Recent Blog Posts

Whether you like long, leisurely strolls on the beach or prefer something more daring and adventurous, Michigan is the perfect destination for sweethearts to relax and connect. This Valentine’s Day, consider skipping the candy and flowers and surprise your special someone with a visit to one of th...
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Cheese Please - West Coast Shorter Wife Now that the holiday cooking is behind us let's talk about a fun way to put out food at parties and even for date night - in! Cheese and fruit platters are such a fun way to try little bites of everything good and share parings that are local and that you lo...
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We are about halfway through winter here in beautiful Northern Michigan and there is absolutely no shortage of awesome local activities. Last week's blog post highlighted outdoor winter activities throughout Northern Michigan. This week I'm writing about Petoskey's Winter Carnival. ...
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Already thinking about Valentines day? It's just a few weeks away and what's not to like about it? Yummy sweet treats and Valentines from someone special. If you're already thinking about sweet treats what to make for Valentines Day I have a recipe for you today on the blog! Even if you're on a...
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It's so hard to get my family out of bed on a cold winter morning. I don't even want to get up. But having this hardy, warm breakfast of Apple Pecan Oatmeal waiting for us in the crock pot makes it a little easier. It also makes the morning go smoother when I don't have to cook a hot breakfast in be...
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Yesterday's blog post was about the Pied Piper Skatery in Walloon Lake, the perfect place for those of us that prefer to stay inside during these cold winter months here in Northern Michigan. Love being outside with nature? Today's post is for you! Northern Michigan in a winter playground for ...
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Valentine's Day will always hold a special place in my heart not because it is what some call a 'Hallmark Holiday' but because it is my now 3 year old son Carl's half birthday.  When he turned 6 months his beloved daycare figured that out and it has been a very sweet day ever since.  It always s...
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If you're an adult like me you probably have fond memories of spending a few days a week at your local roller rink. I remember spending every Saturday or Sunday afternoon at our roller rink, here in Petoskey, (now the American Spoon Foods warehouse at the corner of Click and River roads). My older ...
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If you really want to slow down, get back to basics and spend quality time together there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned family road trip. Michigan is a great place to take a road trip. Drive in almost any direction, and you’re sure to find a sandy beach, scenic hiking trail or charming to...
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Here is a recipe I make at our PV Alpine Ski Racing Fall Camp at Vail, Colorado on Thanksgiving every year.  This year I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 85 people between campers, parents and coaches so I made 5 of them - they were all devoured.  It is my most requested recipe by far and is great...
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