Hunter Ice Festival

I realize that I'm a bit late, but here are some pictures that I took during the Hunter Ice Festival. While I did wander into businesses and take pictures at different venues, I'm going to separate those into their own posts. The following shots pertain mostly to the festival itself.

A horse with wings ice sculpture

A view of downtown Niles



The Paris soda fountain shop. A place I definitely want to try for a review!




Capturing the ice sculptor's creation



I love this sculptor's hat....



The working ice merry-go-round that the Food Network came to film!




Raaaar!




A little girl admiring the merry-go-round



Butterfly sculpture




An underwater mural off of Main St.



More ice carving at work.

I hope everyone had a fantastic time at the Hunter Ice Festival and used it as an opportunity to explore the great businesses that downtown Niles has to offer. I firmly believe we are a budding city that holds great potential! Thanks to the festival, I discovered Squeeze Juice Bar and the soon-to-open vintage vinyl cafe called Rumor Has It. Hopefully I'll be able to bring you some coverage of Rumor Has It once they host their grand opening on Feb 12th. Be sure to check them out that day! I caught of preview of their space, and it looks like it's going to be a pretty swanky setup.

Blog Overhaul

Since I began blogging at the age of 14, my sites have always been a mix of everything that interested me. Whether it be discussing music, posting my photography, a recipe, a business review, or a personal rant, everything has always been jumbled into one personal blog.

This has caused my blogs to lose a lot of direction, and I believe it has inhibited the success I could have had, had I included more focus in my writing. While I've attempted a food blog, photography blogs, and the like, I never kept them isolated. I think this time around, I need to be more determined to streamline my content.

"Hey there, Scout!" is going to turn into my "exploration" blog of sorts. I intend on exploring local restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and other businesses and featuring them here on my blog. I would also like to cover special events and festivals and use these two avenues as a way to strengthen my photography skills.

I've kept a few back posts on here because they either cover an event/venue or capture some of my photography. Many others, I have deleted because they disturb the flow of the postings. But from here on out, I fully expect to redesign this blog into one of neighborhood exploration and discovery. Join me as I find everything fantastic that the Michiana area (and beyond!) has to offer!

Squeeze Me!

On January 14th, a new business adventure opened its doors to the public. While Niles may not seem to be a town to receive businesses of a progressive culture very well, I believe this business may be a building block for revitalizing our small town.

Squeeze is a vegan, raw juice bar located in the Four Flags Hotel on Main St. in Niles, MI. Susan, the owner, has had this vision of a juice bar for years. She told me that she would go into the cafes in bigger cities and admire the quaint decor and the draw of the clientele. Finally, she decided she would take her admirations and her vision and come up with her own space. Hence, Squeeze was born.



Upon walking into Squeeze, you will see a very cozy and inviting atmosphere. On one side is a long bar where you can sit and chat with your barista and watch drinks being made. Everything is laid out all in front of the customer -- no surprises! To the opposite side, there are sections of seating and a few corners that small groups can nestle into for longer conversations. The wall is tastefully decorated with pictures of fruits, veggies, and inspiring color.





On the menu, you will find several smoothie selections and juice concoctions. If you request a specific ingredient be left out of the smoothie, that can be done for you. (As someone with various fruit allergies, that can be appreciated!) Each are priced at 3.50. You can also add in extras such as chia seeds, seaweed, and bee pollen. Teas and herbal coffees are also available.



A delicious treat found at Squeeze that you may have never considered before would be Susan's kale chips. I've heard of this new trend, but never had the opportunity to taste them. There was a bowl of samples out, so I took that as my opportunity! They were delicious, and I was instantly addicted to the crunchy beginning, but the melt-in-your-mouth finish of these dehydrated leafy chips. They were lightly seasoned with olive oil, garlic (I believe), and other deliciousness. Don't be afraid! They may very well replace the potato chip for me.



What's really great about checking out a new business and those of a progressive sort such as juice bars is this -- they're still experimenting! While I was there, Susan let me try her carrot muffins (raw, I remind you!) and macaroons, and also her new dish of a mock-tuna salad that consisted of nuts such as cashews and almonds. The mock salad was to die for, especially when paired with her kale chips! I imagine that as Squeeze develops, even more fantastic offerings will be added to her already stellar menu selection.



For my first visit, I chose the "Peak Performance" smoothie and added bee pollen. This smoothie included pineapple, orange, banana, and honey. Without the bee pollen, the consistence of the smoothie had a sweeter and more smooth flavor. With the bee pollen, you noticed a more grainy texture and the bitterness toned down the natural sugars found in the fruit. It was definitely an excellent first choice for myself, and something I would order again.

I realize that in the mid-west, the idea of "vegan" and "raw" foods can scare people away -- especially when we live in the land of Applebees and TGI Fridays. But I guarantee that there is something for everyone on this menu -- from traditionalists who like their basic fruit smoothies to more adventuresome types who are willing to try kale juice and hemp seeds.



The hours for Squeeze are Tuesday through Saturday 9:00am -- 7:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 noon -- 5:00 pm. Be sure to check out this new juice bar in Niles and support your local business owners! It's a great place to socialize, catch up, study, or just relax after a busy day.

Go! Support! Enjoy!

I promise you won't be disappointed.

the passing of a great man.

One of my professors from Bethel College, Dr. Scott Johnson ("Scotty J") passed away from his long, excruciating battle with cancer this morning. Scotty J was one of the most brilliant, compassionate men to ever exist in this world. Not that many people understood him, some found him odd. I was just always enthralled and thankful for the three classes I took from him. It really sucks that I sluffed my way through all of them with C's when I bet he could have empowered me to get A's.

You know who some of the most wonderful, amazing, powerful people in the world are? Teachers and professors. It's true. You guys are one of the greatest rocks in our international humanity. The people I admire the most from my life? It's my professors. You were our mentors, our challengers. You inspired and believed in us.

I wouldn't be where I'm at in life today if it wasn't for some of my professors from Bethel. They're the ones who opened my minds, unlocked my dreams, and made me feel like I had the potential to do or be anything in the world that I wanted. Teachers and professors are awesome. You can graduate and go months without contacting them, and they'll still love to catch up over coffee or have your back with a job recommendation when you need it. They'll attend your weddings, cheer you on in grad school, give you recommendations for research topics, send you messages on Facebook. The relationship doesn't stop with the final grade.

My parents and my professors shaped who I am and who I am still trying to become. I owe so much to all of you.... from those who taught me music, literature, science, sociology, and theology. You're the heroes of my heart. May God bless ALL of you.

Scott J, I pray for peace and rest for your departed soul. You will be missed.