Happy Holidays!

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Chicz
Tara Bitzan, Chicz Editor

Tara Bitzan, Chicz Editor

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback you sent us after our first issue of Chicz hit the stands in October! We knew we loved the magazine, but we were thrilled to learn that you loved it too! Not only did you send us your appreciation, but you also sent us your fabulous ideas to feature in upcoming issues.

A few of you even got so caught up with the new magazine that you sent us articles, and we’re happy to say, we printed them! A special welcome to contributing writer Amanda Herzog, a 7th grader who felt she had something to offer the “young chicz” in the area.

We’re already at work on your winter issue and would love your input. Please send us a note about what you think of Chicz or share your ideas with us.

In the meantime, enjoy every minute of the holiday season. Don’t get so caught up in the “to do’s” that you miss out on the real joys of the season – time with loved ones. My wish for you is that this time is unhurried, unharried and heartwarming.

Merry Christmas!
Tara Bitzan
Chicz Editor 

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Build muscle at the playground

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Chicz

By Elaine Munn

Parents at the parkSpending time outdoors improves moods and gives the body a chance to soak up some Vitamin D. Spring’s moderate temperatures and increasing daylight hours make it the perfect season to get outdoors. And if there’s a playground within jogging distance of your house, you have access to free equipment for a complete workout while enjoying play time with your kids.

Warm up by walking, jogging or biking to the playground. If you just want to have fun with the kids, go “freestyle.” Pumping arms and legs on swings, climbing on jungle gyms, swinging from monkey bars and sliding down the fireman’s pole will stretch and tone muscles and burn calories. You won’t know you had a workout until you wake up the next morning!

If this seems like too much fun and not enough work, here are some strength training ideas using your own body weight, gravity and playground equipment.

Benches. Bench seats can be used for pushups by placing hands on the seat and feet on the ground. Make it more challenging by reversing position – hands on the ground, feet on the seat. Seats can also be used for tricep dips and step-ups.

Monkey bars. Get an upper body workout by using the bars for chin-ups, pull-ups, reverse pushups and hanging crunches. Modified versions of these exercises can be done using lower bars that allow the feet to reach the ground.

Swings. Use the swing seats for support while doing planks and other balancing and stability exercises to strengthen the core.

Steps. Strengthen legs with calf-raises, standing jumps, lunges and step-ups.

Bring the kids! According to the Center for Disease Control, kids should be active at least 60 minutes daily with moderate or vigorous activity.

Some playgrounds have running tracks, baseball fields, soccer nets and basketball hoops. Get a workout by chasing a ball out to center field, practicing jump shots or kicking a soccer ball.

This is a great opportunity to encourage your kids to leave the house and have fun while being active, and you’ll create some happy family memories.

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The transformation of ‘Cash’

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Chicz

We are the proud parents of a giant dog – 96 pounds of lean Labrador retriever. His name is Cash, and dogs just don’t get any goofier than this one.

He Said She SaidAmy: This “goofy dog” thing was not Brandon’s intent when shopping for a hunting dog. We went to pick out a puppy with the understanding he would be raised as a hunting machine. I rolled my eyes, but understood.

Brandon: I got a call from a friend one day. He knew of some great lab puppies at an irresistible price. I knew the bloodlines were great because the pups were from my friend’s dog. What a hunter! I was so excited! The choice was easy; I picked the biggest male with the most energy. There he was with a fat belly stealing the toys from his siblings, running around like a complete maniac. Perfect!

Amy: I’ve never owned a dog that “came with papers.” I grew up with strays – misfits of the dog world. So, owning a dog registered with the American Kennel Club must be a big deal, right? This dog will naturally be smart and well-behaved, like canine royalty. Phooey.

Brandon: Using his ancestor’s names, we came up with “Drake’s Cash Hayseed Too” as our dog’s AKC registered name. We call him “Cash” after the man in black, Johnny Cash. Well, Cash had a different idea and established his name to mean, “I eat money.” Here’s the story: When he was about 1, we piled cash from our garage sale on our kitchen table under a heavy candle. We came in later to find shredded and missing cash. Cash almost went up for adoption that day, but tears from the wife and her sister changed my mind. The saving grace is that Cash is a hunting machine. He is a born-natural at pheasant hunting.

Amy: With my husband’s crazy work schedule, Cash and I were spending a lot of time together; the bigger he grew, the harder he was to handle. Off to doggie obedience school we went – just the two of us. We both needed the training, me on how to command him and he on how to obey. We were off to a stellar start and I thought there just might be hope for this guy. Then, as each participant took a turn showing off their “heel” skills, Cash and I took our turn. He was doing well and I was so proud, but then, the beast stopped and lifted his leg on me in front of the entire class – a stream of urine hit my leg with precision and I… was… mortified. We made a quick exit. I loaded that dog in the truck, called my husband crying and told him what a piece of… work his fancy hunting dog was. Then I stopped at Dairy Queen for a cone of consolation.

Brandon: I remember the call like it was yesterday. It was hard to decipher through the sobbing but I got the details straight. I think Cash was close to adoption that day, too.

Amy: Over the years, Cash and I have come to an understanding: he’s my big baby now. Our relationship has evolved. Cash has mellowed over the years and I can’t help spoiling that goofy dog. Admittedly, I’ve ruined Brandon’s big fancy hunting dog. It wasn’t on purpose; it just happened, one doggie toy at a time.

Brandon: Seriously? One at a time? It looks like a doggie toy bomb exploded in our house – they’re scattered everywhere. From the ducks and frogs to the fluffy skunk and squeaky whatcha- ma-thingies, it’s endless. One day I came home to Cash sitting on the kitchen rug with this “help me” look on his face. He was wearing a tie that said “Woof” on it. I think that was possibly the first time I rolled my eyes at my wife. And then there are the nicknames. She calls my dog Mr. Boogers, Silly Banilly, Zippers…. No wonder he is “special,” the poor guy doesn’t even know his name. I have to admit, though, I am accepting things since the big fella has done a great job at keeping Amy company while I’m working. His personality is pretty funny, too. Just try and mope about a bad day when Cash is around…. I dare ya.

Amy: I guess the moral of the story is that men can change – male dogs anyway. Cash went from a spazzy money-eating, leg-lifting, slobberlipped hopeless creature to a mellow, tie-wearing, cuddly puddle of fur. So much for the fancy hunting dog…

Brandon and Amy Chaffins of Alexandria have been married nine years – long enough to have learned to live with each other’s “quirks.”

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No Place Like Gnome

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Chicz

By Crystal Dey

Linda Kellerman MASTER GARDENER AND HOST OF ‘HOMEGROWN’

Linda Kellerman
MASTER GARDENER AND HOST OF ‘HOMEGROWN’

Gardens with a flair so fanciful, Tolkien would be green with envy

Homegrown isn’t just the name of her radio show, it’s a way of life for Linda Kellerman.

Originally from Minneapolis, Kellerman ditched the city scene, retreated to a peaceful parcel northwest of Alexandria and has cultivated almost two acres into a splendid shire fit for fairies and gnomes.

Kellerman was drawn to Douglas County after spending many wonderful summers at her parents’ home on Lake Carlos. For the past 23 years, she and her husband Richard, who answers to “John,” have called Alexandria home.

A master gardener since 1995, Kellerman hosts Homegrown, a live gardening show, on KXRA Radio. She’s had the gig for eight years and looks forward to Saturday mornings when she can nurture listeners’ passion for nature.

When did you first realize you had a green thumb?

I grew up in a gardening family. My grandfather grew fruit trees, two acres of vegetables, and many blooming plants, but his specialty was roses. At the height of his rose passion, he grew more than 30 varieties.

My father also was a wonderful gardener. At our home in St. Louis Park, he built a fish pond with a Pagoda. When my parents retired to Alexandria, he continued with a large vegetable garden and fruit trees.

I’ve always gardened and I married a man who also loves gardening. Things really came into focus for me when we moved here and I had two acres to work with; what a joy!

Who or what inspired you to become a master gardener?

We had the good fortune to move next door to Keith and Sheila Norling; Sheila is a master gardener. At that time, there were three master gardeners in the county. Now, the Douglas County Master Gardeners boasts a membership of more than 50 volunteers.

Master gardener interns are given 50 hours of horticulture education in exchange for 50 hours of volunteer work given back to your county the first year. Your continuing commitment to the program is a minimum of 25 hours volunteer work a year.

I heard you have a “fairy garden.” What is a fairy garden?

This project began as a present from my husband for my 50th birthday. He cleared an area in our small woods and from cut firewood created rustic fairy homes. We laid in a pond and trails and planted miniature plants. This garden has grown over the years and now has more ponds and a waterfall, many more buildings that my husband created, many of stone and stained glass. There is a collection of fairy figures as well. Our latest area is the “Gnome Home” at the base of our giant basswood, complete with doors and stained glass windows and, of course, gnomes!

What’s the weirdest question you’ve gotten on Homegrown?

I am blessed with a savvy and smart listening audience and all questions are good questions. Recently, I had a caller ask whether I had ever seen a new kind of squirrel with a big behind and very short tail. I knew she was asking a serious question, but it sounded so funny that it took a few seconds to answer, “No.” She called back the next week to report she Googled “Big Butt Squirrel” and found that it probably was a defect of some sort…poor squirrel… but it made for a funny moment.

What is your favorite plant?

I love perennials, blooming and not blooming. I love fragrance and I love the old fashioned flowers you would find in a cottage garden. Peonies, iris, daylily, lupine, poppy. My garden is quite shaded so I also love hosta, ferns, bleeding hearts, trillium. You know, I really haven’t met many plants I don’t like.

How does a person turn their black thumb green?

Turn to someone who gardens and ask for guidance. I have learned a great deal from other gardeners. For example, have patience, sometimes a plant needs to find the right “home.” Even a distance of a few feet can prove to be the right move. Poppies dislike being transplanted or moved. They a have a long tap root, but once you find their “home,” they will bloom happily for years.

What are your other interests?

My husband and I are very proud grandparents. Our son and his wife have five wonderful kids. We also have two toy Japanese chins and an English bulldog. We have bred Persian kittens for years. I enjoy wildlife and feeding birds. Another passion is cooking. I really enjoy creating new dishes. I love to read and of course I love to talk; just ask my poor husband.

What can Generation Z learn from your generation?

I will be celebrating my 60th birthday this April and am still surprised to see the face that greets me in the mirror. I don’t think much has really changed in my lifetime except technology. Values and beliefs are still the most important part of how you live your life. Don’t let other people define who you are. Live your life with boundless joy and respect others and the planet we all share.

Nominate your favorite extraordinary woman in Douglas County!
chiczmag@gmail.com or call 320.763.1233.

 

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Moms… the men in your life are impressed

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Chicz

By Eric Morken

Mother and Baby HandTwo months into parenthood and I’ve lost count of the number of times I have been amazed at how natural it is for moms to be good at what they do.

My wife, Mali, and I didn’t have to wait longer than expected for the arrival of Aubree Olivia Morken. In fact, Mali is the most organized person I know, so it was fitting that our daughter came without much fuss exactly on her due date.

We got to the hospital around 11 a.m. on December 27. By 2:05 p.m., we had a healthy baby girl weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces. The delivery went as well as we could have expected, at least on my end. I was conscious for all of it and only felt a little light headed.

Before you go singing my praises, realize that Mali did most of the work. She went in determined to get through this without medication and never came close to straying from that plan. For all my male readers out there, that’s the kind of grit and determination that great players show during crunch time.

Mali has continued to amaze me ever since. It’s not that Aubree has been a tough baby. Quite the opposite. She’s great. Smiles are a lot more frequent than cries, and when she does cry it is usually a pretty easy fix.

When it’s not, there’s one person who seems to have the magic touch. I have tried to be that person. I bounce around with her, hold her every which way to try to get her comfortable. I sing to her, I rock her, but when nothing seems to work, I simply hand her off to Mali and the crying tends to stop.

I guess that’s the reward for being so selfless. Isn’t that ultimately the biggest trait that every good mom shares?

Their day never really ends. Mali wakes up with Aubree in the middle of the night to feed and change her. Daylight hours consist of feedings, play time, tummy time and naps. Only the naps are strictly designated for Aubree.

By the time I get home to take over, Aubree is nothing but smiles. Mali never seems fazed by the constant demand.

The only thing she dreads is the day it will end when she goes back to work and Aubree heads to day care.

I knew how important the role of a mom is, but I’ve come to appreciate that responsibility by witnessing it firsthand. Kudos to you, mothers. The men in your life are impressed.

Eric Morken is a husband, new father, sports reporter and outdoor enthusiast.

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Critter Cupcakes

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Chicz

By Deb Roell

Animal Cupcake RecipeIt’s amazing how a little frosting and a little creativity can turn plain cupcakes into something fantastic. Make a batch of cupcakes using your favorite pre-packaged mix or homemade recipe, then let your creativity run wild to make these cute critters, or whatever else comes to mind! Happy spring!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cans vanilla frosting
  • 1 can chocolate frosting
  • Standard size marshmallows
  • Chocolate chips (regular and mini)
  • Chocolate wafer cookies (round)
  • Pink colored sugar
  • Assorted flavors/colors of
  • Tootsie Roll candies
  • Red food coloring
  • Red Skittles candy

DIRECTIONS (SHEEP):

  1. Cut two edges from chocolate wafer cookies to create a semi-triangular piece to use later for the head. Coat with chocolate frosting and allow to dry.
  2. Spoon vanilla frosting into a Ziploc bag. Cut tip from bag to create a very small hole, and pipe onto cupcake using a circular motion to create the sheep’s “wool.”
  3. Add head piece to cupcake, and top with more white frosting curls to hide the edges.
  4. For eyes, dip the flat sides of two mini chocolate chips into vanilla frosting, and press onto head.
  5. Cut chocolate Tootsie Roll candies in half and flatten into triangles for ears. Place onto cupcake.
  6. Optional: Add a small dab of pink frosting to create the sheep’s mouth, or use colored frosting to add a bow.

DIRECTIONS (COW):

  1. Frost cupcakes with vanilla frosting.
  2. Put approximately 1/2 container chocolate frosting in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted. Pour randomly onto cupcakes to create cow’s spots.
  3. To create a nose, add two or three drops of red food coloring to approximately 1/4 container vanilla frosting. Mix well and spoon into a small Ziploc bag. Cut tip from bag to create a very small hole, and pipe onto cupcake in a circular motion. Place two mini chocolate chips onto nose to finish.
  4. Place two regular size chocolate chips on cupcake as the cow’s eyes.
  5. Cut chocolate and lemon Tootsie Roll candies into quarters. Form two lemon candies into points to create horns, and flatten two chocolate candies into triangles for ears. Place onto cupcake.

DIRECTIONS (PIG):

  1. Frost cupcakes with vanilla frosting tinted with 1 drop red food coloring.
  2. Cut several marshmallows into four equal slices, and cut the inner slices in half. You’ll have two rounds and four half-circles per marshmallow.
  3. For each pig cupcake, you’ll need one marshmallow round and two half-circles. Use the round as the nose, and the half-circles as ears.
  4. Coat them in pink sugar and press into place on cupcake.
  5. Place two regular size chocolate chips on cupcake as the pig’s eyes.
  6. Place a red Skittle as the pig’s tongue, or use a piece of softened pink Tootsie Roll.
  7. Sprinkle pink sugar on the pig’s cheeks.
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Rhubarb-Cherry Crunch Recipe

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Chicz

Sweet, tangy rhubarb

Whether it’s bright pink or dull green, the first signs of rhubarb herald the return of spring. Sweet, yet tangy, this vegetable disguised as a fruit is so versatile, you’ll find a myriad of ways to incorporate it.

Cherry Rhubarb CrunchRhubarb-Cherry Crunch

INGREDIENTS
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 cup margarine
4-5 cups chopped rhubarb
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. almond extract
1 can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix together oatmeal, flour and margarine with pastry blender. Press half the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Sprinkle chopped rhubarb over top of crust.

Boil together 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and cornstarch until thick. Add almond extract, pie filling and nuts. Spoon over rhubarb. Sprinkle remaining crumbs over top.
Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

MINNESOTA RHUBARB FESTIVALS
JUNE 1 – Lanesboro Rhubarb Festival (Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota)
JUNE 22 – Duluth CHUM (Churches United in Ministry) Rhubarb Festival

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Special treats for Dad!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Chicz

By Jessica Sly

Father’s Day is just around the corner! Now’s the time to start planning.
Low on cash? Fresh out of ideas?
father's dayDon’t worry. We’ve got you covered!
Take one of these ideas or use them as a springboard to create the perfect, unique gift.

Fun Coupons – Create some “coupons” that your mom or dad can redeem at any time of year. Include coupons for a back rub, big hug, car wash, leaf raking, control of the remote control, doing the dishes, hour of silence… use your imagination! Make them on the computer and print them out, or use construction paper, markers or paints to create them.

Modified Mugs – Use a paint marker to write a quote, special message or draw a picture on a plain coffee mug. Letting the mug heat up with your oven, bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes and let cool. Hand wash only!

Personalized Photo – Have someone take a picture of you (and your siblings if you have any). Frame it in a handmade frame or buy one that fits their personalities.

Wacky Hands – Trace your hand and your parent’s hand on black construction paper. Cut them out, glue to white or colored paper and frame.

Their Day Their Way – On their special day, let them make all the decisions on how to spend it. Have them choose the activities, the place to eat out, the movie to watch, etc. All too often parents give in to whatever their kids want. Surprise them by letting them make ALL the decisions for the day.

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Sweet tee-time

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Chicz

By Crystal Dey

Goldilocks would have loved Arnold Palmer. He got the swell drink of the 1960s just right – not too sweet, not too sour, not too bitter. His classic cocktail has been Chiczified and brought into 2013 as the Pink Lady Palmer.

Pink Lady PalmerPINK LADY PALMER

Raspberry iced tea
Pink lemonade
Raspberries
Lemon
Sugar
Ice

Brew a raspberry flavored tea and chill in the refrigerator overnight. We used Celestial Seasonings’ Raspberry Zinger. Add sugar to sweeten to preferred taste. Also, toss a metal tablespoon in the freezer.

Add ice to a glass and fill halfway with pink lemonade. If making your own lemonade, try our Raspberry Pink Lemonade recipe below. Otherwise, try Simply Lemonade with Raspberry.

Pour chilled iced tea over the back of the frozen spoon slowly into the glass. This will keep the two liquids separate and create a two-toned tonic.

Pop a few raspberries on top, garnish with a lemon slice, and you just aced the Pink Lady Palmer!

RASPBERRY PINK LEMONADE

1 cup raspberries
1 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
6 cups water

Puree raspberries and press through a fine sieve over a bowl to extract juice. Mix sugar, lemon juice and 6 cups cold water until sugar is dissolved. Add raspberry juice. Mix and chill in refrigerator at least one hour prior to serving over ice.

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Rhubarb Bread Pudding Recipe

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Chicz

By Lori Mork

 

Sweet, tangy rhubarb

Whether it’s bright pink or dull green, the first signs of rhubarb herald the return of spring. Sweet, yet tangy, this vegetable disguised as a fruit is so versatile, you’ll find a myriad of ways to incorporate it.

Sweet tangy rhubarbRhubarb Bread Pudding

I usually double this recipe for a 9×13 pan. I also have used frozen rhubarb and it comes out a little chewier, sort of like a bar recipe, but still really good. When I make it in a 9×13 pan, I usually bake it longer – an hour to an hour and 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups rhubarb, chopped
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
4 slices of bread, cubed
1 tsp. vanilla

In a greased 8×8 pan, layer cubed bread, then rhubarb. Mix together eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth; pour over bread.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until lightly browned and set.

MINNESOTA RHUBARB FESTIVALS
JUNE 1 – Lanesboro Rhubarb Festival (Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota)
JUNE 22 – Duluth CHUM (Churches United in Ministry) Rhubarb Festival

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Here’s a toast to wine gadgets.

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Chicz

By Al Edenloff

You get a bottle of wine. You open it. You drink it. End of story, right?
wine gadgetsWell, it can be. But if you like gadgets or want to add something extra to your experience, consider these ideas:

Openers. There are more options than you can shake a cork at – electronic openers, uncorking machines with wooden bases and ornate handles, pump-style openers with low-pressure cartridges and endless styles of corkscrews.

If simplicity and functionality is your goal, consider a twist-style corkscrew that’s housed in plastic. Position the plastic ends of the opener over the edge of the bottle and twist the handle. The corkscrew in the middle drives into the cork and removes it as you twist.
A tip: Buy extra corkscrews to stash in a suitcase or bag for spur-of-the-moment picnics or hotel stays.

Pourers. It’s annoying when drops drip down the bottle or onto the tablecloth when pouring, especially if it’s a staining red wine. Prevent that by buying a dripless pourer. Once again, there are many options on the market. One good and inexpensive product is a drop stop wine pourer – a thin, flexible silver mylar disk that you roll up and insert into the neck of the bottle. Voila! No more spills.

Aerators. To breathe life into your wines, consider purchasing an aerator. Air helps release subtle flavors and aromas locked into the wine. That’s one of the reasons for swirling wine in your glass. You can make a cheaper wine taste more complex or help a well-aged wine reach its full potential by letting it mingle with the air.

Stores are filled with options. Invest in a decanter, which typically has a broad base and fluted top. Pour the wine into the decanter and let it breathe. Or use a Vinturi. Hold this tube-like device over your glass and pour. The Vinturi funnels the wine in quickly and mixes in the right amount of air, while straining out any sediment.

Wine charms. These are functional and fun. They come in all kinds of different shapes, colors and styles, often containing funny phrases or sayings.

Have your guests pick ones they like and loop it around their glass so they know which glass is theirs despite setting it down among other glasses.

Have fun exploring the gadgety world of wine!

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