If you need a break while hiking along anyone of these serene trails, there is a very atheistically pleasing pond located in the heart of the park where visitors are welcome to fish. The park also has a small bridge over the water which is a popular location for fishers to drop in a line.

The nine miles of biking the park provides are designed for any type of rider. Whether you are looking for a challenging rugged mountain trail, or just a leisurely ride through the park, Maybury offers both types of paths.

If you are looking for a place to unwind after your active afternoon, or if you are looking to just relax on your visit, the park has a picnic area, a couple sheltered picnic areas which can be reserved for private get-togethers, and the park also offers the Maybury Farm, horse stables, and playgrounds which are all strongly recommended if coming with your little ones. Farm hours and horse rentals are available Tuesday to Sunday 12pm-4pm, unless a private session has been arranged. Riders must be at least 8 years of age and weigh less than 240 pounds; long pants and enclosed shoes are required to ride.

In order to visit the park, or any state park in Michigan, you must obtain a pass which can be purchased at the park’s main entrance off of Beck Road. Passes cost $11.00 and are good until your license plate renewal, which at that point your park pass is renewed. Park office hours are typically 9am-5pm closing from noon to 1pm for lunch. If no one is there to assist you with buying a park pass, there are self applications in which a pass and car sticker will be sent to you; visitors can still visit the park with a self application submitted.

So with just about 1,000 acres of outdoor activities, Maybury State Park is a great place to spend a day this summer, and absolutely qualifies as one of MI Big Green Gyms.

This dish is easy to make and is absolutely delicious. You can choose your preferred protein and can control the spice level to taste.

Thai Red Curry Noodles

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 13.5 oz. can lite coconut milk
2 tbsp. red Thai curry paste (you can add more depending on your spice preference)
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1-2 tbsp. fish sauce
1 chicken breast 6-8 oz. (you can also substitute pork/beef/shrimp/scallops/tofu) cut into stir fry/bite size pieces
1 medium onion sliced thin
1 bunch (approx. 4-6 stalks) scallions – chopped, finely slice stalks for garnish
1 egg
4 oz. bean sprouts (serve additional sprouts to add as desired)
1 oz. crushed peanuts (optional)
1 tbsp. olive or canola oil
14 oz. Thai rice noodles

Directions:

In a saucepan whisk together the coconut milk, Thai curry paste, and brown sugar. Bring to boil, reduce heat and a let simmer 5 min. Add fish sauce.

In a sauté or wok pan heat oil on medium-high, add the chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add sliced onion and the white ends of the scallions. Sauté until just slightly translucent (you want to retain a little crunch to the onion) and the chicken has slightly browned. Move the chicken and onion mixture to the side of the pan and add beaten egg to scramble. Once scrambled, combine with the rest of the mixture. Drop heat to low.

Prepare noodles per package directions.

Combine the noodles, curry sauce, chicken/onion mixture and bean sprouts. Turn heat back up to med-high and allow sauce to thicken for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Plate and garnish with green scallions and crushed peanuts. Serve with additional bean sprouts if desired.

Photo credit: Mike Miller

Nutrition Facts
Makes  4 Servings – 1 serving = 1.5 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories		316.4
Total Fat		12.2 g
	Saturated Fat	2.9 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	2.4 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	4.7 g
Cholesterol		28.4 mg
Sodium		953.7 mg
Potassium		179.6 mg
Total Carbohydrate		37.1 g
	Dietary Fiber	3.0 g
	Sugars	4.3 g
Protein		14.9 g

I will NEVER put off exercising, it’s too important to me.   I’m hoping you feel the same way, so I compiled a list of exercise ideas that can be done in roughly 10 minutes so you can be sure to hit your exercise goals.  Take a moment of so to select a few ideas from the list below in order to squeeze in 20-30 minutes of exercise daily.   You’ll not only feel better because you’re taking good care of your health but you’ll also enjoy how great you look in your summer wardrobe.  Face it, when we take the time to work out daily we also reap the benefits!

• Do two sets of jumping jacks for five minutes each set, which can burn approximately 50 calories for each 5-minute session.  A full 10-minutes of jumping jacks burns 100 calories.
• Jump rope for 10 minutes, which can burn up to 135 calories for a 10-minute session.
• Mowing the lawn with a push mower can burn 50 calories in 10 minutes.  It has to be done anyway, right?  Mow for an entire half hour, you’ve just burned 150 calories!
• Washing your car burns calories too, about 35 calories for a 10-minute scrub and rinse!
• Do some yard work, maybe even start a garden.  Do this for a full 10-minutes and burn 50 calories; an hour can allow you to burn 300 calories!  Not only will you be exercising but you will enjoy fresh produce in a few short months as well.
• If you have stairs in your home or workplace, walk up and down them and burn 100 calories in 10 minutes.  If you feel especially energetic, run or take them two at a time – challenge yourself!
• This is one of my favorite ways to get in a little extra exercise:  vacuum.  Ten minutes of vacuuming your carpet will burn 50 calories – vacuum for 20 minutes and burn 100 calories.
• Walking is my absolute favorite way to burn calories.  Walking at a brisk rate for 10-minute intervals can burn about 65 calories, which can be done several times throughout your day.  These are some ways to do so:  Walk to get your morning newspaper.  Walk to work.  Walk during your breaks with co-workers.  Walk to the restaurant at lunchtime.  Hold walking office meetings.  Walk to deliver messages instead of using the computer.  Walk around the block several times while you wait for your child at practice.  Walk around the building if you have a long wait for a doctor’s appointment.
• Dance as if you were a teenager again!  Just put on some music and dance your heart out.  If you really get your grove on, you can burn about 70 calories for every 10-minute dance session – which is about the length of 3 full songs!
• Jogging in place can burn about 90 calories in ten full minutes.  You can do this at home, in the office or even when traveling.  Simply jog in place in front of the television in your motel room. You’ll be happy you did as you’re heading to your summer beach destination afterwards. You’ll feel better, look better and your self-esteem will be better, especially when you see your reflection in the mirror and know that you earned that healthy body of yours!

Have fun and enjoy the summer to the fullest!

Photo credit: apol-photograpy

The way we clean our homes and the types of cleaners we use may actually exacerbate asthma symptoms. Many common household cleaners contain hazardous chemicals that can trigger an asthma attack. Instead, use “green” and “environmentally-friendly” cleaners that are derived from plants to clean your home.

Homemade cleaners using ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon are also very effective and don’t contain harsh chemicals. Plus, they’re inexpensive to make and you probably have all of the ingredients at home already!

All-Purpose Cleaner

• Reusable spray bottle
• 1 tbsp castile soap (an eco-friendly soap made with vegetable-based oils)
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup of distilled white vinegar

In a reusable spray bottle, first mix the castile soap with the water and then add the vinegar. Adding the soap to a water and vinegar mixture can lead to curdling, so be sure to add the vinegar last.

Scouring Powder

• Baking soda
• Castile soap
• Sea salt (for a more abrasive powder)

Baking soda alone is an effective scouring powder for ovens, stovetops, bathtubs, sinks and toilets. For tougher grime that requires a more abrasive powder, add some seat salt to the baking powder. For a paste that is easier to wash away than straight powder mix the baking soda with a few drops of castile soap until you reach a smooth, paste-like consistency.

For a complete list of homemade cleaners and ingredients click here and here.

Asthma prevention begins at home. It’s important to know where asthma triggers may be hiding and how to thoroughly clean your home to prevent asthma attacks. Cleaning practices such as vacuuming once a week and washing bedding in hot water can help eliminate triggers.  This video from Hurley Medical Center explains how to asthma proof your home!

What are your tried-and-true methods for asthma proofing your home? Share them with us!

Photo Credit: The Survival Woman

Enter this must try cauliflower pizza crust recipe. I know it sounds strange, but trust once you make this, it will be a recipe that you keep forever and make regularly. The beauty of this recipe is that it is easy and a healthier option for pizza, packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

1 small to medium sized head of cauliflower – should yield 2 to 3 cups once processed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove of garlic minced
optional a few shakes of crushed red pepper
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Wash and dry cauliflower. Cut off stems and use florets. Pulse the cauliflower florets in your food processor to “rice” the cauliflower. Do this for about 30 seconds until the cauliflower looks like rice. Place riced cauliflower in microwave safe bowl and place in microwave for about 4 minutes.
3. Let cauliflower cool for a few moments. Then dump into clean dry kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture. This will make sure that your pizza crust sets and doesn’t turn into a crumbly mess.
4. Mix all ingredients together. Using your hands works best.
5. Spray your cookie sheet or pizza stone with cooking spray. Then mold your cauliflower pizza crust onto it. Think thin crust pizza and it should be about 10 inches in diameter.
6. Bake your pizza crust in the oven for 8-12 minutes.
7. Take out crust and let cool for a few minutes.
8. Place your favorite pizza sauce and toppings on cauliflower crust and bake until cheese melts (about 5-7 minutes). I recommend vegetables and light cheese. Serve and enjoy!

What are your favorite pizza toppings? Let me know how you like the cauliflower pizza crust.

6 Servings Total for Cauliflower Pizza Crust – cut pizza into 6 slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories		46.9
Total Fat		2.4 g
	Saturated Fat	1.2 g
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
	Monounsaturated Fat	0.6 g
Cholesterol		31.3 mg
Sodium		110.4 mg
Potassium		118.5 mg
Total Carbohydrate		2.3 g
	Dietary Fiber	0.9 g
	Sugars	0.0 g
Protein		4.2 g

Photo credit: Grace Derocha

It means flashing back to one night the week before Christmas, getting that call from my little brother stationed in Germany that he was being deployed to Dessert Storm.

It means standing by the graveside of my recently deceased brother in-law and being humbled by the ceremony and honor the Veterans gave to show the fallen Vietnam Veteran and jumping as the 21 gun salute rang off over the hills that sunny spring morning.

It means thinking of a good friend who is making his career as a Doctor one of service in the Navy and for his family that stands with him in support while being shuttled all over the world to do so.

There are many ways you can show your support this holiday weekend – but let’s remember the true meaning and keep a those we may have known or lost in our thoughts and prayers.  Here are some other ways to join in remembrance in Michigan:

• Attending a local ceremony or parade
• Viewing the annual Michigan Senate Memorial Day service. This special event honors Michigan residents killed in action over the previous 12 months. Live streaming of the ceremony is available online at www.senate.michigan.gov. The event will be held Thursday, May 23, beginning at 10 a.m.
• Observing the National Moment of Remembrance. This observance asks Americans to pause in their daily activities at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to honor those who laid down their lives.
• Flying your flag at home or the office at half-staff from sunrise to noon.

Photo Credit: matthileo

Alex Fink, Founder of Simpatico Coffee

In speaking with Alex Fink, founder of Simpatico Coffee, I learned of the possibility behind a coffee that not only tastes good, but is smooth, low in acidity, earth-friendly, and affordable too! Simpatico (which means ‘nice’ in Spanish) Coffee’s mission is simple: “nice. smooth. low acid. delicious.”

Kristin Coppens: Where did the idea behind Simpatico Coffee come from?

Alex Fink: I was traveling through Mexico and found myself in this beachside café having coffee one morning. Like many other people, coffee starts to bother my stomach after more than a cup or two; this café’s coffee didn’t do that at all, and it was delicious too! I knew there was a market for a coffee like that in the United States. I wanted to provide a product that was better and smoother than what was already readily available.

KC: Why the Downtown Market? What does being involved with that mean for your business?

AF: The Downtown Market spells innovation in a number of ways. The vendors are providing innovative products and the market is somewhat of a food innovation hub. I wanted to be a part of that as my vision aligns with [the other vendors]. We are currently in the midst of opening our store in Holland, preparing for our Downtown Market spot and being present at various farmers markets in the region. We’re busy, but we’re aligning ourselves with projects that inspire innovation and synergy between businesses. The store in Holland, for example, will be more of the food hub of the two, and has partnerships with locals like Gammy’s Pies, and more.

KC: What makes Simpatico Coffee unique to others in the industry?

AF: We provide an all-around good product. First of all, we do all of our own importing. Our coffee is bold, but it’s smooth instead of bitter. In fact, we are really one of only five coffee producers in the United States providing a product that is gentle on the stomach and low in acid. These notions are the driving force behind our business philosophy.

KC: Why is your particular vision/mission important for West Michigan, and the state of Michigan as a whole?

AF: Historically, West Michigan has not been a foodie region—there are a large number of chain restaurants. However, this is changing. West Michigan is giving attention and placing importance on local restaurants and local farmers. People are paying more attention to food. Places like the Downtown Market provide a venue for showing individuals how easy it is to use local and fresh products. We’re turning the corner on food innovation; vendors can tell individuals, and chefs from local restaurants, where we’re sourcing our products, and how to try new and inventive things.

KC: What can we expect from Simpatico Coffee, or what are you most excited to show the public?

AF: I’m most excited to begin introducing our brand to the public. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working like mad to perfect our vision, our product, and our brand. By doing so, we want to show a level of excellence at the very beginning of opening that we plan to uphold. Simply speaking, Simpatico Coffee is innovation and quality at an extremely fair price.

KC: What is your favorite type of coffee or drink that you offer?

AF: I can honestly say that I like them all. My favorite, though, is a black and tan, or medium and dark roast as they have the longest flavor profiles. We also have a Hawaiian Hazelnut that is really good. We roast all of our coffee fresh every week, which guarantees the best tasting coffee. We also have a number of fresh brewed teas. My aim is to really keep people on their toes!

Check out Simpatico Coffee when the Downtown Market opens later this summer! Not in Grand Rapids or Holland? You can order their coffee online too.

Photo credit: Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Healthy Garden Salad

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Red peppers
• Sliced carrots
• Black olives
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Oil and vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a large salad bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and oil and vinegar.

Cranberry Cilantro and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
• ¼ cup chipped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
• ½ cup minced carrots
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Pour the water into a saucepan, and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil over high heat, then pour in the quinoa, recover and continue to simmer over low heat until the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Scrape into a mixing bowl, and chill in the refrigerator until cold.
2. Once cold, stir in the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, curry powder, cilantro, lime juice, sliced almonds, carrots and cranberries. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.

Nutritional Facts:

Makes 4 servings – 1 serving = 1 cup

• Calories: 260.4
• Total Fat: 5.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 47.8 mg
• Potassium: 108.3 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48.4 g
• Protein: 7.1 g

BBQ Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 (8.75 ounce) can sweat corn, drained
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise

Directions:

1. Preheat grill for high heat.
2. Lightly oil grate. Grill chicken 10 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool and cube.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, celery, red bell pepper, onion and corn.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and mayonnaise. Pour over the chicken and veggies. Stir, and chill until ready to serve.

Nutritional Facts:

Makes 4 servings – 1 serving = 2/3 cup

• Calories: 154.4
• Total Fat: 2.7 g
• Cholesterol: 32.5 mg
• Sodium: 318.7 mg
• Potassium: 274.4 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 19.8 g
• Protein: 14.4 g

Strawberry-Melon Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lemon yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 cups watermelon balls
• 2 cups cantaloupe balls
• 2 cups halved fresh strawberries

Directions:

1. In a salad bowl, whisk together the lemon, yogurt, honey and lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold in the watermelon balls, cantaloupe balls and strawberries. Toss to coat, and serve.

Nutritional Facts:

Makes 8 servings – 1 serving = 3/4 cup

• Calories: 72.4
• Total Fat: 0.8 g
• Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
• Sodium: 21.5 mg
• Potassium: 246.7 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15.9 g
• Protein: 1.9 g

Sources:

Strawberry-melon fruit salad recipe

BBQ Chicken Salad

Cranberry Cilantro and Quinoa Salad

Photo credit: CubeDude27, Lynn.Gardner, SwimCSI

Consider a therapist that will best meet the needs of your child.  Play therapists and those that specialize in working with children often create an environment that is enjoyable so that the child looks forward to a visit.  While you are considering who would be best for your child, here are a few do not’s for you to keep in mind.

Don’t

Think divorce means the end of interacting with your ex. You’re still going to be co-parenting and you need to work together.

Argue in front of the child, even over the phone. Try to set aside disagreements in the presence of the child.  Address issues as soon as possible and get assistance from the Friend of the Court if needed.  Long-term conflict between divorced parents can result in a lasting, emotional impact on the child.

Talk disparagingly about your ex-spouse or in-laws.  This type of behavior can be very harmful to children and their relationships, as it’s confusing and shames the child for feeling connected to their family.

Put the child in the middle.  Never make the child the messenger or encourage “tattling” on the other parent.

Put the child in the role of caretaker.  Seldom done intentionally, sometimes parents stop attending to their own needs and the child feels it’s necessary to fill the role of adult, which can be physically and emotionally damaging.

Make unnecessary changes. Consistency offers comfort, so stick with the same school and neighborhood if possible.

Attempt to compensate for the situation with material things.  Buying everything the child wants because you feel guilty or in an attempt to “out do” the other parent will only increase unhealthy behavior patterns for the child.  Spend time rather than money.

Become inconsistent with discipline. Do your best to maintain rules and structure within each home (even if they vary) to help prevent long-lasting behavior issues.

Put off getting additional help for yourself.  If you are struggling with depression or the divorce is affecting your ability to work or care for yourself or your child, seek help from a mental health professional.  You can’t have a healthy family if you aren’t caring for your own needs.

Photo credit: phil dokas

Laura Hutchison, PsyD, LP, RPT/S ,a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan provider, has been a practicing therapist since 1999.  She  obtained her Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) in 2005 from The Center of Humanistic Studies (now called the Michigan School for Professional Psychology). She currently works part-time in her private practice in Farmington Hills, Mich.,  writes her own blog, PlayDrMom, and is a full-time mom of two young children