editor’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 They Are Women - Hear Them Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Herstory: Peggy (Krzmarzick) Tauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Mankato YWCA to Honor Women Of Distinction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Connections Business Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 3 I’m home! Most days those can be two of the nicest words one can say. Unless your home is in dire need of improvements, then maybe not so much. Even so, amidst our clutter and pet-haircovered furniture, it can be a pretty great place to be. When I was growing up I marveled at some of my friends’ houses and their pristine perfection. Almost as if no one lived there. Where are the magazines and books? How about the stacks of photos, bills, eye-glasses and scissors in a heap in a basket by the cookie jars that I was used to in my mom and dad’s house. And bathroom towels! Don’t get me started. How on earth do people manage to have bathrooms where there are hand towels decorously and strategically draped over matching bath towels and appearing miraculously untouched. If this describes your privy, please make me privy to your secrets. Better yet, don’t. I think this might be an instance where ignorance is bliss. Herein our Home & Living issue will be revealed all things household—de-cluttering and organizing, decorating and design, building your dream house and more. 4 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Lather, Rinse, Repeat by Eileen Madsen, Editor Speaking of the roof over our heads, cover feature Vicki Hagen of Kato Roofing is here to make that happen. She and co-owner Jill Putz received the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise National Council certification that is bestowed upon selected women-owned and operated businesses. She not only climbs the ladder of success, she owns it! Often, what makes a house a home is the food that is cooked, served and shared in it. Check out our spotlight on Hy-Vee Hilltop’s incredible bulk section where an appetizing array of oils, nuts, spices and a few things I can’t pronounce, await. April Graff and Marcia Smith are practically (if not literally, check out April’s video on the Hy-Vee Hilltop Facebook page!) dancing in the aisles to tell you about it. This type of shopping has really come back into vogue after a couple decade hiatus where much of our choices were boxed helpers and plastic-encased-”ables” that passed off as lunch. So bring it on in bulk! Two of our guest columnists this month talk about our furry friends. No I am not talking about the legs we neglect to shave for 6 months until we can wear shorts again in May, but rather the cats and dogs who share our lives, as well as our couches and chairs. One thing we’ve learned as cat owners (or people owned by cats), is that they are family members. There are things you let slide with your kids, spouse, roommate and the same holds true for pets. Do we feed the cats bits of cheese and meat on the kitchen floor? Yup. Have I given up hollering, clapping and stomping at them when the claw the furniture? Not quite, but they do have their corner of a carpeted step they can have at, as well as an old chair that could rival Marty Crane’s from the old TV show Frasier. And they can sleep wherever they want. A perk not afforded to my husband--haha. On this same vein, our Good Reads page features a book called The Nesting Place by a popular blogger and self-taught decorator that touts the virtues of embracing the imperfect home and releasing our need to compare ourselves with others. By all means, decorate, and renovate to your heart’s content but have your home reflect who you, flaws and all. Let people know that someone lives there and that someone is you. Phrew! That will certainly take the pressure off when guests ask to use my bathroom. 24/31 moving forward MPG STD.* 24/31 moving forward MPG STD.* THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES 2015 RAV4 is ready to help make your THEThe ADVENTURE CONTINUES days, and nights, more fun. With expressive styling and is a roomy, comfortable interior, The 2015 RAV4 ready to help make your RAV4 is decidedly refined—but with agile days, and nights, more fun. With expressive handling and all-weather capability, styling and a roomy, comfortable interior,it’s ready for fun-filled adventure whenever you are. RAV4 is decidedly refined—but with agile handling and all-weather capability, it’s ready The 2015 Toyota RAV4 for fun-filled adventure whenever you are. The 2015 Toyota RAV4 387-1148 heintztoyota.com Serving Southern Minnesota drivers for 50 years. 387-1148 heintztoyota.com * MPG values estimated 016525 * MPG values estimated Serving Southern Minnesota drivers for 50 years. They are women... hear them roof By Ruth Klossner Photos by Alika Faythe Hartmann Even longtime Kato Roofing clients are sometimes surprised to find that they’re dealing with a woman-owned, woman-run company. Vicki Hagen and part owner Jill Putz don’t make a big deal about the fact that the company has been woman-owned and operated since 2009—they’re far more concerned about doing right by their customers and employees. Hagen’s mantra of providing the ultimate customer service experience from start to finish is enforced at all levels of the company. Vicki’s passion for the company, its customers, and employees has fueled her efforts to attract some of the best talent in the industry. Her goal to deliver quality craftsmanship is demonstrated in numerous awards for excellence. Hagen puts a lot of emphasis on safety. It’s not just a goal, it’s part of the company’s mission. A statement on the company web page pretty well sums it up…“We want to ensure that all of our customers have confidence in our high safety standards and ease of mind that we will complete the job without incident. We take our accountability and responsibility very seriously!” With that emphasis, it’s no surprise that Kato Roofing is an industry leader in safety and loss control. Over the past ten years, the company’s safety record has far exceeded the industry average, every single year. But, let’s take a step back to see how Hagen got into the business. 6 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Vicki Hagen and Jill Putz Jamie Powers, Safety Director; Vicki Lynn Fay, Accounts Payable/ Executive Assistant; and Leonette Riley, Business Manager. Vicki and ex-husband Jeff Hagen started Kato Roofing in 1992. They’re both from the River Valley area—she grew up in New Ulm and Jeff in Mankato. They were living and working in Minneapolis—Jeff for one of the top five roofing companies and Vicki was running dental clinics—but wanted to be closer to family as their small children grew up. Thinking that they’d prefer to work hard for themselves, instead of for someone else, they sold their house without giving a lot of thought to what they’d do next. Fortunately, the late Jerome ‘Red’ Sheehan of Mankato Plumbing and Heating took them under his wing. “We attribute a lot to Red as far as starting a successful business—he guided us from the beginning,” Vicki explained. Vicki and Jeff divorced in 2009, with Vicki taking over the company. “It’s not that I grew up saying I wanted to own a roofing company,” Vicki said with a laugh. “It was very difficult to take over. We went through some trying times. We started to come out of it in 2010. Fortunately, I had a lot of support around me—a strong group of people that had been with us. You forge ahead, not only for yourself, but for your team, too.” Like most businesses, 2008-09 was a tough time. But, some good things came out of that downturn. “We had been running the business on emotion for many years. We didn’t look at the forecast or numbers. We won’t do that again. The businesses that survived came out much stronger,” Hagen explained. “We went from the peak to having our revenue cut in half,” Hagen related. “Our goal was to get back up in five years—we made our goal a year ahead of our plan. As a company, we’re very proud of that. I attribute that to the strength of the people here. Kato Roofing is not about one person, it’s about the people who work here.” Hagen is careful about the people she surrounds herself with. “I was taught to hire people around you that had strengths you don’t have,” she explained. That’s how part owner Jill Putz came on board two years ago. “Vicki had a lot of faith in me. She brought me on as controller and I hit the ground running,” Putz said. Hagen added, “We’re opposites—our visions are the same, but we go about things in different ways. We know how to read each other. Our differences are the balance that’s needed. I allowed Jill to buy into the company. She’s like the cement, putting some bite into the game. I’m definitely the ideas person.” To that, Putz interjected, “You’re the visionary, the entrepreneur spirit,” and Hagen added, “Sometimes I need those around me to ground me. Fortunately, I have several of those here.” Although Putz is relatively new to the roofing industry, she had 20 years experience in accounting and management in “I was taught to hire people around you that had strengths you don’t have” s Vicki Hagen’s personal side Vicki Hagen is passionate about the cause Tee It Up for the Troops and involves Kato Roofing and its employee in the annual concert and golf tournament. “Four years ago, a friend gave my name to Marly Lloyd and Mike Enger, the two men who started Tee It Up. They asked me to be involved. The first year, Mike and I headed the concert at Riverfront Park. It’s an all-day concert venue on a Saturday or Sunday the last weekend in August. Then on Monday, there’s a golf tournament at Mankato Golf Club. All the money raised goes to the troops. I’m proud to be involved. We have our crane fly the flag high over the concert venue.” Kato Roofing staff members give more than money—they volunteer their time at both events. Hagen also enjoys working with horses. The Hagen family had up to 10 horses at a time when they lived in the country. Now they have two Warmbloods—one due to have a colt any day and stabled at Le Sueur and the other in Colorado where Vicki’s daughter Tori Hagen, 23, lives. “Tori is very good with the horses, she’s into jumping,” Vicki said. Vicki’s son Andrew, 25, lives in Colorado but will move back to Minnesota in the near future. In her spare time, Vicki enjoys spending time at the lake and attending Timberwolves games. RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 7 About Kato Roofing, INc. Kato Roofing, Inc. is an award winning commercial roofing contractor serving Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. It has offices in Mankato and Minneapolis. Its comprehensive range of products and services meets the highest level of performance and durability while satisfying both economic and aesthetic requirements. Kato Roofing offers a full range of services including new and replacement roof systems, architectural sheet metal, coatings, 24/7 leak service, roof repair, preventive maintenance, snow removal, and crane rental. KR works on all types of commercial buildings—churches, schools, government, healthcare, industrial/warehouses, office, restaurants, and retail structures. The company applies a variety of roofing materials— rubber, built-up (BUR), Thermoplastic single-ply roofing, Poly Vinyl Chloride, Modified Bitumen, tapered insulation systems, and standing seam roofing systems. Area projects that KR has roofed include the Mankato Airport warehouse, Bolton & Menk office, Eagle Lake Elementary School, Mankato Ford Quick Lane, MRCI, MVL High School, Mankato Public Works, Echo Food Shelf, and Mankato Home Depot. 8 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 service and manufacturing. She’s originally from Medford. Among the staff members that Hagen credits with the business’ success are Tammy Knudtson, marketing and human resources; Dale Voss, vice president of operation; John Nelson and Dave Welsh, salesmen; Tim Sinclair, sheet metal department; Jeff Kisor, crane operator; and Jamie Powers, safety director. Kato Roofing has about 60 total employees at this time, with about 75 in summer. “This is a year to be proud of,” Vicki said. “We came into 2015 with the largest backlog ever. We really didn’t get a slow season this year. We have four or five crews out now—it’s usually none at this time of the year (February).” The fact that Kato Roofing recently received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Development Center just might keep the company even busier in the future. “WBE certification opens doors for us,” Hagen said. “More and more companies have diversity programs. We’re looking at something we already had and turning it into opportunities to market ourselves even better, and to continue to grow. We saw opportunities, why would we not take advantage of them? It’s a win/win situation in that we are provided access to contractual opportunities with businesses who choose to support WBE businesses through corporate and government diversity goals.” Putz added, “It’s not because we’re women that people should hire us, but because of the quality of work we do.” The process of WBE certification isn’t easy. It starts with a stack of paperwork—about six inches high, Hagen indicated with her hand. “They question everything, they do a site visit, an audit. There are ramifications if you’re not truly woman-owned and woman-operated,” she said. WBE has different levels of certification, with Kato Roofing opting to do the toughest one first. Annual recertification is required. Hagen doesn’t find it difficult to work in a man’s world. “We don’t focus on that. We’ve been doing that for so long that we don’t think about it. Putz added, “Part of that goes back to Vicki’s personality—she’s a genuine good person. Our employees’ loyalty to Vicki and to the company is why we’re here. She’s real and genuine. That’s how Kato Roofing grows. We’re all representatives of the company.” There are two things that Hagen feels are very important in her role. She explained, “Anytime that we do miss something or do something wrong, we go above and beyond to fix it—I don’t want to repeat mistakes. And, second is our employees. I enjoy talking to them and getting to know them. I don’t get to do that as much as I’d like to, but I want to know what makes them like—or not like—things.” Like any successful business, Kato Roofing has changed with the times. From a business that started out of the basement of the Hagen home and office space provided by Red Sheehan on Riverfront Drive, the company has purchased and out-grown two buildings—and is now in its third, a large attractive building north of Highway 14, off Third Avenue. “We’re kind of needing to do a little remodeling…our office space is a little tight,” Hagen said. “We also have a small warehouse and an office in northeast Minneapolis. We’ve been in the metro area for about five years. About 50 percent of our business is in the metro area.” When she needs help, Hagen is not afraid to use the resources available and ask questions of the people around her. That includes ex-husband Jeff who’s in roofing in another state. With its emphasis on customer service, it’s no wonder that Kato Roofing has many repeat customers and a very strong client base, including some strong national accounts. “We try to be proactive as far as technology. We’re our own worst critics. We definitely have a vision for us to be better, but we also have to embrace all our wins,” Hagen said. After coming back from the tough years after the recession, Hagen feels that the company will now be able to focus more on its culture, making that even better for employees—something that’s unique in the roofing industry. “If people want to be in the roofing industry, I want this to be their best choice,” Hagen said. RVW WBE Status—a prestigious honor The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the nation’s largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC is a resource for more than 700 U.S. companies and government agencies that rely on WBENC’s certification as an integral part of their supplier diversity programs. Kato Roofing, Inc. is the only WBE roofing contractor in Minnesota certified by WBENC. It is also the only certified WBE roofing contractor in the five state region of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. WBENC’s national standard of certification, implemented by the Women’s Business Development Center, is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women. By including women-owned businesses among their vendors, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and continued development of their supplier/vendor diversity programs. Pictured from top right: Dave Voss, V.P. of Operations. John Nelson, Senior Estimator; Dave Welsh, Sales and Tim Sinclair, Sheet Metal Superintendant. What Luck! Your Gold at the end of the rainbow... Laurie Danberry, a new toYota! Sales & Leasing 1234 Raintree Rd., Mankato Call 507-387-0443 [email protected] www.heintztoyota.com Book Online - Promo Code RVW2015 for 10% Off Twin Cities - Including traditional MSP International Airport Southern MN Connection - Rochester Private Charters - Weddings, Events, Wineries, Plays or other group activities. Book your stress free ride today! (507) 625-3977 W NEN S VA www.landtoairexpress.com 016447 016525 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 9 Make your new house feel • Expert tips • You know that moving into a new home can be one of life’s biggest stressors the packing, the paperwork, the unpacking and of course finding the nearest coffee shop. Making your new house feel like your home can help alleviate some of this stress and provide a safehaven for some much needed relaxation. “Everyone has a different sense of what home is,” says Elizabeth Lindmier of The Art Institute of Colorado. So while the same aesthetic won’t work for everyone, she offers her top five tips to start you in the right direction. 1. Texture and textiles - Instead of having a bunch of hard surfaces, cozy up your home with something soft or textured. This could be a blanket, curtains or area rugs. These items will also provide some acoustical value so noises aren’t echoing in an empty space. 2. Comfort - Have some place in your home where you can relax, recharge and feel at ease. “Make a space where you would like to spend time,” Lindmier says. 3. Color - A monochromatic scheme with pops of colors can bring you into a place where you feel comfortable and happy. “Do your research on color theory before painting any space,” says Lindmier. “Different colors can spark different moods, emotions and even behavior. Discover what you’d like a given space to accomplish, and use colors as a tool to create such environment.” 4. Lighting - There should be aesthetically pleasing lighting. Look at the difference between warm and cool lighting colors to decide what helps achieve the look you want. Also consider task, ambient and accent lighting for your space. “Lighting plays a key role in any home,” Lindmier says. “Through lighting design you can highlight like home design and architectural features, create lighting which is more useful to the human eye, and work with natural light while keeping energy use to a minimum.” 5. Clutter/stuff - “Less is more, but make it more meaningful,” says Lindmier. Get rid of your clutter. When sitting in your space, make sure you can look around and adore the things you see. “Mies van der Rohe’s old adage, ‘less is more,’ certainly holds true here,” says Jackie Barry, Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston - North. “Select significant pieces of furniture and art to move. You don’t need to have or show everything you have all in one room.” Barry also advises incorporating a concept called biophilic design, which recognizes the inherent need of humans to interact and affiliate with nature to achieve and maintain optimum health and wellbeing. “Bring the outside in; don’t neglect good views to the outside, accentuate them,” she says. “Let your garden and landscaping work for you on the inside. Connecting with nature can also have a calming and a comforting effect.” RVW For more information about The Art Institutes, visit artinstitutes.edu. CommerCial industrial arChiteCtural sheet metal NeW Roof & ReRoof RepAiR & MAiNteNANce coMMeRciAl Roof SNoW ReMovAl 24 HouR eMeRgeNcy SeRvice 015892 10 507-388-4112 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 kAtoRoofiNg.coM Award Winning Roofers Since 1977 Your Design in Sight . . . Rendered Concept Completed Project Custom Cabinetry, Design, Remodel & Build Rendered Concept Call Christine Carmichael cell 507-276-3517 to discuss your special project! Completed Project 708 1st St. N New Ulm, MN 56073 015701 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 11 SPACES That “Lived-in” Look By Lynn Heuchert of Idea Haus (pictured at right) Photos by Jordan Powers 12 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 memories and peace for the family. They wanted the new home to feel like it had been there for years. Comfort and a welcoming atmosphere were priority. The home would need to welcome guests on a regular basis, it would need to accommodate large gatherings and major cooking! The floor coverings had to be durable and easy maintenance. Large areas were needed for gathering and private areas for family guests to get away from it all. My job is not to push my taste on others, but rather to read my client, understand their style and try my best to interpret that into the design project. I always try to remember a home and its furnishings are simply a backdrop to the lives being lived there. It’s always necessary for a designer to be in sync with the family who will live there. So the design process began. The kitchen was the start. It was the central point in the main living area and it was meant to be the heart of the home. It needed to have major storage space for large cooking pots, canned food and lots of space for those extras when company is coming. Rather than make the kitchen too large, we designed a walk in pantry behind the range wall with walk through doors that matched the cabinetry. That kept s Every design experience is different, and every first meeting with a customer holds the opportunity for something new and exciting. Every customer has their own values, need and expectations which must be considered with every new project. That’s what keeps my job fun, challenging and exciting. Such was the case with this lovely lake home located in Jackson County, Minnesota. The building process had already started, the frame was up and room locations and spaces were determined. A fellow designer, Jackie Berg, had started some of the initial concepts when she took another job and moved out of the area. The responsibility was then mine to help the homeowner. It can be difficult for a designer to “take over” and connect with a customer who has developed a good relationship with another designer. The first time I visited the new building site and met the homeowners, I wasn’t sure what my reception would be. There was no need for fear, the client-designer connection was immediate. The homeowners had a solid idea of what they wanted this house to be. They had put a lot of thought into it and communicated those thoughts to me. Figuring out what you want in a new space is not always an easy thing to do. This area and the lake had, for many years, been a place of family gatherings, wonderful family RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 13 the kitchen a mid-size that two or three people could work in comfortably with a nice working triangle to save steps. We added a large angled peninsula so guests and family could sit and visit while the cook is busy preparing meals. The sink was placed in the peninsula with a great view of the lake. The cabinetry by Showplace Wood Products is quarter sawn oak with a dark harvest stain and ebony glaze. The door style chosen is a simple Shaker door for minimum maintenance and a farmhouse feeling. The millwork throughout the home is a close replication of the wood trim in the home owners original farmhouse. We wanted the feeling of thick rich, dark wood contrasted by light colored walls, again, to act as the backdrop to antiques, memorabilia, accessories and the family living there. The stone fireplace is centrally located within the great room to be enjoyed in the sitting area, dining room and kitchen with a view of the lake flanking both sides. The family/media room was designed to display the homeowners’ extensive collection of model airplanes. The ceiling is filled with these wonderful handcrafted models. We put a fireplace in this room also. The stone was chosen to coordinate with the field stone used for terracing the hillside outside the window. A large mantle was designed to hold more of the airplane collection. This room was designed to be smaller than the great room area to give the family a feeling of coziness when watching TV, or just quiet time reading by the fire. The main floor of the home, which is concrete, is heated by radiant in-floor heat. A large porcelain tile was chosen to cover the entire main floor to hold and radiate heat in winter, but also for easy care summer and winter with swimmers and fishermen coming in and out. All of the permanent furnishings were chosen with warm earthy colors to bring the feel of the exterior surroundings inside. The porcelain and glass accent tiles were mirrored throughout the house in varying sizes and patterns. This provided a continuity to the design as you go from room to room. The day of the photo shoot was the first time I had seen the house fully furnished. HOW TO START A BUILDING OR REMODELING PROJECT: Thinking about some of these things can get you started on the right track to the communication and decision making involved in any project whether it be building, or remodeling your home. • Will you want to work with a designer to help with design concepts? • Do you have a favorite design style? Traditional, contemporary, transitional, just to name a few, or are you very eclectic in the styles you are drawn to? • Start a design file. Either cut out photos from kitchen or home magazines, or start a file on Pinterest or Houzz of things you like. Even if it’s just one thing you like in the photo a pattern will develop which will 14 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 help your designer or builder know where to start. • What is your wish list? You may not get everything on that list, but it helps determine priorities. • What are your family’s hobbies and interests? Do you need space for sewing, crafting or wood working? • Do you need space for major TV watching and game playing, or are you content reading in front of the fireplace? • Think about budget. The more realistic you are up front, the more successful you will be with the final plan. • How do you use different spaces in your home? Is the kitchen the main gathering space for cooking, homework, visiting with guests? • How large is your family? How many sitting spaces are needed on an island? • Do you like to cook? • How do you buy groceries? Do you like to stock up and need space for bulk products? • Do you have lots of kitchen gadgets or small appliances? • How about in the bathroom? Do you take showers, or prefer long leisurely baths? • Do you need extra space for family members getting ready in the morning? • Do you like additional privacy for the toilet? • What colors are you attracted to? Sometimes a special painting or piece of furniture can be the creative spark to your color palette. With all the great furniture and personal items it was no longer just a house, it was a home, reflecting the personalities of the family living there. That is the most rewarding, when everything comes into the shell I have designed and it’s finally home. Homeowner comments: The house floor plan was designed by my husband and me. We decided to build as the house that was on the property originally when we bought it would not have been costeffective to renovate. I’ve always loved the craftsmanship and character of old homes so it was my desire to carry that into our new home. The house is postframe construction built by Ameribuilt with geothermal heating and cooling. Lynn from Idea Haus is a joy to work with and through the process became a good friend as well. She was easy to work with and bounce ideas off of. Our son helped with some of the finish work in the house. We did a lot of the landscaping ourselves. We love the cozy welcoming feel of the entire house. My favorite room is the probably the living roomkitchen area and my husband’s is the office. For those looking to build, expect the unexpected, realize timelines change as the project goes on. It helps to know what you want the end product to look like. RVW RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 15 Creating Space [THat matters] by Jane Jensen If you’ve ever spent more than 10 minutes looking for your car keys or cell phone, missed a deadline or bill payment or had to move newspapers and homework off the dinner table to eat, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Life is busy and even chaotic at times. Clutter collects and disorganization naturally happens. We can all use a little help sometimes. That’s where Jayne Jensen comes in. Her newly launched business Your Organized Home promises just that. Your Organized Home, a New Ulm-based professional organizing business, offers many tips and practical methods for simplifying and organizing, for example on clutter: • When decluttering - ask yourself do I use it, need it, or love it? • Think twice before you buy - what are you using it for, where will you keep it? • De cluttering will bring up lots of “things” to deal with, but know there are no wrong choices, and it is one of the best therapies for reducing stress! Jayne finds her passion in helping individuals reduce their clutter and organize their space. Living with less and loving your space is Jayne’s mantra. Her goal is to guide the organizationally-challenged in simplifying their lives, de-cluttering their homes, maximizing available space, learning organizing skills, and finding more time for themselves. How long have you been doing this? I officially kicked off Your Organized Home in January of this year. Unofficially I’ve been organizing my entire life. I can remember shutting my bedroom door on a Saturday morning and completely de-cluttering, rearranging and organizing my things! I’ve always enjoyed clearing out space and doing something new with it or just letting it be free of something for awhile, especially now as I can see the future of many of things I’ve acquired and inherited. What special skills do you bring? Adaptability - there is no cookie-cutter answer for de-cluttering depending on each person’s relationship with their belongings. Common sense - it’s important to have sound judgment when suggesting solutions about how to organize someone else’s lifestyle that is different from your own, assess situations quickly and accurately, guidance, encouragement, ability to educate on something potentially difficult to do and understand, excellent listening skills, nonjudgmental, and dedicated to a successful outcome meeting the client’s needs and goals. What was your motivation in starting this type of service? More of a natural calling and instinct for me to live with less, and live organized. I’ve never liked dusting, so I’ve kept only the things I love. Of course I have “trouble spots,” for example right now I’m working on my photo storage process, but it’s a fun organizational project for me! I know that I can improve people’s lives by helping them live with less and be Endless Possibilities 507-345-1484 Hours: 9:00-5:30 M-F; 9:00-1:00 Sat. www.dencolighting.com 016618 241 St. Andrews Drive, Mankato, MN 507.345.8084 012358 16 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 more organized. I’ve always enjoyed making people’s lives better. Once you help a family get their home in shape what can they do to keep it that way? This is a significant part of the process. The important thing is to create a maintenance schedule. Areas of the home can demand different maintenance schedules and frequencies. For example when dealing with a garage, basement or attic, once it has been de-cluttered and organized, semi-annual maintenance can happen so it doesn’t get overwhelming. Places such as a household command center, where the calendar of activities, in-going and out-going mail, and miscellaneous items are coming in and changing on a daily maintenance, need daily maintenance. Once you have a schedule for that place, remember to keep like things together, put away what you take out, assign a home for everything, and always abide by the in/out rule - when you buy something new, something old must go. Do you work with people’s habits? Meaning some people are naturally disorganized, are good at knowing what to do, or seeing their way out of their piles of stuff, etc. It’s important to work side by side with a professional organizer so someone who is chronically disorganized learns how and what they need to do to stay organized. The organizing process is very systematic. Many tools and visuals can be left to help the organizationallychallenged keep on top of their space. When should people call in the pros vs doing it themselves? If you’ve tried to get organized before but it hasn’t worked or it reverted to the way it was in a short period of time, it’s time to pick up the phone. It could be that you weren’t clear on the goals and needs of the space, or it all became a bit too overwhelming. A professional organizer will come in and work with you, giving you more hands on help, and be there for you at more frequent levels, so your space continues to meet your needs and goals. RVW Jayne’s Philosophy: “Author Karen Kingston wrote “every aspect of your life is anchored energetically in your living space, so clearing your clutter can completely transform your entire existence.” She also says “everything around you, especially your home environment, mirrors your inner self.” I couldn’t agree more. The ability to clear out your clutter and have a lighter, organized home will bring you a sense of peace, feelings of accomplishment and empowerment, and a life of possibility. Who doesn’t want more time to spend on the important things in life versus keeping house? “ Style 207470 Step into At the Idea Haus Our talented staff is ready to design the home of your dreams! Kitchens - Bathrooms Onyx Collection Showers - Porcelain Tile Carpet - Wood Florors Window Coverings Countertops - Backsplashes Lynn Sue Pat Linda Overson Lumber Co. Inc. St. James | Sleepy Eye | Lamberton | Wabasso | Jackson | Westbrook | New Ulm RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 17 8th annual Ladies Night Out SpeciaL DiScouNtS! Friday only Friday, april 10, 2015 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring Your Friends! Nordaas american homes Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 800-658-7076 www.nordaashomes.com 6th AnnuAl home Show Saturday, April 18, 2015 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 10:00 A.m. Free SeminAr Building a New Home: Getting Started Seminar rSVP 800-658-7076 www.nordaashomes.com • Tour a Nordaas Home • Over 20 Vendors • Design Consultants/Home Decor • Additions/Remodels Consultants • Pole Buildings 10091 State hwy. 22 minnesota lake, mn 56068 014586 18 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Come select your slab in our new & exciting 11,000 sq. ft. Slab Showroom Granite & Quartz Countertops Custom Fabricated & Installed (By US!) 507-835-7129 Granite, Marble & More 016524 elegantcreations.com Visit our Showroom: 1371 S State Street Waseca, MN 011368 016614 18 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 19 She’s got game! Photos by Amanda Dyslin At right: Chris Phinney and Barb Jacobs are two employees who can be found most days at C&N Sales in North Mankato. C&N Sales also sells gaming equipment that youngsters would enjoy, including foosball tables and refurbished arcade games. The latest trend in home game rooms? Believe it or not, shuffle boards are hot right now. The retail side of C&N sales has everything for a game room, from neon wall clocks and signs to top of the line pool tables and poker tables. Chris Phinney says pool tables are still the staple of most game rooms. 20 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 By Amanda Dyslin Many of us conjure the same image when we hear the word “shuffleboard:” a couple of older gentleman standing on the deck of a cruise ship, gently gliding a disc into a triangle scoring area. All in all, it may sound like kind of a yawn fest. Which is why Chris Phinney’s answer to the question, “What would you say is the hot new trend in home game rooms?” was so surprising. “The shuffleboards are starting to get big,” said Phinney of C&N Sales in North Mankato. “It used to mean standing around on a deck somewhere to play, but now it’s a table. It’s a really nice table, and I always say that a game table is a really beautiful piece of furniture.” Shuffleboards have, indeed, come a long way. The basic rules of the game are the same, except the playing area is elevated and smaller in scale. Tiny beads of silicone are sprinkled on the surface to aid the puck in gliding down the table surface to the scoring area. The reinvention of the game as a table has made it popular with a variety of age groups, and it’s finding its way into more and more area homes. The narrow size of the wooden table makes it a nice addition to home game rooms, Phinney said, because it fits right alongside the wall so there’s plenty of room left for other gaming equipment. That’s important considering the room has to serve myriad purposes for all ages and interests of family members: video and arcade games for the kids, maybe a pool table for Dad, a dart board for mom, and air hockey or foosball for all of the above. Pool tables are still by far and away the most popular game room staples, Phinney said. C&N sells Brunswick and Olhausen gaming tables, which are sought-after brands. The store also sells dart boards, bar stools, pub tables, theater seating, and poker tables, which became quite popular when Texas hold ’em became trendy again. “A couple of years ago, everybody needed a poker table,” Phinney said. C&N, which opened in 1928, also sells refurbished gaming equipment, including arcade games, among others. Recently, a refurbished Ms. Pac-Man arcade game with about 60 games loaded onto it was for sale in the showroom. The store also sells tons of game room accessories, including neon clocks and signs, and all the most popular pool and dart supplies. “Because of our leagues, we have to have the pool cues and darts that everybody wants,” Phinney said. The pool and dart leagues are another big part of C&N’s business. The company – which also leases hundreds of coin-operated gaming machines to businesses in the area – has the largest league system in Minnesota. The North Mankato branch, alone, has 104 leagues, a few of which are women-only. Phinney has been a member of an all-women league in Mankato for years, but it’s a trend she sees declining as women have begun to join mixed leagues of men and women. Barb Jacobs has worked at C&N for 24 years, and she knows women who have played in leagues for decades. “Sometimes you see them quit for a while when their kids get to a certain age, but then they come back,” Jacobs said. Both Jacobs and Phinney said many women in the area have always played pool and darts, and that’s an interest that has remained pretty steady. “It’s kind of always been that way,” Phinney said. “But the women’s leagues are dissipating. The women are still playing, but now they’re intermixed with the men. … Probably within the next few years they’ll all be intermixed.” Phinney’s reasons for wanting to play in a league are pretty consistent with that of other women she knows. Bottom line: “It’s a night out.” “You know how busy women are,” Phinney said. “It’s a nice release. I’m not good at pool by any means, but it’s fun, and I like to play, and I do OK in my league.” Phinney’s made a lot of friends playing pool with so many familiar faces every week. And it’s always fun to see beginners join the fun, too. RVW Cheers to Spring! LET’S FIND YOUR HOME SWEET HOME Largest Selection of • Liquor • Wine • Beer Locally owned and operated Mankato 201 Victory Dr. 625-2420 Dynamic Agents north Mankato 1755 Commerce Dr. 387-2634 Jodi Whitney 1720 Adams St. Ste. 100, Mankato, MN 56001 Direct: 507-340-7655 email: [email protected] St. Peter 100 N. Minnesota Ave. 934-8964 www.mgmwineandspirits.com sellmankato.com Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8 am- 10 pm ATMs at all stores Each Office Independently Owned and Operated 016213 016590 Photos by Jordan Powers Building Trust new home construc tion 217 east walnut street #2 | remodeling mankato, mn 56001 | commercial 507.469.3152 014245 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 21 Incredible Bulk! Pictured April Graff and Marcia Smith Story by Deb Moldaschel Rows and rows of nuts, grains, beans, lentils, oats, granolas, flours, rice varieties, dried fruits, spices, infused olive oils, some teas and coffees, and even candy fill these 520 bins. B Buying food by dipping into a big bin used to feel like a hippiegranola thing to do. But buying food in its natural or raw state has gone mainstream these days. A recent tour of the new bulk foods section at Hilltop Hy-Vee in Mankato was a trip into a foodie wonderland. Registered dietitian, April Graff along with Marcia Smith, bulk food manager, described the growth of the department. “We started with 16 bins four years ago and expanded to 32 the next year,” explained April. “This past fall the decision was made to revamp a whole section of the store to greatly expand the bulk food offerings.” “Now I oversee 520 bins of bulk food items in the new department,” Marcia added. Rows and rows of nuts, grains, beans, lentils, oats, granolas, flours, rice varieties, dried fruits, spices, infused olive oils, some teas and coffees, and even candy fill these 520 bins. Also available are freshly ground peanut and almond butters, honey (locally sourced from Luverne, Minnesota), and agave nectar. Buying in bulk sounds, well, bulky, right? Not so according to April. “Choosing from a bulk food department allows you to buy in very small quantities,” she said. “Which is perfect for trying new foods and recipes.” 22 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Marcia enjoys acting as a liaison to customers, showing them how to package, weigh and label their purchases, and answering questions about the products. “The labels on each bin have the nutritional values and some basic cooking instructions,” explained Marcia. “I often learn right along with the customers as I research the products.” She learns which items are most popular and what new things customers might be looking for as she helps them shop. “The department changes as we learn what customers want and what works best for displays,” said Marcia, pointing out the bulk oils and explaining plans to display them in small glass bottles. The trend toward purchasing foods from bulk is becoming more popular according to Marcia. “All ages, women and men, they all enjoy the experience,” she said, with April adding, “It’s fun to try something new and the process of choosing and packaging is interactive and novel.” Dietitian April walks clients through the store to help them learn healthy shopping habits. “The bulk food department is a great place for teaching,” she said. Asked if there is a close nutrition and health relationship with bulk foods April hedged, “Yes and no. There are many healthy, natural, whole, unaltered and unprocessed items available, but there are also the more indulgent choices – chocolates and candies, salted, seasoned, or sweetened items,” she said, suggesting that these treats should be had in small quantities. Many of the bulk foods are also available in organic versions. A simple explanation of organic refers to foods grown and produced without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. April explained that customer preference is the main reason for choosing organics, and that the nutritional value of the food does not differ. “Organic foods are often more expensive, but the gap is not as high when purchasing in bulk,” said April. “Buying in bulk is less expensive in general,” added Marcia, “the packaging is cheaper and the customer controls the quantity purchased.” Both April and Marcia assured that when you are perusing the bulk food department questions are welcome. “Don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be afraid to try,” said April. Marcia encouraged, “Come in when you’re hungry and have time to enjoy!” RVW Author’s note: This was too much fun and way too tempting. I bought whole walnuts, dried apricots, a low-glycemic snack mix, pepper infused olive oil, quinoa - and no candy. I’ve been wanting to try some quinoa recipes for some time. Quinoa is an ancient food that is a seed – a whole grain. It is gluten-free and a source of protein, fiber, B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. The following recipe was perfect because I had recently bought an avocado for which I had no plans on how to eat. I liked the salad and felt very virtuous for making and eating it – so many healthy ingredients. Did you know avocados contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, are a good source of fiber and provide healthy fats that are important in your diet? Check out other quinoa recipes online or in cookbooks. Avocado Quinoa Salad This is served chilled so plan on 1 ½ hours prior to eating. The recipe is for 8 servings, but can easily be cut in half. Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa 2 cups chicken broth 2 avocados 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 large tomato, diced ½ cucumber, diced 2 stalks celery, diced Salt and pepper to taste To prepare the quinoa you soak it in warm water for 5 minutes and then rinse and drain it. It will still look like little seeds at this point. Then add the quinoa to the chicken broth which you’ve brought to a boil on the stove. Bring it back to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed into the quinoa. It puffs up and looks a bit like cooked rice or barley – but more interesting! Let it cool. Cut avocados in half, remove pit and peel. Cut into small chunks and toss with lemon juice. Add avocados and all remaining ingredients to quinoa and toss gently to mix. Chill until ready to serve. 016434 Carpet • tile • Hardwood • laminate luxury vinyl • area rugs • Blinds drapes & more W Mohawk® Shaw® Stainmaster® Milliken® Award Winning Kitchen Designer • Cabinetry • Countertops e Measure We Install Congoleum® Hunter Douglas® & More Prefer to Shop in the Comfort of Your Own Home? Call to schedule and appointment! Free Estimates - Professional Installation Available 1 Year 0% Interest Available OAC Achieving your dream kitchen is our business. Visit us at Southern Minnesota’s Premier Kitchen & Bath Showroom 101 S. Minnesota Street Downtown New Ulm (507) 354-8025 www.route1interiors.com 16 North German St Downtown New Ulm 507-354-2716 newulmfurniture.com M & TH 9-7; TU/WED/FRI 9-5; SAT 9-4 230365 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 23 “I fEEl listened to.” “I know the solutions we come up with will fit our family and help us thrive.” —SARAH SCHWEIM The Schweim family likes to stay active—biking, hiking, swimming, camping and roasting marshmallows over a fire in the backyard. Helping keep everyone healthy is a job their Mankato Clinic family physician, Dr. Richard Peller, takes seriously. He delivered all four Schweim children and he’s seen Oliver through a scary recovery process after he was run over by a pickup truck. Sarah wouldn’t trust any place else to keep them all healthy. � mankatoclinic.com 016541 24 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Plan ahead for easier, healthier meal preparation We hear a lot about focusing on clean eating, but what does it really mean, and how can we be successful in our hectic lives to stay on track doing so? It all comes back to planning! Eating clean means eating food in its most natural state. This is a program that has worked well for me and many people that I have helped develop a healthier lifestyle. I am not a certified nutritionist or dietitian. I am a career woman with a family and many outside interests. Planning my meals is key to keeping my health in line. Make a Menu Take one day a week and set aside a half hour. Use that half hour to plan your food for the week. Make a grocery list, find your recipes. Put a menu on the refrigerator to help keep you on track. This will also help your family know what wonderful delicious foods are in store for the week. I have seen some family members use a dry erase board to show the meals that are premade in the refrigerator as well as the freezer so in their absence the family knows what is easily available. Prep Your Kitchen In cooking ahead you need to have the storage containers ready. I like to use glass storage containers so it’s easy for my family to see the items that are prepped and precooked for them when they open the refrigerator. If you don’t already own these, you will need to purchase one cup storage containers. Storing your prepped food in these containers makes it easy to grab and go. You can also use standard baggies but some items just work better in a glass or plastic container. I prefer the taste of my foods, especially my cooked proteins, out of glass containers. I discourage the use of baggies as it just fills up landfills and adds extra cost. Each person in my household has a small cooler bag that they pack each day with the items that they need to snack on when away from home. I never leave for a road trip without a small cooler of healthy snacks. Once you are into the swing of eating clean you will soon realize that most of your food comes from your refrigerator and not your pantry. Processed and packaged snacks are not food in its most “natural state.” Having a variety of healthy snacks readily available for you and your family is important. Our society is used to the grab and go mentality. I like to keep a variety of healthy nuts, fruits and vegetables prepped and available for fast snacks. During the winter when some fruits tend to be less fresh and more expensive I will stock up on frozen items such as berries, mango and pineapple. These are also great to add to smoothies or mix with a protein powder for a high energy meal replacement or snack. Cook Ahead On Sundays I do all my meal prep for the week. Some people will set aside one day a month and make freezer meals and then utilize them throughout the month. It all works once you have a system in place. When it comes to cooking ahead I like to cook all my ground meats at one time. I usually fry up multiple pounds of ground lean turkey breast and will make a variety of meals from this. Good examples would be taco turkey meat, turkey meatballs in a marinara sauce over spaghetti squash or turkey chili. The nice part is my meat is cooked and I can prepare a quick supper when I get home and I only have one pan to clean on Sunday instead of one each night! I will marinade and grill several chicken breasts at one time. Now I am set for several protein filled snacks and also quick lunches and dinners. Making egg frittatas in muffin tins also makes for a quick high protein breakfast option if you don’t have time to make yourself breakfast each morning. These are easy to pack and take with you to heat up at work. Use the internet to search for “Eating Clean” recipes. You will be surprised at the variety that are available. Almost all your family favorites can be cleaned up and made healthier! Not only will you eat healthier when you plan your meals and snacks, you will probably save money on your grocery shopping and also cut down on the expense of eating out and grabbing food on the run. RVW Chris Schull Director of Information Technology, Ridley Inc. Certified AFAA Personal Trainer RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 25 & Fun, Festivals Frolics To have your event listed, please e-mail Ruth Klossner at [email protected]. Listings are generally for events that are free to the public, or are fund-raisers. Listings will be published as space allows and at the discretion of the editor. Fri.-Sat., Mar. 6-7 • New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club’s 34th Farm Show, New Ulm Civic Center, Brown County Fairgrounds. 1-8 pm Fri., 10 am-5 pm Sat. Free admission. Largest indoor farm show in south central Minnesota. Info and vendor registration: 507-354-8524 or 507-233-4300. • Hutchinson Craft & Vendor Show, Hutchinson Mall, 1060 Hwy 15 So. 10 am-9 pm Fri. & 10 am-6 pm Sat. Sat., Mar. 7 • Friends of Rush River Dance, Henderson Event Center, Henderson, 8:30 pm. Profits go toward upkeep & maintenance of Rush River Park. Info: 507-381-4425 or 507-248-3230. Sun., Mar. 8 • ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’ live comedy show, State Street Theatre, 15 N. State St., New Ulm, 7 pm. Info: statestreetnewulm.org or 866-811-4111. • MVL Day of Events, Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, 2 Miles East of New Ulm on Hwy 14. Booster Club Pork Chop Dinner, 10:30 am-1:30 pm., free will offering. Tours of newly remodeled Learning Center. Winter Band Concert, 1:30 pm. Info: valh@mvlhs. org or 507-233-8662. Tues., Mar. 10 • Alice Lind Play Reading Society, John Lind House, 622 Center Street, New Ulm, 7 pm. Reading ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ by Tennessee Williams. Info: execdir@newulmact. com or 359-9990. Thurs., Mar. 12 • Henderson Sew & Share Quilters, Henderson Library, lower level, 6:30 pm. Beginning projects or bring your own stitching, knitting, etc.— sew, share, and learn. No cost. Info: 507-248-3880. • Mingle With a Purpose Women’s Networking and Development Event, Holiday Inn, 2101 So. Broadway, New Ulm, 6-10 pm. Professional development & networking with other women, Guest speaker Dr. Verna Price. Hosted by New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce. Info & cost: 507-233-4300 or [email protected]. Fri., Mar. 13 • Murder Mystery at the Cox House, Cox House, 500 N. Washington Ave., St. Peter, 6-10 pm. Catered meal and the drama of a good mystery, supporting the Cox House and Nicollet County Historical Society. Full costumes encouraged; some props available. Must be 21 to participate. Info & registration: 934-3048. • Sixth Annual Home Tweet Home event for Habitat for Humanity, AmericInn, Mankato 6 pm. Wine, beer, appetizers, & dessert tasting; silent auction featuring hand painted birdhouses and garden accessories by area artists; raffle. Info & tickets: 508-388-2081 ext. 4. Fri.-Sun., Mar. 13-15 • 12U and 14U State Hockey Tournaments, New Ulm Civic Center, Brown County Fairgrounds. on waterfalls side of park. Staff will demonstrate tapping trees, collecting sap & boiling to produce syrup. Info: 507-384-8890 or Scott. [email protected]. • Brown County Humane Society Caged for Critters, Humane Society at 1301 South Valley Street in New Ulm. “Jailbirds” call friends & family to get out of jail. Info: 359-2312 or 507-276-5888 or bchsnu@hotmail. com. Sat.-Sun., Mar. 14-15 • Mankato Natural Healing and Psychic Expo, Courtyard by Marriott, 901 Raintree Road at River Hills Mall, Mankato. 10 am6 pm Sat.; 10 am-5 pm, Sun. 40 exhibitors, workshops, speakers & healing modalities. Info & cost: 507-388-2506 or matrixmediaexpo. jigsy.com. Sat., Mar. 14 • Maple Syrup Demonstration, Minneopa State Park, 5 mi. west of Mankato on Hwys. 68 & 169, DAC5205B_RVW_team_DAC5205 1/20/15 11:11 AM Page 1 1-3 pm. Meet at picnic shelter Be Wise About Your Vision 11TH ANNUAL WINE & BEER TASTING EVENT CITY CENTER HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN MANKATO a benefit for: Lisa Meyer Amber Schewe Leah Stadick Tracie Schmidt Our opticians are all ABO Certified. 6:30 - 8:30PM Hors d‘oeuvres & tasting 9PM - 10:30PM Dancing SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY: $1000 PLATINUM table of 8 INCLUDES: 4 bottles of wine | hors d‘oeuvres and desserts served at your table | gift bag $595 PREMIER table of 8 INCLUDES: 2 bottles of wine | cheese and cracker tray | indivudual gifts $320 table of 8 | $35 individual We want you SEEing life together! CITY CENTER HOTEL is offering a special room rate of $99, just mention the Relay for Life Wine Tasting. PURCHASE TICKETS: DISCOVER CHIROPRACTIC 1609 N. RIVERFRONT DR. #100, MANKATO 507-720-0742 sponsored by: Must be 21 or older. The money raised at this event provides services and programs for people in blue earth countyaffected by cancer and also funds local research at the university of MN and Mayo Clinic 26 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 507.354.8531 249241 http://relay.acsevents.org/BLueEarthWineTasting Tues., Mar. 17 • Irish Parade and Clan Banquet, New Ulm, 5-11 pm. Info: http://newulmblarney.com. • Southern Minnesota Home and Builders Show, Verizon Wireless Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato. 5 pm-9 pm Fri.; 10 am-6 pm Sat.; noon-5 pm Sun. Building, home & yard products and services displayed by exhibitors. Info: 515537-2094 or jacksonexpogroup. com/Southern-Minnesota/index. html. • St. Patrick’s Day Parade, South Third St., St. Peter, 5:30 p.m. Wed.-Sun., Mar. 18-22 • Joe’s Camper Show, New Ulm Civic Center, Brown County Fairgrounds, New Ulm. Info: 507-354-8106 or joescampers.com. Sun., Mar. 22 • MVL Booster Club Auction, Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, rural New Ulm, 11 am viewing & lunch, 1 pm auction. Info: valh@ mvlhs.org. Fri., Mar. 20 • Equinox and Astronomy Hike, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson, 7:30 pm. Welcome spring with a vernal equinox celebration, hike through the evening air to look at stars and talk about the natural changes that occur at this time of year. Info & cost: neycenter.org or 507-2483474. • MLC College Choir Home Concert, Chapel of the Christ, MLC, New Ulm. 3:00 pm. Info: 507-354-8221 or mlc-wels.edu. Fri.-Sun., Mar. 20-22 • Musical - ‘When In Rome’ Fundraiser, New Ulm Community Center, 600 N. German, New Ulm. 7 pm Fri. & Sat., 2 pm Sun. Intergenerational light-hearted musical stage performance. Info: 507-354-3212 or [email protected]. Tues., Mar. 24 • Women Celebrating Women, Jackson Campus Center, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, 6 pm. A celebration of women as valued members & leaders of community. Theme is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives.” Info & cost: stpetercommunityedonline.com; register by March 16. Fri., Mar. 27 • Eagles Extravaganza fundraiser for New Ulm Public Schools, New Ulm Event Center, 5-11:55 pm. Dinner, silent auction, entertainment, hosted by the ISD 88 Foundation. Info: [email protected] or isd88foundation.org. Fri.-Sun., Mar. 27-29 • New Ulm Home & Health Show, New Ulm Civic Center, Brown County Fairgrounds. 3-8 pm Fri; 10 am-6 pm Sat; 11 am-4 pm Sun. Over 180 booths, seminars, door prizes. Info: business.newulm.com/ events. Sat., Mar. 28 • ‘Your Organized Home 101—Keepsake or Clutter,’ Home Show, New Ulm Civic Center, Brown County Fairgrounds, 3 pm. 30-minute seminar to understand relationship to “stuff” in the home. Sun. Mar. 29 • Hilltop Happenings, Hilltop Hall, 206 First St. N., Montgomery, 4 pm. Musical variety show. No admission—donation accepted to defray costs; pizza sold at intermission. Info: bighonza.com/hilltop-hall/. Sat., Apr. 4 • Flying Event, Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, 1 pm. Learn mechanics behind flying, including lift, and how birds use this as means of travel; make kites to fly with newly gained knowledge about flying. Info & cost: neycenter. org or 507-248-3474. Thurs., Apr. 9 • Henderson Sew & Share Quilters, Henderson Library, Lower level. 6:30 pm. Beginning projects or bring your own stitching, knitting, etc.—sew, share, and learn. No cost. Info: 507-248-3880. Sat., Apr. 11 • New Ulm indoor citywide garage sale, Civic Center, New Ulm. Sat.-Sun., April 11-12 • Mankato Munchkin Markets Children’s Consignment Sale, Verizon Wireless Center, Civic Center Plaza, Mankato. Mankato. 9 am-4 pm Sat., 9 am-2 pm Sun. Thousands of pre-loved and new items for babies to big kids at discounted prices; furniture, toys, strollers, swings, books more. Info: mankato. munchkinmarkets.com/. sponsors 016031 35th Annual! March 27-29 • Friday 3 - 8 PM • Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM New Ulm Civic Center 1212 N. Franklin • Sunday 11 AM - 4 PM • Daily Drawings! • Free Seminars! • 200 booths! www.newulm.com/507-233-4300 Sponsored by the New Ulm Business & Retail Association 7th Annual Community Run/Walk Event ✩ ✩ Saturday, April 25, 2015 Sibley Park Mankato Registration and Information: www.mankatoywca.org or (507) 345-4629 Registration & Activities: 8:00 a.m. Kids K: 9:30 a.m. 5k Run/Walk: 10:00 a.m. 016594 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 27 DO YOU PUT MORE THOUGHT INTO CHOOSING A TV THAN INTO CHOOSING AN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON? Bleed: 8.625" x 11.25" Live: .25" from trim x .25" from trim Trim: 8.5" x 11" Final Delivery: Hi-Res PDF with and without crop marks and bleed, via e-mail Color: CMYK Format: single page Proofs: Single page PDF, with crop and bleed, via e-mail Finished size: 8.5" x 11" Keyline built to: 100% Production Artist: Sarah Schroeder _______ Proofreader: _______ Copywriter: _______ Creative Director: Lori Andersen _______ Job Name: OFC1403_PrintAd Executive Creative Director: _______ Job Description: Print Ad Project Manager: Laurie Perrin _______ Job Code: Account Director: Nicole Travis _______ Version: 1 Job Number: OFC 1403 Print Ad Date: 10.27.14 28 009805 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 015893 29 HER story This feature highlights the lives of our sisters, mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers in who’s footsteps we follow. River Valley Woman feels that what our senior women in the river valley have to say is vitally important and that we have much to learn from them. In this issue Peggy (Krzmarzick) Tauer of Sleepy Eye tells HERstory. Where did you grow up? I was born in Loretto Hospital in New Ulm, and lived in Sleepy Eye the first five years of my life. With my parents, my sister and two brothers, I moved to the Krzmarzick homestead east of Sleepy Eye and lived there until marriage. Then my husband Ray and I moved to a farm north of Sleepy Eye, so I never strayed too far from home. What is a favorite memory? At about 8 or 9, tagging after my dad when he was planting small grain with a grain drill, pulled by horses. That’s when I first became aware of the smell of the newly-turned soil, while seeing the seed falling into the furrow to be covered by the chains of the drill dragging over the ground. I always loved horses too, making pets of them with shelled corn in my pockets and feeding them. My brother thought I had a gift, taming the horses, and I never told him about the corn kernels in my pockets. Education? At the age of five, I went to a 6-week program at Sleepy Eye Public School. I attended St. Mary’s Elementary and High School for 12 years, graduating in 1949. Ten of those years I rode Bus #3 to school, and Les Kuelbs was our driver. I have taken several college classes through New Ulm Community Education, mostly art and design, and one class through the technical college at Mankato. Did/Do you have a career? After high school, I worked for a photographer in Sleepy Eye, learning to develop film, and tinting photos with transparent oil paints. I left that job when I married. In December of 2000, I retired as a proofreader/copy editor at the Herald-Dispatch, after working there 20 years. Between those jobs, I was busy raising our family of eight children on the farm with my husband. I did gardening, canning, sewing, feeding poultry and animals, and the occasional field work with the tractor. I loved living on the farm, but now I hardly recognize the latest farm equipment. 30 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Married or significant other? If so, tell us a little about that person, what was the attraction? My husband Ray was a friend of my brother, and came to our farm quite often. I think I got used to him hanging around (grin). Where I was shy, I did admire his ability to talk to anyone, and his having no fear of anyone or anything—and he seemed to think a lot of me. He called me his sweet kid. He has been gone eight years but I do miss him every day. Children? We are blessed with eight children. They all chose wonderful spouses and now I have 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Do you have a philosophy for living? Every day is a good day, and a gift, for which I am grateful. What has changed the most in the last 20 years? The technology changes in the world, including digital cameras. For over 20 years, I have used Mac computers and have been online about that long. Along with the computer, I have a mini-iPad and iPhone, and enjoy using them. What did you like to do for fun in your younger days? On the farm, we didn’t have many playmates besides our siblings, but when our cousins came to visit every summer from St. Paul, we looked forward to seeing them. We all had someone our age and they stayed a month with our aunts and uncle, living across the road from us. Our aunts and uncle were single and never married, and were very good to all their nieces and nephews. Do you connect to your friends and family using social media? (email, Facebook, etc.) Yes, I do a good amount of e-mailing, and some Facebook. Is it bragging to say I was online before any of my children? I find that e-mail helps me keep in touch when they live a distance away. Phone texting also brings responses more quickly. My thoughts about the experiences were somewhat reserved, and not putting too much personal information out there. What do you think is your greatest asset? Honesty, and not holding grudges; at least I try. What would people be surprised to know about you? I read the sports pages first, before digesting the rest of the newspaper, including the editorials. I keep up with the local teams and Minnesota teams, especially Gopher basketball. A daily paper is a necessity for me, as my parents, and then my husband and I, always had one. Now I subscribe to two dailies. Where have you traveled and do you have a favorite destination? When our children were at home, we took them camping in Canada, the Black Hills, and Yellowstone Park. The national parks are wonderful. We took a few trips to the U.S. south and west, and once to Washington, D.C. My favorite place there is the National Gallery of Art. Later, my husband and I visited our ancestral villages in the Czech Republic and Luxembourg. I have been to Luxembourg twice and my cousins there are very hospitable to me and my family. Stress-free living year round What is your favorite song/type of music? What was your first car? Never had a car of my own and didn’t get my license until age 23. Flunked the first test because of poor parallel parking skills. Now I have no fear of parallel parking! The first car my husband and I owned was a ‘49 Oldsmobile, previously owned by Doctor Nelson of Fairfax. The doctor put on many miles driving from Fairfax to the Sleepy Eye Hospital with that car. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone in the world today, who would it be and why? s If you had asked about meeting anyone from the beginning of time, I would have said my grandparents and great-grandparents, as I never had the privilege of knowing them. My birth came after they had died. But living people, whew! If there is a chance of meeting with the Holy Father, Page 34 Pope Francis, I might be too awed in his presence to even Scheduled transportation • Heat included in your monthly rent • Robust calendar of activities • Health and wellness programs including a heated indoor pool • Chef prepared meals • Pet-friendly To simplify your life, call Kate today for a personal tour at 507-388-4200 Independent & Assisted Living 301 South Fifth Street Mankato, MN 56001 507-388-4200 oldmainvillage.com A Platinum Service® Community Managed by The Goodman Group. 014108 I like many kinds of music and used to listen to Country-Western. I also liked the folk music of the ‘60s. Some classical and Oriental and music for relaxation on CDs. 016448 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 31 RiveRfRont 410 S. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 507-625-1107 Hilltop 2010 Adams St. Mankato, MN 507-625-9070 making lives easier, healthier, happier • Get prescriptions automatically filled ahead of time and ready when you are • Receive a call when your order is ready so you never have to worry about running out again • Ask your Hy-Vee pharmacist about Repeat Refills Your helpful Hy-Vee pharmacists can help you stay on top of your medication therapy, because not taking medication as directed by your doctor can be costly to both you and your health. Brian Cornelius, Pharm. d. Mankato Hilltop Hy-Vee 2010 Adams St., Mankato, MN 56001 507.625.7565 Where there is a helpful smile in your wellness aisle National Nutrition Month March is National Nutrition Month ® and a great time to take a step back to look at your health and wellness goals. Are you consuming an appropriate number of calories? This may mean reducing calories for some people or adding quality calories for others. Not all calories are created equal. To find out if you are eating the right calories for your goals, contact your Mankato Hy-Vee dietitian to set up an appointment. Are you making informed food choices? Choosing the best foods for your goals can be confusing. Finding the time to sort through all the information can be time-consuming. The best way to make the right decisions is to be informed. Schedule a tour with your Mankato Hy-Vee dietitian to walk through the aisles and find the answers to your questions. Are you getting daily exercise? Moving your body for 30 minutes each day (even breaking it up into 10-minute pieces is great) may help you lose weight, feel better and reduce your chance of heart disease and stroke. There isn’t a perfect time of day to exercise. The best time to move your body is any time that works for you. by April Graff, MS, RS, LD Hy-Vee Dietitian Asparagus with Crispy Prosciutto and Almonds Serves 8 All you Need: 3 oz sliced prosciutto (about 6 slices) 2 pounds fresh asparagus 4 tsp Hy-Vee Select olive oil 1/4 tsp Hy-Vee ground black pepper 1 (2 oz) pkg Hy-Vee sliced almonds (1/2 c.) 2 tsp grated lemon zest Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving All you do: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay prosciutto slices flat on baking sheet. Bake until fat turns golden and meat is darker, about 15 minutes. Transfer prosciutto to paper towels to drain; set aside. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Snap off and discard woody ends from asparagus. Toss asparagus with olive oil. Spread in a single layer on baking sheet. Season with pepper. Roast, uncovered, for 10 to 12 minutes or until fork-tender, lightly tossing once. While asparagus is roasting, place almonds in a shallow baking pan. Toast in oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden, stirring once. Transfer almonds to a bowl. Crumble prosciutto; add prosciutto and lemon zest to almonds. Arrange asparagus on a platter and sprinkle almond mixture over top. Using a vegetable peeler, drop slivers of Parmigiano-Reggiano over top. Serve immediately. Nutrition information per serving: Calories: 230; Protein: 23g; Carbohydrate: 6g; Saturated Fat: 2.5g; Cholesterol: 65mg; Sodium: 150mg; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 4g; Fat: 12g; Trans fats: 0g 012550 HerStory from page 31 speak. I also would like to talk with George W. Bush about his painting, which I think he does admirably. What lessons have you learned in life? I have trusted that God will take care of me, and have been blessed with His care. What are you the most proud of? Finishing a quilt last year, that I started making 65 years ago. I have one more to finish from that era. If you could go back and change anything in your life would you? If so what would it be? In my youth, I said and did some rather naive things that I’d not do, or do better today. I would also work more often on my art. What are your current hobbies and interests? At this time, I work on genealogy, drawing and painting, quilting, gardening, exercise, biking and golf. I enjoy my membership in several historical societies, and study clubs. When needed, I will do volunteer work for the church. Last winter, I spent 60 hours proofreading a new printing of Elizabeth Scobie’s book about Sleepy Eye. It had been scanned twice and the scanner read some letters as other letters, so every word had to be checked twice. RVW Body Concepts massage & spa services 507-317-4739 1609 N. Riverfront Mankato, MN justkneaded.massagetherapy.com Buying? Selling? Talk to us! Realty Executives River Valley Dar Vosburg, Broker/Owner 507-387-5545 Pam Sher, Realtor/Buyer’s Agent 507-382-1184 Melinda Sturm, Realtor 507-382-1103 www.MankatoHomes.com 34 1609 N. Riverfront Dr. Suite 105 Mankato, MN 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com BoDy CoNtouRiNg tReatMeNtS Slimming Body and Face treatments offer immediate inch loss, detoxification, boosts metabolism and lifts, tightens & tones. Discover Chiropractic Dr. Cuong Huynh and Dr. Deb Bobendrier Now in Mankato and Nicollet! 304 Pine St. , Nicollet, MN 507-232-2789 1609 North Riverfront Dr Suite 100, Mankato, MN 507-720-0742 Upcoming FREE SEminaRS: • Smoothie Smart Class March 12 & 17 Free Admission, limited seating. Call or stop by to register today. www.mankatodc.com RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 016715 — Since 1970 — It’s Been All About Selection, Service And Everyday Low Prices Lamplighter Gift Cards make a tasty gift for anyone on your list! It all started in 1983. Big Burgers, Beer, and Sports, the ultimate tri-fecta! All of our burgers are 85% lean ground beef. We use zero trans fat cooking oil, and only the freshest produce is chosen. Our spaghetti and alfredo sauce, Lamplighter sauce, soups, chili and dips are all made from scratch right here in our kitchen. Our winning attitude is still going strong today. When the game Choose from the largest selection of wine, liquor & beer in the New Ulm Area! is on, our plasma screen hi def TV’s are second to none. We turn up the volume to give you the feeling of being right there in the stadium. Whether you’re in the mood for the game or want a relaxing unforgettable meal with a great atmosphere, Lamplighter is the place. 1527 N Broadway Street New Ulm, MN 56073 507-354-8778 1970 • Our 45th Yea r • 2015 016032 214 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN 507-354-2185 www.lamplighterbarandgrill.com 009305 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 35 Mank ato YWCA to honor By Ruth Klossner Women of Distinction Four outstanding women and a women’s group will be honored when the YWCA 43rd Annual Women of Distinction Event is held Thursday, March 26 at the Verizon Wireless Center in downtown Mankato. The event is presented by Jones Metal, Inc., with sponsorship by many area businesses, including River Valley Woman. The evening begins with a social hour and silent auction at 5:00 p.m., with dinner and the program to follow at 6:30 p.m. Ticket information is available at www.mankatoywca.org/women-distinction-0; or at the YWCA office, 500 South Broad Street. Over the years, the YWCA has honored 131 women and three businesses for their leadership, significant impact on the community, and their dedication to YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women while promoting peace, justice, freedom and ensuring dignity for all. Each of the women nominated has made a large impact on the community. Their efforts have helped women to live independently, combat ignorance, actively try to end gender violence, and provide community assistance. This year’s YWCA Women of Distinction honorees are Avra Johnson, Dr. Katie Smentek and Deputy Director of Public Safety Amy Vokal. The 2015 Young Woman of Distinction Honoree is Dana Sikkila, and the 2015 Distinctive Difference Honoree is the Zonta Club of Mankato. Avra Johnson is an associate professor in political science and public administration. She has taught at the college level for more than 15 years at Minnesota State University, Mankato and Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. At MSU, she served five years as interim assistant vice president of institutional planning, research and assessment. A diversity trainer, she has presented on the issues of diversity and is the co-author of an article on racism. Avra is also a very involved member of her church where she has written newsletter articles dealing with funding for the Black College Fund and the Center for the Victims of Torture. She has family members in Texas and Tennessee. 36 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Dr. Katie Smentek is a Mankato native who attended medical school at the University of Minnesota and completed her residency in pediatrics at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. Not only did she serve as chief resident, she received the Resident of the Year Award that recognizes “the caring, compassionate, and dedicated pediatrician who is a competent, caring, good-humored person who I would want to take care of my children.” In 2007—after moving back to Mankato with her family—she began volunteering in the community. She has served on the boards of directors of the United Way, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, and recently was elected to the board of the Mankato Clinic, where she is a pediatrician. Katie and husband Joe have three kids. She has worked to increase opportunities for all children in the community and to break down barriers that impede children’s development. Katie is excited to be a part of the future of Mankato and help all children grow and thrive. Amy Vokal has been a police officer in Mankato for more than 23 years. She has progressed through the ranks from patrol officer to her current position of Deputy Director of Public Safety for the City of Mankato. In her tenure, Amy has shown commitment and initiative in engaging the refugee and immigrant communities while building cultural awareness and inclusivity within the broader community. She was instrumental in developing the Tapestry Project, an initiative that has empowered refugee and immigrant women. The program has done much to eliminate racism and discrimination by bringing people together and promoting cross-cultural education about the various cultures that make up the population of Mankato. Far-reaching impacts included recruitment of refugee immigrant part-time and reserve police officers, the development of youth mentorship programs—including Cops and Bobbers—and increased cultural competency among local public safety officers. Litchfield native Dana Sikkila received a Masters of Art degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2012. Continuing her education, she is currently enrolled in the Graduate Non-profit Leadership Program at MSU. Sikkila serves as executive director of The 410 Project gallery in Mankato and as artistic director and creator of Black Water Press. Outside of a bakery job—as well as adjunct teaching in the Art Department at MSU—she spends about 30 volunteer hours a week running those organizations. Dana’s focus has been on art, and art involvement within the community. She uses art creation as a catalyst to bring boys and girls—and people of all ages and backgrounds— together in an environment where everyone is valued and given equal opportunity. The Zonta Club of Mankato is part of Zonta International, a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence. Locally, Zonta has supported the YWCA Mankato, Open Door Health Center, Partners for Affordable Housing, CADA, STEM camps, and Habitat for Humanity. The Zonta Club of Mankato is most known for its Fall Fashion Show, Blooming Pretty, Kayaking for a Cause, and its newest event, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. RVW 016647 Relax. It’s Main Street Dental. 016537 Go ahead, dream big. Whether it’s your first home, your dream home or home improvements, Community Bank is ready to help. If you have big plans this year, you owe it to yourself to check out our competitive rates and closing costs. Our bankers can explain all the options we offer and design a plan that frames your dreams beautifully. MONEY MATTERS. WORK SMART. LET COMMUNITY BANK HELP YOU BRING THE TWO TOGETHER. www.cbfg.net MANKATO - SAINT ANDREWS DR. 507.385.4444 MANKATO - MADISON AVE. 507.625.1551 ALYSSA BOWERS VERNON CENTER 507.549.3679 MORTGAGE LENDER AMBOY 507.674.3300 NMLS ID 815776 NMLS ID 670406 Discover a healthier you. DISCOVER PROFILE . ® Join Profile and receive guidance from a certified coach as they help you prepare a personalized meal plan and give you the tools needed to keep your weight loss on track. Call (507) 519-0003 or visit your Mankato Profile store to discover more. If you’re less than excited about your trip to the dentist, relax. We use “gentle-care” dentistry and will do whatever we can to make you comfortable. That’s a promise. profileplan.net 287 St. Andrews Dr., Ste 100 Mankato • 507-720-0250 With additional locations in Blooming Prairie, Owatonna, Rochester and New Richland mainstreetdentalclinics.com 019056-00157 2/15 015894 Tracy lost 50 pounds with Profile. RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 37 Money Talks Spring Organization Into Springtime is a time of new beginnings. This is also the time when many Minnesotans organize aspects of their lives. We are all familiar with the term spring cleaning and while this may mean different things for each of us, I personally try to tackle a few closets, clean out a drawer that wasn’t intended to be a junk drawer, or discover what really is in the back corner of that storage area. The truth is, no one ever gets completely organized; it’s a process, and one all of us have to refine. Still, springtime is a good time to look at the tools we use to organize our lives and see if there are ways we can make things better. I’d suggest that this spring, you allocate some time to organize your financial and insurance documents. I believe that this type of organization is more rewarding and beneficial in your life than addressing any closet chaos. First, gather together all of your insurance and financial statements. You may find these documents in a pile on your desk or it may require you to log onto your online account to print these statements. For most, locating these documents can be the most time consuming aspect. Once you’ve gathered these statements, create an electronic document or file folder that lists: 1. The type of account or policy 2. The policy or account number 3. The company where the insurance or investment is held & more Commercial and Residential Window Coverings Our Showroom is Where your Windows Are! Custom Window Fashions are more affordable than you think! Blinds & More offers stylish window solutions for every budget, and our FREE shop-at-home service makes it easy to coordinate your look. 4 FREE Measurements! 4 FREE Shipping! 4 FREE Consultation! 4 FREE Installation! Buy More Save More! 015833 Up to 5 Window Coverings . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Window Coverings. . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15 Window Coverings . . . . . . . . . . 16+ Window Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . One coupon per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 3-31-15 & more Commercial and Residential Window Coverings Our Showroom is Where Your Windows Are! 38 Save 5% Save 10% Save 15% Save 20% Brook Devenport 507.469.8276 [email protected] www.blindsandmore.biz RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 4. The contact information for the company and/or the name of the financial professional you work with closely 5. A brief account/policy summary such as a policy’s death benefit or current account value 6. On each page, record the date on which the information was last updated. That way, if the copy in your home differs from the one in your office, it’s easy to tell which is the more current. Remember to not only include your personal policies or accounts, but also the benefits provided by your employer, if applicable. Once you’ve completed your list, provide this document to at least one or more of your loved ones either in electronic or paper form, or both. In addition, share with those individuals where you are storing the physical supporting documents, such as policy summaries and annual account statements. Moving forward, make a note to update any changes and share your revised and updated summaries with your loved ones. There are several reasons why this may benefit you and the ones you love. First of all, bringing this data together will help you visualize where you are standing from both a financial planning and insurance protection standpoint. You may find yourself thinking, “I thought I had more life insurance than that,” or “I have more in my 401(k) than I thought, maybe I should review what I’m invested in,” or “after what happened to my friend, John, I should really look into disability income insurance.” If any of these types of thoughts do enter your mind, this would be a great time to reach out to a financial professional. With all of your information pulled together, the financial professional can see the whole picture of what you have and make recommendations based on the needs you express. Compiling these documents may also greatly help the ones you love. If something were to happen to you, it could be a huge burden for your loved ones to sift through stacks of paper deciding who or what company needs to be contacted. Worse yet, if in our electronic era there are no papers to review, where do they even start to look? You could look at this potential situation as another beneficial reason to work with a financial professional. That individual’s job is to explain your coverage and assist in completing what can seem like a mountain of overwhelming paperwork, while providing the comfort of a trusted, friendly smile. As I embark on my spring cleaning and updating any needed changes on my personal financial and insurance summary, I hope you will do the same. Cheers to springtime in Minnesota, and the start to new, more organized beginnings. RVW Carolyn Mager, Managing Director/Princor Registered Representative/Financial Advisor, The Principal Financial Group® Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in New York), Principal Life Insurance Company, and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network, Inc. Securities and advisory products offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, the Preferred Product Network, and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. t15011303kg Carolyn can be reached at: mager. [email protected] or 507.351.6058. Home Improvements Save your receipts for tax savings When most people think about making improvements to their home, they think about choosing the right finishes, flooring types and paint colors. Unfortunately, many homeowners tend to neglect one of the most important home-improvement tasks: keeping track of their receipts. What’s so important about saving this information, you ask? Besides giving yourself a valuable record, knowing the total cost of your home-improvement projects could save you money when selling your home, thanks to a certain tax rule. Here’s what you should know about the rule, and why saving your receipts could result in significant tax savings. What does the tax rule entail? The tax rule allows you to add capital improvements to the cost basis of your home. For example, if you purchased your home for $200,000 and recorded $50,000 worth of capital improvements over the years, the cost basis of your home is $250,000. If you sell your home for $500,000, you have a capital gain of $250,000. Tara Torseth, CPA, MBT Manager Christine Powers, CPA Partner 11 Civic Center Plaza Suite 300 Mankato, MN 507.625.2727 www.aemcpas.com Most people can exclude from income up to $250,000 of gain for single filers ($500,000 for joint filers) on the sale of their personal residence. To qualify, you must meet two criteria: 1) You have owned and used your home two out of the last five years as your principal residence; 2) You have not sold a principal residence in the last two years. It’s important to note that the rule applies only to capital improvements. By definition, a capital improvement increases your home’s value, whereas a non-eligible repair returns something to its original condition. A capital improvement must last longer than one year, and must prolong the life of the home or adapt it to new users. Also, the improvement must still be there when you sell. For example, if you installed new flooring 15 years ago and replaced it right before you listed your home, the flooring from 15 years ago wouldn’t count as a capital improvement. What happens if you don’t keep your receipts? If you had not recorded your improvements in the scenario described above, you would have recorded a gain of $300,000. And since $250,000 is the gain exclusion for a single taxpayer, your net capital gain would have totaled $50,000. Assuming you are in the 15% capital gain bracket, you would be paying $7,500 in federal taxes, plus state taxes. Now, you are probably thinking that your house will never sell for a gain of $250,000 or $500,000. But you never know—if you live in your home for several years, the cost of home improvements can add up. The few extra minutes it takes to keep everything filed in one place could save you a great deal of money. Do you own a lake cabin or a vacation home? The same tax rule applies to your cabin or vacation home. Unfortunately, the gain exclusion of $250,000 for single filers ($500,000 for joint filers) usually does not apply, since you may have not used the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years. For this reason, it’s especially important to keep receipts relating to any improvements you make to these types of homes. Designate a “Home Improvement” folder for your receipts After you choose your favorite finishes and paint hues, choose a suitable folder (or safe-keeping place) in which to save your home-improvement receipts. Even if you’re not sure if the improvement qualifies as a capital improvement, throw it in your trusty folder. You can always sort through them later if you sell your property for a gain. Good luck with your home improvement projects, and remember—when it comes to saving receipts (and choosing a paint color, for that matter), it’s better to be safe than sorry! RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 paid advertisement 39 016609 Money Talks How Home Improvements Can Increase Your Home’s Value Does your house need some work? Certain renovations can pay back handsomely if you sell, while others add little to a home’s value. Before hiring a contractor or doing the job yourself, find out which projects are sound investments. Renovation hits Some renovations that provide the biggest bang for the buck aren’t obvious. For instance, nearly 97% of the costs of installing a steel entry door are recouped on average at resale, according to a recent Remodeling Magazine study. Fancy new garage doors also did well, adding about 83% of their cost to the home’s value. Another surprising winner turns out to be adding a bedroom in an attic space, providing a value boost equal to 84% of the cost. Remodeling or finishing a basement comes close, with a return of almost 78%. less is often more. Replacing cabinet faces, the stove, countertops and the floor covering should return about 83% of the cost. That percentage drops to 74% if you add an island, fancier cabinets and lighting. Going whole-hog with things such as stone counters, builtin appliances and a cork floor provides the lowest value, only adding about 64% of the cost. Worthy bathroom projects DIY Network found that repainting can also be a value booster, but with a bit of a caveat. New wall or siding coatings could backfire and actually cut your home’s appeal if you use unpopular colors. Play it safe with soft, neutral shades and avoid anything too harsh or intense. Nice new bathrooms also impress house hunters, so improvements can be wise investments. As with kitchens, though, less often yields more. If you replace the fixtures and add a tile floor, you’ll recoup about 73% of the cost if you sell the house. A much more extensive overhaul and expansion, including separate shower and tub, and an enclosed toilet, may cost three times as much and return just 64% of your investment. Adding a bathroom doesn’t pay back quite as well, at around 60%. Best kitchen projects Outdoor payback Almost all homebuyers love a modern, updated kitchen. When it comes to what you’ll recoup from renovating your kitchen, however, Improvements to your home’s exterior can also pack a good punch. New siding can return about 78% with standard vinyl, or 87% if you : 015990 By YES. YOU. CAN. o ns o Sp d re It Pays to Bank Where You're Part Owner! ® 2 Mankato Locations Over 5,000 Locations Nationwide NMLSR ID 504185 40 www.mnvalleyfcu.coop 507-387-3055 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Mortgage Auto Savings Checking Small Business use a fiber-cement type. Replacing windows is also an excellent choice, boosting the house’s value by as much as 79%. Adding a stylish new deck can do more than make the outdoors more comfortable. A wood deck returns an average 87% in added value, while a longer-lasting material such as composite boards costs more but adds less, about 65% of its cost. Renovation flops Some projects might seem like good ideas at first but don’t add much value. Converting a bedroom into an office doesn’t do much to wow homebuyers, nor does converting a garage into a bedroom. Most house hunters prefer having a garage. Other projects that don’t have much payback include wallpapering, screening in a porch and adding luxury kitchen features (except in a high-end home). Take ConTrol of your home Smart financing Security • Lighting • HVAC • Music Universal Remote Control If you don’t have cash available to pay for a project, a lender may be able to provide home equity financing or a personal loan so you can start planning your home improvements. Before you know it, you can be on your way to transforming your living space and boosting your home’s value as well. RVW Roberta Pescow, NerdWallet and Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union. 510 Sibley St., Mankato, Mn 008742 www.ecsmankato.com For a free estimate call 388-3271 PROTECT DREAMS PROTECT THE THE DREAMS OFOF YOUR ARTIST. YOUR FUTURE FUTURE ARTIST. you’ve put put off about life life insurance, stop for a for a If Ifyou’ve offthinking thinking about insurance, stop minute to think about how much your children depend minute to think about how much your children depend on you for food, a home, their future ... and a place on you for food, a home, their future ... and a place to hang their art. Can you think of a better reason to tocontact hang their art. Can you think of a better reason to me today? contact me today? Lynn Lodes 147 South Main Crystal, MN 56055 LynnLake Lodes 147 South Main 507-726-2001 Lake Crystal, MN 56055 507-726-2001 Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, A U Tproviders O |of Farm H OBureau M EFinancial | LServices I F E LI150C‐ML‐1 | B U (2‐14) SINESS | COLLEGE | RETIREMENT IA. *Company 016621 AUTO | HOME | LIFE | BUSINESS | COLLEGE | RETIREMENT Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services LI150C‐ML‐1 (2‐14) 013123 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 41 Money Talks by Suze Orman Photo by R. Trachtenberg Let’s Not Sell Young Retirement Savers Short If we really think young adults can’t save for both at once-a point A recent paper from the influential Research Affiliates investment management firm (more than $140 billion in assets managed) takes the I am not suggesting is true-then at the very least let’s provide good advice: Always save in a 401(k) that offers you a matching contribuprovocative stance that young adults saving for retirement should not start out with a large portion of their money invested in stocks. tion, but limit your contribution to what you need to max out on the I respectfully disagree. match. And w (I also One key point of the want all 401(k) savers Plan on never touching that 401(k) until retirement paper is that young adults to understand that have a tendency to cash even if they were to file out their 401(k)s when they for bankruptcy, their are laid off. Given that layoffs are most prevalent during a recession401(k) savings will not be touched; all money in a 401(k) is protected in when stock values are falling-the last thing a young person wants is a bankruptcy.) With that long-term horizon, let’s do a better job making portfolio that has sharply declined in value right when they need it. a case for the long-term benefits of having a heavy allocation to stocks But that just seems to concede that cashing out a 401(k) is a fact in your younger years. of life, and is somehow okay. It is not okay. I don’t think we need to Then all additional retirement saving should be done in a Roth IRA. change the portfolio mix for young retirement savers. We need to All contributions one makes to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any change the mindset of young workers that their 401(k) is not sometime without any tax or penalty; just earnings are subject to both. That’s a better back up emergency fund. RVW thing to be raided. And that’s a two-step process. First: We need to show every young adult who wants to take a withdrawal, the opportunity cost of pulling that money out. If we are really being honest that we care about the future of our young adults, and if employers are really serious about wanting to help employees build retirement security, that requires a bit more than lip service. Educating young adults about the damage of early withdrawals is really low hanging fruit. Why can’t every request for an early withdrawal immediately trigger a message that shows an estimate of what the participant will pocket after paying tax and the 10% early withdrawal penalty and also show an estimate of what the existing balance could grow to by the time that person turns 70, assuming a conservative rate of return of say 4%? And let’s require the participant acknowledge they received this information, and then ask them again if they still want to make the withdrawal. It’s just a nudge. They are still in control. But it forces them to make an informed decision based on facts, not emotion. Second: We need to do better at encouraging young adults to build an emergency savings account. When you have money set aside for layoffs, or whatever, you will be less inclined to raid your retirement money. The Research Affiliates piece also advocates for this. Where we disagree is that Research Affiliates suggests that the retirement account first start as a safety account: that it be invested conservatively until the balance is equal to six months income. I think it’s best to keep the two distinct goals in two distinct accounts, and invest each accordingly. A 401(k) is a horrible rainy day fund: you must pay income tax on 100% of the withdrawn amount and a 10% early withdrawal penalty. I don’t think it’s asking too much of twentysomethings to have them start building an emergency fund by making automatic deposits from their paycheck or checking account into a savings account. I know plenty of twenty somethings doing just that. And if and when they need to tap it, there’s no 10% penalty and the only tax is on interest earned, which these days is nil. 42 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Comment on our Readers R ave post on Facebook for your chance to win Hacker’s TREEFARM GREENHOUSE NURSERY This Month’s Winner is Andrew JAcoby! He wins a private planting class for 4 people. A $160 value! 015631 011350 236618 1609 N. Riverfront Dr. Suite 105 Mankato, MN 507.381.5467 bodyconceptsmankato.com Experience the Largest Pet Store & Pet Resort in Minnesota! The Paw 1741 Premier Drive Mankato 507-625-7070 Pet Expo 1800 Adams St. Mankato 507-625-2505 Features: • Group Blocks • Meeting Room • Complimentary Breakfast • Kiddie Pool, Swimming Pool & Hot Tub 2051 Adams Street, Mankato MN 56001 Reservations 507-388-1880 015630 Restore. Restyle. Recreate. We are an occasional shop with a unique blend of home decor including refinished furniture, vintage decor, retail items and Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint and Fusion Furniture Paint. Open March 13-14 Hours: Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5 213 S. Minnesota St. New Ulm, MN 507.276.4505 www.number213.com 012701 Dog SupplieS, Cat SupplieS, FiSh, Small animalS, WilD BirDS, Body Concepts SWimming, CageD reptileS 236652 Day Care, grooming, BoarDing, BirDS, niss Readers R ave . . . RVW Rewards! A Beautiful Way to Flower Your Day! 885 E Madison Ave., Mankato 507-387-7908 www.hilltopflorist.com It pays to get good grades... Find out how you can save by insuring your home and auto with Auto-Owners Insurance! DAVID HIRTH INSURANCE AGENCY New Ulm • 507-359-8989 www.NoProblemDave.com 012766 015844 012607 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 43 Photos by Alika Faythe Get cool at Nicklasson athletic! Make sure you check out our great selection of shoes, gym apparel, casual apparel, sports gear, duffle bags and so much more. We have brands from Under Armour, Asics, New Balance, Saucony & more. We carry a full selection of Under Armour apparel and shoes in Men’s, Ladies, and Youth sizes. Check out our great selection of shoes and apparel, for any sport or workout. NicklassoN athletic 1217 South Broadway, New Ulm Phone 507-354-8586 Toll Free 800-228-6425 (NICK) nicklassonathletic.com STore HoUrS: Mon: 8am - 8pm; Tue - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat. 9am - 4pm 249663 Encore 44 016526 Consignment 311 N. RiveRfRoNt DR., MaNkato, MN 507.386.0861 www.eNcoReMaNkato.coM HouRs: M-f 10-6isH; sat. 10-4isH; suN. 12-4isH RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 & Bridal Boutique Spring Boutique Week Please join the Shops & Boutiques of Thurs, Fri & saT: Classes & Events Fri pm: Fashion Show saT am: Jewelry & Accessories Bruch New Ulm April 16th -18th for the Second Annual Boutique Week!!! Visit www.newulm.com for more details 016091 016600 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 45 016021 before After mucosAl eyeliner before After eyeliner And lips After lAsh enhAncement with purple mucosAl Enhance Your Natural Beauty • EyEbrow • EyElinEr • bEauty marks • Full lip Mention this ad - Get 10% OFF eye liner Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing by Staci Lowe 46 www.permanentcosmeticsbystaci.com RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 507-388-7500 — Gift cards available — 13 Years Experience • Licensed by State of Minnesota Mankato, MN www.salon07/lowe.html 016523 Be Well Stretching Women are more prone to sports injuries than men because women have a wider pelvis, which puts added stress on the hip joints. The Q-Angle is the angle at which the femur (upper leg bone) meets the tibia (lower leg bone). The normal Q-Angle in men is 14 degrees and in women it’s 17 degrees. A higher Q-Angle often results in abnormal tracking of the patella (knee cap) which over time can cause microtrauma to the cartilage on the backside of the patella and foot pronation which causes hip, knee and foot pain. Since this is a large reason why women have more hip, knee, and foot pain than men, it is best to try to prevent these injuries by stretching the IT Band, Psoas, and Glute muscles of the lower body. Here are a few ways to stretch those areas: 1. Sit on the floor with your palms flat on the floor, spaced a few inches behind your butt. Bend your knees up and place the soles of your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Take your left foot and place your left ankle across your right knee. Drop your knee toward the floor, rotating at the hip in a sort of half-butterfly position. Hold the stretch for at least 25 seconds, and gradually try to get your knee closer to the ground. Repeat with the other leg. of the lower body and why it is so important for females 2. While standing, take your left leg, bent at the knee, and place it in front of you. Take your right leg and straighten it as best as you can behind you. You’ll be in a semi-split position, except your front leg is bent. You might need to drop your knee, bend your torso forward and use your arms for support. You want to feel the stretch in the outside of your hip area, so lean forward and slightly to the left as you hold this stretch. Hold for at least 25 seconds. Repeat with the right leg in front. 3. Use the foam roller along the IT band (from the hip to the knee) back and forth over a stiff and sensitive area, for about 30-60 seconds, 3-4 days per week. For an injury free area use the roller for about 5-10 minutes 3-4 times per week. Icing afterwards will help decrease any soreness that may occur from using the foam roller. Lower body issues, such as IT Band, Psoas, and Glutes, are very common in women athletes, but being proactive is the key to preventing any injury and keeping you in the activities you love. RVW Dr. Tjode Mickelson, D.C. Mankato Chiropractic Center Dr. Angela Schuck Dr. Keith Flack Your Community Mental Health Center Celebrating over 40 Years of Service in the River Valley Area You Deserve Comfortable Care Every Time. Providing Mental Health Services to Children, Adolescents and Adults New Ulm, St. Peter, N. maNkato, Gaylord, St. JameS & FairmoNt For appointments call 507-354-3181 or toll-free 1-800-247-2809 www.siouxtrails.org 24 Hour Crisis Line 800-247-2809 016369 • Sedation - Complete Relaxation with Just a Pill • Invisalign - Clear Alternative to Braces • Lumineers - No Fear Cosmetic Veneers • Implants - Placement and Restoration • Cerec - One Visit Crown Technology • Extreme Makeover Whitening • 3D Imaging with Fewer X-Rays • Cosmetic Enhancements • Drill-free Technology • Emergency Care 1400 Lookout Drive, North Mankato 507-625-CARE(2273) • mankatodentist.com 302300 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 47 Be Well Beat the burn heartburn, that is At least 40 million Americans suffer from heartburn. Most have only mild or occasional symptoms. However, about 15 million need medication on a daily basis to control that burning sensation. What is heartburn? The feeling varies from person to person, but most people complain about a burning sensation in the chest, near the level of the heart. Occasionally, the pain is lower, near the bottom of the breastbone or sternum. Real heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, but the location of the pain often requires that we make sure the heart is not involved. The accepted medical term for the problem that causes heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It’s also commonly referred to as acid reflux. What causes heartburn? Quite simply, acid reflux refers actually have food get completely stuck on the way down, requiring removal by their doctor. What are symptoms of heartburn? Heartburn, and a number of other complications of acid reflux, can vary from mild to severe, disabling pain. Other symptoms are usually associated with damage and scarring caused by the acid. These might include ulcers of the esophagus from the acid, causing worsening pain. Sometimes scarring occurs, which can actually partially block the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing. Some people Are there long-term risks? Rarely, acid reflux can cause changes in the lining of the esophagus that are actually precancerous. This does not mean that cancer will occur. However, it does mean that some people end up with a higher chance of cancer than the average. In the end result, the main question is, “When should I see my doctor?” Clearly, most people with heartburn don’t need a doctor to help them. These are the people with mild, rare symptoms that are easily controlled with occasional over-the-counter medications. However, if you or a loved one has recurring, frequent heartburn, especially when it is not getting better with the usual over-thecounter medications, you should consider seeing your doctor. Most importantly, if you are having trouble swallowing, having pain with swallowing or having food get stuck on the way down, seeing your doctor is essential. While cancer in this area is uncommon, if it occurs, finding it right away is the key to the cure. Most people have benign acid reflux that is easily treated with medication. Often the medication can be temporary until the irritation is healed. For some people, long-term medication is needed. Rarely, an operation to prevent acid reflux is necessary. RVW For more information, visit www. mayoclinichealthsystem.org. LeRoy Hodges, M.D., is a Mayo Clinic Health System general surgeon. to acid from the stomach flowing backwards up into the esophagus, also known as the swallowing tube. As most people know, the stomach makes acid to help digest our food. The lining of the stomach is built to withstand the effects of acid. The acid is supposed to travel downstream into the small intestine along with the food being digested and absorbed. Therefore, the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum, also handles acid quite well. Unfortunately, the lining of the esophagus is not made to withstand acid. For most people, this is not a problem. Normally, a valve at the end of the esophagus prevents acid from refluxing, or flowing upstream, into the esophagus. When this valve fails, heartburn often results. Another factor for some people may be the presence of a hiatal hernia. This occurs when the opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes from the chest into the belly becomes enlarged, allowing part of the stomach to slide up into the chest. This interferes with the function of the valve at the beginning of the stomach, leading to acid reflux and heartburn. 48 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 a t e G e v o m o n! Popping, cracking, grinding, and knee pain during or after movement when performing daily activities can be an indication of osteoarthritis. Knee pain associated with arthritis affects 34% of adults aged 65+ and 16% of adults 45+ which can have an impact on activities of daily living. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory condition that can affect any joint in the body, but is more likely in the weight bearing joints such as the knees or the hips. Over time, the cartilage that usually provides a protective layer between the bones in the joint can wear down causing increased friction between the joint surfaces. There is no cure for this condition, Motion is lotion for the joints but with proper management you can perform daily activities with less difficulty. Common risk factors for osteoarthritis are obesity, previous injury, overuse, and muscle weakness. Higher level sports that involve direct contact or twisting of joints may also place you at risk, but moderate running is not believed to cause OA in the knees. Symptoms of OA include swelling, pain with repetitive activity, and stiffness following prolonged sitting. You may also hear crepitus, or joint noises, which occurs when the roughened joint surfaces are rubbed together during activity. Inflammation and swelling could also be present not only in the joint, but also throughout the surrounding muscles. Management of this condition requires consistent exercise with focus on strength training and flexibility exercises. A physical therapist can also prescribe braces that can be worn during recreational or daily activities to reduce stress on the joint. Strength training is a critical aspect of an exercise program as this can reduce the amount of stress placed on the joint surfaces and normalize movement patterns. Alternate physical activities such as biking, swimming, or walking to vary the strain placed throughout the joints. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important in reducing undue forces throughout the joints. Utilizing ice prior to activity may help to diminish swelling which will allow for less pain during activities. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is important to prevent a further decline in function and will also assist in weight management. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition and beginning an exercise program for continued self management can help to prevent a rapid decline in function. Staying active with an exercise program that focuses on strength and flexibility training can reduce stress throughout the joint and allow for decreased pain during activity. Motion is lotion for the joints, so get out there and get moving! RVW Katie Swanson, PT, DPT Wenger Physical Therapy Total Family Care Welcoming new patients of all ages-- infants, children, teens, pregnant mothers, adults, and elderly. Dr. Jennifer Stuvek “I am new to the greater Mankato community and am excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to the area. I specialize in working with children and expectant mothers.” Hours: Monday 8-12 and 1-5 • Tuesday 1-6 • Wednesday 8-11 • Thursday 1-6 • Friday 8-12 • Saturdays by Appointment Now Open on Madison Avenue in Mankato! 1051 Madison Avenue Ste 2, Mankato MN 507.625.1085 For more info. visit aurorachiropractic.org 236990 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 49 I recently saw that the show The Odd Couple is returning to TV. The premise of the show is two friends sharing an apartment with each being on a different end of the spectrum of “cleanliness and order.” While in the show, these issues are portrayed as funny, in real life, this isn’t the case. After finances and children, a person’s home is one of the most commonly discussed topics among friends, family and even sometimes in therapy. No matter how much we love the people we live with, differences in how our home is maintained can bring about numerous heated and serious arguments. It can be difficult to ignore individual differences and find a compromise so a family can live peacefully. There are two ends of the continuum of “clean.” On one end is the person with obsessive compulsive disorder. This person has to have everything in its place and everything has to be perfectly clean. I once knew a man who constantly brushed off crumbs from his counters, even when I could see no crumbs. He would walk behind his children and straighten the pillows on the couch when they moved to another room. No mail or papers of any kind were allowed to be placed on the counters in the kitchen or on the dining room table. You could feel his anxiety when an object was put somewhere it did not belong. This is not the measure of clean or lack of clutter that most of us can or want to live with on a daily basis. The individual described above is someone who has an obsessive compulsive disorder with cleanliness. Individuals with OCD can be compulsive and often are aware of their behaviors. They recognize that their behavior impacts family and friends, but find it difficult to refrain from these behaviors because the repetitive actions ease their anxiety. The good news is that individuals who experience OCD can be successful in decreasing these behaviors with therapy. On the other end of the continuum of clean and clutter free is hoarding. Because of reality TV, many people are more familiar with hoarding. Hoarding is a compulsive behavior whereby an individual acquires and keeps items that may have no value or that they do not need. Their behavior is excessive and the individual has an unwillingness or inability to get rid of these objects that they have acquired. I was visiting a friend in another state a few years ago and was astonished to see all the stacks of objects around her home. I thought she must be in the middle of a big move or something to have such a cluttered house. I visited her again after a couple of years only to discover that her next home was equally full of objects stacked all over beds, chairs, tables, on the floor so much that there was only a small trail through her home. While visiting her, she came home one day and showed me a child’s bow and arrow that she had bought at a garage sale on her way home. The small wooden bow was broken almost in half. She placed it on top of one of the stacks and said, “I might be able to fix this someday.” Many people with hoarding behaviors do not recognize their behaviors or admit there is a problem. This can negatively impact or cause friction in their relationships with friends and family. Many hoarders will eventually not allow others into their homes so they can’t see how bad the problem has become. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often cover their windows with paper or leave their shades drawn at all times so no one can see into their home to see the chaos and clutter. The hoarding behavior can become so severe that the individual’s health and safety may be at risk. Homes become so cluttered that items are stacked in chairs, on beds and often even in sinks. There is no place for anyone to sit or sleep. Dirty dishes cannot be washed and put away. Odors and bacteria grow in the rooms and the individual may stop showering because his or her shower is also filled with objects. When a person’s home becomes this cluttered and there is no place to walk, the individual is at a greater risk of falling and getting injured. In the event of a fire, first responders cannot see or locate who is in the home, putting both the homeowner and the responders at great risk. Individuals who suffer from hoarding behaviors frequently are depressed, anxious or may be dependent on alcohol or other drugs. Hoarding is now classified as a mental disorder and has very specific symptoms which can be treated with therapy. However, individuals suffering with a hoarding disorder are less likely to seek professional help until family or friends intervene. The continuum of clutter and cleanliness is wide. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle. Unlike so many other aspects of our lives, the amount of clutter and cleanliness of our home is something most of us can control. Co-existing peacefully with your significant other and family can be achieved with some discussion, goals, and compromise. After all, home is our sanctuary, where we all come to unwind from the stress and nourish our souls. RV W lix? e F . s v r a Osc Compromise is key The continuum of clutter and cleanliness is wide. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle. 50 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Catherine Job MA, MBA, LPC Executive Director Sioux Trails Mental Health Center Is Your Home Cat Friendly? T here is no doubt that it is much safer for a cat to live indoors, too many dangerous situations can arise for outdoor cats. However, too often we see behavior problems and medical conditions in cats that are directly related to indoor environmental stressors. How can a cat be stressed when provided with a warm home, food, and love? Actually it is very easy for an indoor cat to be stressed when there is not enough environmental enrichment that cats need. Unfortunately, often cats are housed in environments that lack stimulation and do not provide adequate resources that cats require to be happy. If a cat is stressed, often it will reflect in unwanted behaviors such as inappropriate elimination of urine or stool, over grooming, or even aggression towards people or other pets. Stress can even predispose cats to some serious medical conditions. What can we do to make our home cat friendly? There are several core requirements for the home environment that are based on normal cat instincts. Cats by nature spend much of their time hunting for food, they are also territorial animals that can feel threatened if their territory is disturbed, they have a superior sense of smell, and they need to feel safe. Often times, the environment we provide for cats is based on our convenience and lifestyle, and not in the best interest of a cat’s normal behavior. We need to make our cats feel safe in their home, and that requires providing areas that a cat can retreat to if it feels threatened. Ideally, the safe space should be big enough for only the cat to fit, should have sides around it and be raised off the ground. Cats naturally like being up high so they can see what is going around them, therefore raised cat perches with enclosed areas are a great safe place. However, cardboard boxes or even cat carriers can provide the comfort a cat may seek. Having a safe place to retreat to is especially important in a home with other pets or children that the cat wants to escape from. Cats by nature are predators and spend much of their awake hours hunting. Many house cats are free fed taking away the natural desire to hunt for food. This practice leads to boredom, obesity, and sometimes pent up aggression. There are easy ways to provide an outlet for predatory behavior. Interactive toys such as feathers on a wand can help cats fulfill their need to hunt. Be sure to let the cat catch the “prey” sometimes so they do not get frustrated. Never use your hands as a “toy” for a kitten as it can lead to inappropriate biting later on. The use of food puzzles help mimic the act of hunting and can be great entertainment for cats. A simple homemade food puzzle can be made from an egg carton. Just take an empty egg carton and sprinkle some dry kibble in the carton, close the lid, and let your cat try to get the pieces of food out through the carton openings. Even hiding little bits of kibble around the house can simulate hunting and provide entertainment. Litter box issues are a common behavioral complaint from cat owners, and often the problem is due to inappropriate location and maintenance of the box. However, be sure to have your cat examined by a veterinarian if it is inappropriately eliminating to rule out any underlying medical issues. Litter boxes need to be in quiet, easily accessible places. They should not be next to food or water or next to any loud appliances such as washers and dryers. The general rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one, this is essential in a multi-cat household. It is very important that they are scooped daily and emptied weekly. These are just a few simple suggestions to make for a happier cat in your house. Other ideas can easily be found online at indoorpet. osu.edu and aspca.org. These are great websites that offer insight into the natural behavior of cats and ways to provide an enriched environment for indoor cats. Unfortunately, undesired behaviors are a common reason cat owners may relinquish or even consider euthanizing their pets. Many cats are even on the anti-anxiety drug Prozac to help with the underlying stress and anxiety that contributes to behavior problems. If you feel your cat is having behavioral issues, contact your veterinarian for advice as soon as possible as the longer the behavior is going on, the harder it can be to change it. RV W Julie Berndt, DVM Minnesota Valley Pet Hospital, Mankato RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 51 Treasures. . . Discover your treasure at the many fun and unique shops in our Minnesota River Valley communities! You never know what you might find... for a special gift, or just because. Unique Island Details This kitchen island is functional AND beautiful. Customizable to complement any kitchen scheme, this piece will inspire and impress! Route 1 Interiors 101 S. Minnesota Street, Downtown New Ulm. 507-354-8025 www.route1interiors.com Variety is the spice of life And you’ll find it at Puhlmann’s with an array of carpet brands, styles and colors. Put a little spring in your step--and under it! Puhlmann Lumber & Design 301 1st S. St. New Ulm 507-354-4914 www.puhlmannlumber.com 52 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Plumbing Fashions extend to all types of home fixtures. Carry your design through to your faucets or shower heads now on display! Lights On Madison 1351 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 345-8771 www.lightsonmadison.com Add warmth and style to your home with a woven rug from Park Designs. Rugs are available in many colors to suit your home. LAMBRECHTS 119 North Minnesota Street New Ulm, MN 56073 www.lambrechtsgifts.net 507.233.4350 Clocks Time for an update in your home? Try a decorative time piece to add design, color, and function to your new space! The Design Element 1351 Madison Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 345-8708 www.thedesignelement.net Not Just Fireplaces! Discover our collection of art and decor, like this large stunning 3-piece wall art set. Glowing Hearth & Home 241 St. Andrews Drive Mankato, MN 507.345.8084 More Than Stationery! Spring accessories are here in a bright array of colors. Chase away the winter blahs with our fun array of jewelry, scarves and home décor. The Stationery and Gift Store by Carlson Craft 1750 Tower Blvd. ● North Mankato, MN 507-625-0547 email: [email protected] Show Off Your German pride with a New Ulm Germans Have More Fun shirt! Sweatshirts: $30, T-Shirts: $15. Available for purchase at the New Ulm Visitor Center 1 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN 56073 507-233-4300 newulm.com Be inspired to use color, style, and fabric to transform your rooms with our internationally known Jonathon Louis brand. You can artfully reflect your home’s expression with fashion-forward design, top quality construction, and affordable prices. Visit with us today at Rooms and Rest to discover all the possibilities that await. Rooms and Rest 1760 Madison Ave., Mankato, MN 507-218-0030 roomsandrest.com Who Doesn’t Love New Ulm?! Decorate your home or office with this vintage-looking New Ulm Sign. 15.5” diameter, $40. Available for purchase at the New Ulm Visitor Center 1 N. Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN 56073. 507-233-4300 newulm.com Clocks, Art, Rugs & More! Find a great selection of accessories at New Ulm Furniture Co. in Downtown New Ulm. Framed & canvas art, area rugs, ottomans, clocks, accessories, lamps and more are available in a variety of colors and styles. Add colorful decor to brighten up your home! New Ulm Furniture 16 N. German St., Downtown New Ulm www.newulmfurniture.com 507-354-2716 Reasons to eat Zoet Premium Belgian Dark Chocolate 57% Cacao 1. Sweetly luxurious, indulgent and satisfying 2. Cures your chocolate craving better than milk chocolate. 3. Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 4. Pairs perfectly with fruits, nuts, cheese, wine and coffee. 5. Made with high-quality cocoa beans Hy-Vee Hilltop 2010 Adams St., Mankato, MN 507.625.9070 Hy-Vee Riverfront 410 S. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 507.625.1107 Be Inspired! Wow that someone special, or treat yourself, by visiting THE place for home decor and furnishings. We also feature a bridal registry for area couples. Our showroom is a destination place! “Big city showroom at small town prices.” Nordaas Home Interiors 10091 State Hwy. 22 Minnesota Lake, MN 56068 800-658-7076 nordaashomes.com RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 53 Plant a Tree, Prune a Tree I’m not an arborist, but I’m always eager to understand trees more fully. In fact, when my friends make fun of me for geeking out about trees, it’s confusing to me. Trees are so cool! Why wouldn’t you want to know everything about them?! Anyway, I recently attended a landscaping industry trade show where I learned a lot about tree care, and I’d love to share my new knowledge with you. arden Ga l• G RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 l•G Ga en G d ar Garden Gal • l •G Ga Many people seem to believe that trees don’t need pruning, and they base this assumption on the rationale that no one prunes trees in the wilderness. But trees are a rather evolved groups of organisms, and they generally take care of themselves in their natural habitats. Think of a forest: for example, a dense stand of pines in Northern Minnesota. The trunks – rows and rows of them – are very straight and upright, linear and tall, each singular tree reaching vertically for sunlight. This is how most trees are meant to grow. Since they have to compete with each other for light, they have no choice but to have one dominant trunk and one dominant top branch (called a “leader”). The lower branches are often limited in where they can grow because there are other trees physically blocking them and/ or their required light. Therefore, they don’t get very wide and the lower branches don’t get as heavy as they might on a tree growing alone in the middle of a front yard. Also, depending on the species, trees might “self prune” by shedding their own dead branches. When we plant single trees in our yards, they grow differently. They don’t have as many space or light limitations as their forested kin, so they reach luxuriously outwards. As a result, their lower branches are thick and heavy, which makes them more prone to breaking off under stress (wind, ice, etc.). They also might develop “codominant leaders,” which are top branches that grow parallel to one another. Codominant leaders are also highly susceptible to breakage. As tree-owners, it’s important to do whatever we can to prevent bad things from happening to our trees! Under this mindset, pruning young trees is necessary, not optional. 54 Something I hadn’t ever thought about (before the trade show education sessions) is the fact that tree branch height never changes. Branches get wider and also create new growth at their tips; the existing branches and trunk don’t stretch upwards. This means that if you don’t prune the lower branches off of a tree, they will continue to exist at the height they are already at. Of course, as the tree matures, it is possible to prune accordingly, limbing it up as it gets obtrusive. But larger branches leave larger wounds, which take longer to heal, so it’s best to prune when trees have youthful vigor. It’s helpful to decide on a permanent canopy height for your tree. Large shade trees (especially those planted on a boulevard) should have about twelve feet of trunk before they branch out. The ultimate canopy height of your tree will also depend on how tall its surrounding structures are (a.k.a. your house). It’s unlikely that your new tree will be twelve feet tall already, and even if it is, you shouldn’t cut off all of the lower branches right away. Instead, you should view these branches as temporary ones, realizing that you will eventually cut them off completely. The next step is identifying and encouraging the dominant central leader. If there are several codominant leaders reaching up vertically from the tip of the trunk, choose one and cut off the others. Even if the branch you choose isn’t perfectly straight, it will eventually straighten itself out as it grows. Finally, you should reduce the length of the horizontal branches, especially those toward the bottom that are already thick and heavy. These cuts are called “reduction cuts,” and they help reduce the weight of the temporary branches so that they don’t get too heavy and break off. There’s so much to learn about tree pruning! Please prune according to what is best for your exact species of tree; you’ll have to do some research. Many university extension offices have online publications to help you out, and it’s definitely never a bad idea to ask for an expert opinion. Proper pruning will set your tree up for a long life! al • G a r de n Why prune? How to prune nG de ar al • Gard en Many homeowners plant young trees, which is great. Younger trees experience less transplant shock than older trees do, so they grow quickly and healthily. Personally, I’ve planted countless young trees for my clients. I’ve always felt confident that they would thrive for many years, as long as my clients participate in watering them the proper amounts during the crucial first few years. Unfortunately, aside from food and water and sunlight (which you might think are the only important factors), I’ve ignored one of these trees’ most important needs. What it comes down to is this: trees in home landscapes need pruning. Laura Schwarz, a New Ulm native, is a horticulturist with Tangletown Gardens in Minneapolis. Wedding Winter is a Great Time to Be in the Pool! invitations & accessories • Dock Jumping • Learn to Swim & Love Water • Great for Cardio, Joint Health & Weight Loss Lessons Provided! 1750 Tower Blvd., North Mankato M-F 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 507.625.0547 www.stationerygift.carlsoncraft.com Ask us how to get 30% OFF your next order! 236964 1741 Premier Drive Mankato 507-625-7070 thepawmankato.com 016598 016591 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 55 No Appointment??? No Problem!!! Connections . . . $24.95 standard oil change (includes oil and filter) $34.95 syntheic blend (includes oil and filter) Visit us online at mykwchevy.com for exclusive service promotions and offers! Kohls Weelborg Chevrolet 1430 Westridge Road, New Ulm, MN 56073 Call 507-233-2000 | 888-507-7236 Toll Free 016203 Providing a link between business owners and thousands of readers each month. Post or pick up virtual business cards here! Kohls Weelborg Chevrolet is now offering oil changes with no appointment neCessary! We will get you in, out and on your way. Mention this ad & save 10% • Trees • Shrubs • Landscaping & Much More! 016068 Interpreting and Translation Services River Creek Nursery New Ulm • 1200 South Front St. • 354-6001 Many Languages, One Company, One Voice www.linguaone.com Call today for all your chiropractic needs 016737 Jayne Jensen Professional Organizer We take patients of all ages. Visit Berkley’s Den Pediatric Adjusting Room Dr. Nate Neubauer 507-276-9016 [email protected] www.yourorganizedhome.com 507-351-8787 009343 ICPA Cert. in Pediatric & Prenatal Chiropractic 20% off my regular hourly rate 507-359-7622 1316 S Broadway, New Ulm when you book by 5/1/15. 014674 006217 Bonnie Kruger Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS Cell: 507-327-0633 Bus.: 507-345-4040 Email: [email protected] www.MakatoRealEstate.com 015079 6 East Central Street Springfield, MN Thrivent Financial was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Institute from 2012–2014. 507-430-5368 Professional DJs & Entertainers Specializing in Weddings, Parties and Local Events. 012530 [email protected] Chanelle E. Braekkan Financial Advisor Office: 507-934-5304 Cell: 507-351-4580 Fax: 507-934-5305 300 S. Minnesota Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 [email protected] Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent Financial, marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, WI. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Appleton,Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota Inc., Minneapolis, MN. Member FINRA and SIPC. Thrivent.com/disclosures. Thrivent.com • 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) 27193 R3-14 Valley Properties Minnesota Valley Pet Hospital P.A. La Naye Kral, Paula Kral, Brenda Grams 507-345-5900 1214 North Broadway New Ulm, MN 56073 505 Madison Ave. Mankato, MN 56001 016543 507-354-1986 valley-properties.com www.mnvalleypet.com 016233 Marketplace Mall • Consignment Now AcceptiNg FurNiture Antiques, Vintage, Home Décor & More. Specializing in Custom Painting Furniture. Retailer for Mother Earth Chalk Paints. Pick Up Service Available 011384 016089 111 Sioux Road • Mankato, MN •507-388-3867 Hours: Thurs. 12-6; Fri. 12-6; Sat. 10-4; or by appointment Plaid Piper We’re Boomin’ Good! Floral, Gifts, Home Decor 308 Main St., Mapleton, MN Hand Made Fresh Goat Milk & Organic Grass-fed Beef Tallow Body Products, One-Of-a-Kind Antique Items along with Fashionable, Name Brand Clothing. Our body care line is available at The Carlson Craft Gift Store in Mankato, seasonally at Holmberg Orchard near Vesta and Greenwood Nursery in Marshall. Hours: Sat. 1:00-4:00; Sun. 1:00-4:00 507.524.4222 41132 180th St. W. Springfield, MN 507-276-1270 [email protected] Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 & Sat. 9-12 Vital Life Massage LLC 016608 Lisa Donth - LMT, BCTMB 1051 Madison Avenue, Suite 1 Mankato, MN 56001 507.420.4654 249239 Tami Leuthold Advertising Representative 507-360-4466 [email protected] Over 1000 miles of local Minnesota River Valley news! 015078 6 East Central Street Springfield, MN 507-430-5368 VitalLifeMassage.com Massage - For The Health of your Mind And Body Judy Beetch Advertising Representative 507-317-7244 [email protected] Over 1000 miles of local Minnesota River Valley news! Connections . . . Providing a link between business owners and thousands of readers each month. Post or pick up virtual business cards here! Celebrating 35 years of providing quality products & service! Professional DJs Good Vibrations Mobile DJ Service 507-438-6533 or 507-254-6470 Nicollet, Minnesota 507-232-3502 010816 Find us on Facebook at Good Vibration Mobile DJ or on the web at www.goodvibrationdjs.com Hours: M-F 8:00 - 5:30; Sat. 7:30 - 4:30 www.georgescitymeats.com 206924 Dart Boards • Pool Tables Shuffleboards & Ping Pong Video Games And More! C&N Sales, C&N Gameroom Outlet 1840 Commerce Dr., North Mankato, MN 507-387-7986 or 507-387-6811 www.cnnsales.com 016639 58 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 016406 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 59 Organizing s t e P r u Yo If you have a pet, this article is just for you! If you don’t have a pet, be sure to share this article with your cat or dog loving friends. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Many homes include at least one pet. Whether you own a cat, dog, bird, rabbit, horse, or snake, one thing is certain. It takes lots of “stuff” to care for a pet. In many cases, pets can accumulate as much stuff as kids but never be taught to put things away or help out around the house. In fact, it’s often a game for cats and dogs to drag as many toys out as possible, leaving them all over the floor. Cats have a knack (maybe even a passion) for tossing kitty litter over the side of the box and across a large surrounding radius. All indoor pets create odors homeowners continuously battle, along with hair on floors and furniture. So how do you keep a cleaner and neater home, while cohabitating with pets? shampoos, towels, etc so kids and guests don’t inadvertently use pet items. Keep all medications in a separate container and clearly labeled. If your pet isn’t typically on medication, it helps to put dosages into your daily planner or family calendar. Keep leashes and “dropping” bags near the door so you can quickly grab them. If you take your pet with you in the vehicle, it can be helpful to keep a small container in the trunk with a separate leash and supply of bags, etc. Treats Store treats where you use them. If you only give treats by the back door, find a shelf or small storage area to grab one quickly. If you buy in bulk or a non-resealable container, consider transferring them immediately to keep fresh and avoid messy spills later. Toys Have one container to toss them in if you need to quickly pick up. Pretty baskets or neat Food Designate one area for food storage and bins work well for fast clean up and storage. feeding. Restrict your buying so you don’t have Most animals will learn to take their toys out from a more food than will fit into the designated space. of a basket they can reach, but you’ll do all the Store dry food in plastic containers to keep it dry cleaning up! and bugs out. If you buy canned food, rotate it on Pets take time, so be sure to make time for them. a shelf by putting the most recently purchased Reorganize your schedule and pencil in some by Cindy Haugland toward the back and pulling older food forward. If time to spend with them. Giving pets attention tidytightwads.com possible keep food close to where you feed your often means fewer undesirable behaviors and pets, so you can keep spilling to a minimum. messes later. Having pets means your home will not be perfect. It’s the price you pay for the Supplies If you do your own grooming, designate a storage tote enjoyment of your furry friends. RVW so you can store all items together. Clearly label scissors, combs, Tidy Tightwad Tips Professional Organizer Kato Moving & Storage Over 120 years of service We can handle all your moving needs local and long distance, climate controlled warehouse or self-storage units 417 Poplar Street, Downtown Mankato 60 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 507-388-9329 or 1-800-228-8583 236538 YOUR Music... 10am-2pm YOUR Life... 2pm-7pm YOUR Station! RIVER105.COM 7pm-12am 016582 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 61 Homemakers: A Domestic Handbook for the Digital Generation RVW Good Reads by Brit Morin In Homemakers, Brit Morin, founder of the wildly popular lifestyle brand and website Brit + Co., re-imagines homemaking for the twenty-first century. While today’s generation thrives in the virtual world, they like to work and create in the physical world. Morin inspires you to combine the best of analog and digital, to help you reconnect with your inner creative child-the one who used to love to draw, to build, and to play-to make your home a more creative, functional, and beautiful place. Full of captivating, colorful spreads, step-by-step DIYs, tips, and unique ideas, Homemakers explores a range of domestic skills room by room in a house, from cooking advice in the kitchen to health and beauty tips in the bathroom. Simple, beautiful, and stylish, it offers ideas for creative living to encourage and enable the digital generation to make. How to Keep Your Home Clean... The Smart Way: Save Time, Money and Reduce Stress by Learning How to Clean Intelligently Spring is nearly here, and thoughts turn to home improvements, changes, and refreshing that tired decor. The following books will give you a head start and provide some new ways to think about your home and lifestyle. By Paul Morrisey Are you always dreading the weekend because you know that you have to catch up on the house cleaning? Does it seem like when you do clean, you do a bad job? Do you ever wonder if there is an easier way to clean your home? How to Keep Your Home Clean.. The Smart Way shows you how to clean your home intelligently, accurately and thoroughly. It will discuss numerous strategies and tactics to help you get through the ‘chores’ and start living a happier life. What you’ll learn: Getting into the correct mind frame to clean; Identify the things that stop you from cleaning properly; Common excuses we use to not clean; Tips, tricks and cleaning hacks; Natural cleaning recipes and more. The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful By Myquillyn Smith Popular blogger and self-taught decorator Myquillyn Smith (The Nester) is all about embracing reality and all the unpredictable messes of life. In The Nesting Place, Smith shares the secrets of decorating for real people—and it has nothing to do with creating a flawless look to wow your guests. It has everything to do with embracing the natural imperfection and chaos of daily living. Drawing on her years of experience creating beauty in her 13 different homes, Myquillyn will show you how to think differently about the true purpose of your home and simply and creatively tailor it to reflect you and your unique style—without breaking the bank or stressing over comparisons. Full of easy tips, simple steps, and practical advice, The Nesting Place will give you the courage to take risks with your home and transform it into a place that’s inviting and warm for family and friends. There is beauty in the livedin and loved-on and just-about-used-up, Smith says, and welcoming that imperfection wholeheartedly just might be the most freeing thing you’ll ever do. Source: amazon.com 62 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 Minor illness or injury? We’re open 365 days a year. Illness and injury happen at the most inconvenient times. With Mayo Clinic Health System Urgent Care, we help you get in, get care and get back to your day. No appointment necessary. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato Eastridge 101 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive | Next to the water tower by Mankato Ford | 507-304-7000 mayoclinichealthsystem.org 011339 RIVER VALLEY WOMAN | march • 2015 63 It’s On. 20% OFF All Lighting & Rugs This sale isn’t on forever...Hurry In! Austin 1700 17th St NW www.roomsandrest.com 507.437.1457 Mankato 1760 Madison Ave 507.218.0030 New Ulm 1704 N. State St 507.218.0158 016625