BROWSING:  Columns

Everyone hoped inflation would return to normal in 2023. Signs were encouraging at the end of 2022, with inflation falling from a high of 8.9% in June to 6.4% in December. However, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation – the personal consumption expenditures price index – unexpectedly increased in January. This casts some doubt that a soft landing can be achieved in 2023. The Dow slid about 2,000 points in February, as this unexpectedly higher inflation increases the chances of further Federal Reserve rate hikes.

I love recipes that are simple, quick to make and oh, so tasty. When it comes to breakfast, I’m always looking for savory options. Shakshuka is a healthy and flavorful dish from North Africa and the Middle East that fits this category and it can be made vegan, as well. It’s a great option for any meal!

My sophomore high school English teacher was an evil man – or at least, I thought so at the time. Only the devil himself would make a bunch of 15-year-olds spend every waking moment outside of school reading a big, thick old-people book every ten days or so and then demand a book report about it. It was criminal! How were we supposed to have any kind of fun at all?

Everyone has a bad hair day once in a while – I certainly do – and bad hair can definitely ruin the entire day! Whether you are fighting the frizz, have fine hair, want to pump up the volume or just didn’t have the time to wash it, bad hair can spoil the best of times.

Bloomberg’s December 2022 survey of economists found that 70% expect a recession in 2023. Bank of America and Citibank forecast that such a recession could be “mild.” Consequently, it is worth considering what a mild recession might look like.

Every mid-March, the world turns green and the mythical leprechaun is in the thick of it. Known the world round, a leprechaun is defined as a type of solitary fairy that hides in the hollows, caves and tree trunks of Ireland bestowing wishes and wealth upon those who are lucky enough to find and catch him. Don’t look away once you have him, though – he’ll vanish in a flash, leaving you empty handed and forlorn … or so the legends go.

It’s almost impossible to turn on the TV and not see a news program or talk show (both comedy and serious) reporting on or telling jokes about the recent shenanigans of our elected leaders in Congress.

Sure, winter is technically still here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on your wardrobe for the warmer days coming. Check out the best spring 2023 fashion trends that came from the runways, then shop each one to start wearing them now. You know what they say: the early bird gets the … compliments!

When building a portfolio, who is the winner?

Spring is upon us! And you never know what kind of weather you will get in Michigan during the spring, especially during the month of March. It may come in like a lion and go out like a lamb – or vice versa. You may see a snow or ice storm  but there are also plenty of sunny and warm days to enjoy. You might even notice sturdy, yellow daffodils popping up through the snow.

When life gets busy, sometimes the most travel you can fit in is a vacation in your own town. With school and work schedules filling up, we recently decided to catch a little adventure, rest and relaxation close to home.

Now is the best time to find a variety of citrus in stores – more unusual types than are typically available during the rest of the year. Try blood oranges, tart pomelos and several varieties of tangerines, all offering superfruit vitamin benefits that help us stay healthy this time of year.