Close your eyes and imagine a city filled with community spaces where neighbors and children gather and share a beautiful winter afternoon; with buildings and alleys draped in murals; where biking isn’t just a leisure activity reserved for the weekends, but a major mode of transportation. Now, for a moment, imagine that city is Lansing. “There are places in the world where people mainly get around by walking and biking, and they’re some of the fittest places in the world,” said Jessica Yorko, Read more [...]

Financially, navigating the holiday season during an economic slump can be a little tough, but with early planning and a little DIY creativity, you can eliminate extra expenses associated with last minute preparation. Believe it or not, you can be frugal and still dazzle your friends and family. Get a head start Early planning allows you to get a bigger picture of what’s ahead. Think about things you’ll need to prepare for (food, gifts, décor, etc.), set a spending limit and stick to it! When Read more [...]

Christian Services/Love In the Name of Christ, a nonprofit organization in Lansing, acts as a networking tool for churches within the Greater Lansing area. Its primary responsibility for its 28 years of existence has been to help churches develop ministries and link people with churches. Currently, according to co-director of Christian Services Liz Youngquist, there are 400 churches total in the Lansing area, with 210 churches in the network, 90 of which are considered partners. “Christian Read more [...]

Okay, so it’s not the real Ol’ Blue Eyes, but he runs a pretty close second. Brian Duprey comes to the Wharton Center in East Lansing as Frank Sinatra in The Rat Pack is Back! He’s bringing the whole gang with him — Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joey Bishop. Of course, these are all being portrayed by actors: Drew Anthony, Kenny Jones and Mickey Joseph. An only child, Duprey grew up in Rhode Island and started singing at the age of six. It was at the age of 13 that his mom told Read more [...]

Just because we aren’t showing as much skin in these winter months doesn’t mean we can neglect our skin. It is important to stay on top of your skin care and on the lookout for signs that there is a problem — especially symptoms of cancers. Actinic keratoses are one of the earliest signs of sun-damaged skin. They are technically considered pre-cancerous. They are small, scaly spots most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, lower arms and backs of the hands, but can occur on the legs, Read more [...]

Events Arts / Exhibits / Clinics / Fundraisers November 27 - December 27 — Wonderland of Lights, Lansing. Thousands of lights creating extraordinary animal exhibits and holiday displays, strolling carolers, musical performances and more! We'll have lots of fun activities planned each night, including cookie decorating, animal presentations, kids’ craft table and more. Also visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Fri. and Sat.s. Open Thurs. through Sun. 5-8 p.m. Parking is free. Call (517) 342-2710 Read more [...]

By Winner Shannon Nobles Makes 6 to 8 servings For lasagna 12  whole wheat lasagna noodles 2    cups portobello mushroom slices 1    roasted red pepper 2    cups cooked spinach 1    small package of fresh mozzarella, sliced thin 1    egg 1    tsp. olive oil 15 oz. container of ricotta cheese For sauce 1    jar of garlic alfredo sauce 2   cups fresh basil 1/2 cup pure olive oil 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 1/3 cup pine nuts 4   cloves fresh garlic Salt Read more [...]

By Winner Nancy Nyquist Makes 6 to 8 servings For Egg Nog Bread Pudding 1    loaf stale French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes 1    quart eggnog (light works just fine) 3    eggs ½ tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. cinnamon 2 Tbsp. vanilla ½ cup sugar Directions 1. Heat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9”x13”x2” pan. 2. In a large mixing bowl, crumble the bread and pour the eggnog over it, letting it sit until bread is soft. 3. In a smaller bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar and vanilla, Read more [...]

Nothing says holiday cheer like a movie about the end of the world. Well, I guess if there is a good dose of humanity and some top notch special effects, it does qualify as a good way to spend some times as this festive season descends upon us. 2012 is a movie about the cataclysmic date of 12-21-12, a date many cultures, religions, scientists and governments believe will be the end of the world as we know it. Written and directed by Roland Emmerich and staring John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejofur and Read more [...]

I never dreamed that dating an older gentleman would turn into a disaster. As an adult, you figure even if something doesn’t work out, your reaction doesn’t say “You killed my pet,” or “I don’t know that I can go on without you.” Mr. Pouty Pants was just this side of losing it. Terry was a local guy I met on an interracial dating site. The Web site works just like any of the other dating sites. The main difference is you have men and women who are looking to date outside of their Read more [...]

The first annual Women Who Inspire Awards were organized by the Women Working Wonders (W3) to honor the women who pushed us to dream big and achieve our ambitions. Three special women — Ande Glasmacher, Janet Sinke and Kristina Tennant — were honored with awards for their inspiration to others.

Events Arts / Exhibits / Clinics / Fundraisers January 2 — Sick Science: All About Germs!, Lansing. Saturdays are made for fun at Impression 5, and we call them Super Saturdays! Each Saturday has a different theme, like Gross Super Saturday or Electricity Super Saturday, with exciting new activities to go along with it. You get to participate in these activities for just the cost of regular admission. Call (517) 485-8116 ext 32 or visit www.impression5.org. January 6 — Open Knitting, Read more [...]