Recent Blog Posts

Hello, friends! Summer is here to stay in Northern Michigan and I feel like we are so busy, even more so than during the school year. I work from home and my schedule is pretty flexible but I'm always trying to cram as much into our days with the kids as I can. Sometimes this means, quick and easy l...
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Hello, friends and welcome back! It's almost mid-July and we've been enjoying our summer as much as possible here in beautiful Northern Michigan. The kids camp in Bay View is in full swing and I'm so, so thankful that the weather is finally starting to warm up here in Petoskey. Our afternoons and ev...
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Blueberries are now in season here in Michigan. (We grow over 1/3 of the country's supply!) Visit a local farm where you can pick your own. You're sure to find fresh picked berries at farmer's markets, and many grocery stores offer locally grown fruit this time of year also. Blueberry Slump. Don't...
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Many people HATE to entertain or have given up having friends over all together because they really don't have time. At our house we seem to end up having a planned or impromptu party at least once a week - the key is to make it as stress free as possible - like it should be. Here are some tips ...
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Hello, friends and welcome back! I hope that everyone had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. We spent the weekend up north in the Upper Peninsula between Gladstone and Escanaba where my husband is from. We hadn't spent a July 4th up north since 2002, when my husband begain working as a Petoskey Public ...
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Looking for an easy and refreshing summer beverage to try this week? Look no further! I'm always looking for new and fun recipes to try out and during the summer I tend to gravitate toward lemonade or citrus-y beverages. Maybe it's the heat but I always think citrus drinks are really refreshing and ...
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The little gal from Montana, Sylvie Coston, that lived with us this winter makes about every potato dish possible.  She stayed with our family while skiing for Mission Ridge Ski Team to pursue her dreams.  Sylvie makes a mean Au Gratin Potato dish passed down from the ladies in her family that I...
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As we look back and celebrate our nation’s history this Fourth of July, it’s also a good time to remember Michigan’s history and its contributions to our country. Here are a few places where you can learn more about how Michigan became a state and the people who helped it grow into the modern ...
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I have a confession. I love ice cream. I can eat it any day of the week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I actually try not to keep it in the house. The kids go nuts for it and then it's ice cream all around. 'Mom, what are we having for dinner??' Um, how about some ice cream. Kidding. Totally kiddi...
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Hello, friends and welcome back! As you know, we started featuring a new employee every month on the blog. It's already the end of June and we are featuring another hard working Grandpa Shorter's employee of the month! Ever wonder how Grandpa Shorter's customer service is so fabul...
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