Yes Michigan!

New Home on the Web!

2011-01-31T10:50:00.000-05:00

Beginning tomorrow, February 1st, my new blog is going live. I will still talk a whole lot about local food, businesses and spots to visit, but I'm going to merge all of interests into this one location.

So, starting tomorrow, come to Living From Scratch for all of my adventures!

Thanks for reading and following!
~Ann~

Easy as Pie!

2010-11-19T15:17:00.001-05:00

Many of you know that I participate in the Komen 3-Day for the Cure every year. Part of my commitment to the event is agreeing to raise at least $2300 before I'm allowed to walk. This results in me doing a lot of fundraisers. My latest one was great! I sold frozen pies from the Grand Traverse Pie Company. My customers got pies from a well-known, and delicious, company and I got $5 per pie sold for my fundraising efforts. In addition, I supported a Michigan company. When I picked up the pies, the employees even loaded them into my car for me!

If you have any need for a fundraiser, check them out. Each store does the fundraisers themselves, so just contact your local store for details!

If you're interested in supporting my fundraising efforts, visit my walker page!

Shop Locally This Holiday Season!

2010-11-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

We already know that supporting locally-owned businesses helps the economy. Now, it can help you too! You could win a fabulous getaway at a Michigan establishment!

Here's the scoop from Michigan Main Street Center:
What is the "ShopMIDowntown Holiday Challenge"?
It is a campaign challenging Michigan's residents to spend 75% of their holiday shopping dollars in Michigan’s downtowns and Michigan Main Street districts. We have created a Facebook page for the campaign where we are asking people to post pictures and video of their favorite downtown stores. Please review the ShopMIDowntown contest rules. People who post pictures or video will be automatically entered into a random drawing to win an overnight stay at one of the following establishments:

The Ramsdell Inn in downtown Manistee The Doherty Hotel in downtown Clare
The National House Inn in downtown Marshall
The Water Street Inn in downtown Boyne City
The Courtland Carriage House Bed & Breakfast in downtown Hart.

35 Years Ago

2010-11-10T14:06:00.000-05:00

Another Michigan Collection!

2010-11-08T07:31:00.000-05:00

This one was curated by a different ArtFire artisan. Use these collections to shoip handmade for the holidays!

Michigan Love

Curated By: SylvieBranch

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

Michigan Artisans

2010-10-22T17:15:00.001-04:00

Americas High Five

Curated By: 60milescloser

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Still Looking for Something to Do This Weekend?

2010-05-27T13:13:00.001-04:00

Check out Michigan.org for a list of festivals going on all over the state!

Memorial Day Weekend Giveaway

2010-05-25T09:19:00.001-04:00

This weekend is the unofficial start of summer and there are lots of things happening around Michigan to celebrate. What are you planning on doing? Will you be heading to a parade on Monday to honor our veterans? Will you be having a bbq with family and friends? Will you be spending the weekend out on a lake?

Tell me what you're doing in the comments and you'll be entered to win a red, white and blue Michigan Mitten ornament! I'll pick one comment at random on Tuesday, June 1st!

**This is a sample. The color patterns of the actual ornament will vary.**

Yay, spring!

2010-05-12T11:58:00.000-04:00

So, you may have noticed that I disappeared there for a bit...I apologize profusely. I was a little tired and icky there for awhile, because...there is a new Michigander on its way! Now that I'm feeling better and spring is finally trying to arrive, I promise to be around alot more!

On the way in the near future:
-a review of some local farm markets
-more artisan features
-news on local festivals and events
-other cool stuff that I find!

Thanks for your understanding and I'll "see" you soon!

Fire Alert!

2010-03-30T15:10:00.002-04:00

From Pure Michigan's Facebook feed:
Fire conditions in the state are at high danger; according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, all open debris burning is banned until further notice. You can check the burning conditions in your county daily at www.michigan.gov/burnpermit. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Wordless Weekend- Almost Time for Baseball!

2010-03-26T19:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday Tidbit

2010-03-23T10:44:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was world water day. We can be thankful here in Michigan that we have an abundance of water. Forty of Michigan's 83 counties touch at least one of the Great Lakes and we have over 11,000 inland lakes. Let's make sure we don't take our abundance for granted!

Toast N' Jams

2010-03-17T08:47:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we were visiting my parents in Muskegon. They took us out to breakfast at the cutest little restaurant, Toast N' Jams. Unfortunately, I got there without my camera. :( It's not a huge place, but it's full of people and energy! It's got a cool retro feel, complete with a Route 66 mural. My husband and I had omelettes, which were both delish! My mom had stuffed hashbrowns and my dad had a belgian waffle with pecans. Yum! My son, well he had cocoa krispies...

It gets busy, so get there before or after the rush to avoid a wait. They're also open for lunch.

I've already decided that the next time we go there for breakfast, I'm trying the strawberry cheesecake pancakes!

OOPS!

2010-03-11T11:07:00.002-05:00

OK, well, apparently I went through a time warp and lost a week! Sorry about that! I promise I'll be back next week with new posts!

Tuesday Tidbit

2010-03-02T12:38:00.001-05:00

The Cherry Hut has been serving hunks of homemade cherry pie since 1922, when James and Dorothy Kraker opened a roadside pie stand as an outlet for cherries from their orchard. Today, the hut in Beulah (pop. 363) is a full-blown restaurant famous for its cherry pie.

**I've had the pie, and it is delicious!!"

Wordless Weekend-Courtesy of Buff's Landing.com

2010-02-26T15:37:00.000-05:00

Michigan Staycation- Double JJ Resort

2010-02-24T12:00:00.004-05:00

For part of our staycation, we headed to the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. Due to our schedule, we weren't able to use the snow tubing hill, but we took full advantage of the indoor waterpark. The waterpark is not as large as, say, Great Wolf Lodge, but there were four nice slides, a lazy river, an indoor/outdoor hot tub, a small wave pool area, and two areas for smaller children. There was also a family locker room, which is always nice for those of us with smaller kids. We ate three meals there and they were all quite tasty. The breakfast was included with our package and was a pretty typical buffet, but the lunch and dinner at Rustler's Roost were much better. There are other restaurants there, but the hours vary and they weren't convenient for us this particular visit. Since my parents also came with us, we got a one room suite with a full kitchen and jacuzzi tub. The room was beautiful and comfortable. I can't wait to go back and check out some of their other activities. Staying at the "Back 40" and having some dude ranch experience seems like something my son and I would really enjoy, the husband is less excited about trying it out, but I'll convince him!

Total cost: ~$350 which included overnight accomodations in a one room suite with full kitchen and jacuzzi, 5 passes to the waterpark, 5 breakfast buffets, 5 lunches, 5 dinners and a late night snack and coffee run.

Tuesday Tidbit

2010-02-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

The model for the smiling chef on the Cream of Wheat box is believed to be Frank L. White, who died in 1938 in Leslie (pop. 2,044). A granite gravestone with an etching of the cereal box was placed on his grave in 2007. White was photographed for the cereal box about 1900 while working at a Chicago restaurant.

Team USA- Team Michigan

2010-02-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Did you know that multiple Olympians are from right here in Michigan?

Check it out!

Staycation February 15th-Frankenmuth

2010-02-17T10:03:00.005-05:00

Day three of our staycation was the first that we really ventured out to do something specific. Our family, along with my mother-in-law, decided to spend the day in Frankenmuth. We headed out around 10:30am and our first stop was actually in Clio at Runyan Pottery Supply. I'm including this because, if you're a clay artist, it's a beautiful place! I highly recommend it for the ceramicists and potters that are reading.

Next was a lunch stop at Halo Burger in Birch Run. Halo Burger is a Flint institution and I get one whenever I can. There are several locations in Flint, Fenton and Birch Run. Their burgers are fresh and include all the fixin's. Olives, mushrooms, bacon and peppers are also available and I always get the olives!

Cost for 4 lunches: $19.18

Once in Frankenmuth, we tried to go to the Michigan Military and Space Museum, but it was closed for President's Day. I'll try again some other time. Instead, we went to the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, next door to the visitor's center downtown. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children or $5 for a family. It was a well put together display with some hands-on elements for the kids. It told the story of the Germans who settled in Frankenmuth through present day. I would allow a half-hour to one hour, depending on how long you spend reading and doing the hands-on parts.

Cost for museum admission: $5
Cost for some souvenirs: $15

After the museum, we went across the street to the Harvest Coffeehouse. It's owned by a young husband and wife and is welcoming and fun. There's a "kid's cave" for little ones to play while mom and dad have some coffee and there's an assortment of couches and tables for your relaxing pleasure. The menu is extensive, varied and reasonably priced. My son had a kid's cocoa which was a perfect temperature for immediate drinking. I had a raspberry french soda and my mother-in-law had a special Valentine's latte. All three were excellent. Please, stop by the Harvest House when you need a bit of refreshment!
Cost for 3 drinks: $7.75

After the coffee, we walked down the street to the other side of Zehnder's where the ice sculptures from snowfest were still mostly intact. There was a large assortment of amazing designs and I hope that some year I actually make it up to see them being carved! After that, we drove back to Bronner's to browse the giant Christmas store. No matter what time of year it is, Bronner's can put you in the holiday spirit! For more on Bronner's check out my earlier post.

When we were done at Bronner's we headed back downtown for the famous chicken dinners. I know some people feel a strong allegiance to either Zehnder's or the Bavarian Inn, but honestly, I think they are both wonderful! I've tried a wide range of dishes from both restaurants and everything is excellent. This time, though, we all opted for the all you can eat family style chicken at Zehnder's (also available at Bavarian Inn). Well, my son chose macaroni and cheese, but he's 3, he'll learn! For $18.95 a person you get a cup of noodle sooup, a selection of homemade breads and jam, garlic toast with liver pate and cheese spread, cottage cheese, coleslaw, cranberry relish, dressing, gravy, butter noodles, mashed potatoes and, of course, yummy fried chicken. Also, a dish of ice cream. Everything is all you can eat except for the soup and ice cream and if you can't finish you can take home anything that is on your table after you're done. Instead of ice cream I had a piece of their homemade cherry strudel, which was exquisite!
Cost for 4 meals (including 3 soft drinks and a glass of wine, strudel and tip): $95 (there are often coupons available if you check the website)
Cost for some treats from the Zehnder's bakeshop: $15

Cost for the whole day: $156.93

Tuesday Tidbit

2010-02-16T10:03:00.002-05:00

The Saginaw River is only 20 miles long, but with its tributaries is the largest drainage system in the state.

Michigan Stay-Cation: February 13th

2010-02-15T10:00:00.002-05:00

As promised, here is my first post about our "staycation". Day one wasn't all that exciting, really. We laid low and watched the Olympics. We did head out to lunch at our favorite local mexican restaurant, El Patio. There are 3 locations: Waterford, Farmington and Milford, but I've only been to the Waterford restaurant. Everything has always been fresh and yummy. Service is lightening fast and the staff is friendly and outgoing. If you prefer carry-out, call as you walk out the door. Your food will be ready and waiting. One time I ordered take-out and then was delayed for a few minutes. When I arrived, they re-made everything (and it was a big order)! It took about 5 minutes and they wanted to make sure my food was as fresh as possible!

Day 1 cost: $30.25 (3 meals, 3 drinks and tip)

Get out there and experience some local restaurants. I promise you will find one (or lots) that will knock all the chains off the map!

Wordless Weekend-Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Tidbit

2010-02-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

Vernors ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later, the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.**

**Vernor's son suggested in 1936 that the formula was not actually developed until after the war.

Michigan Stay-cation 2010

2010-02-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

My husband has a week long vacation from February 13th through February 21st. Normally, we would head off to somewhere a bit warmer. This year, however, we decided to stick closer to home and explore all the good stuff our local area has to offer. So, get ready to experience a southern Michigan stay-cation! Destinations include Frankenmuth, the Double JJ Resort and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. I'll try to keep track of not only what we do, but how much it costs for those of you that are trying to watch your finances.

Watch out Michigan, here we come!