The first time I prepared a raw chicken I literally cried. I was in my very early 20s and cooking was done only to impress dates (the baked chicken was for a real meat and potatoes guy — things didn’t work out). Other than that I could be found dining out and munching on my specialty — Fruit Loops. As time has gone on and my relationships have moved past dating to marriage, my cooking skills have greatly improved (although I must say for the price, the rotisserie chickens already prepared Read more [...]

If you were to create a recipe for the ideal manager, what traits would you include? A cup of empathy? A sprig of high standards and excellence? A dash of humor? My friend Cheryl takes the care and feeding of her team seriously. During the implementation of new software, a group of us were on site to assist in the transition. On day one, Cheryl brought in her famous popcorn for everyone. Now you may think popcorn is not a big deal, but Cheryl’s special melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, delicious Read more [...]

I love to eat! If you are looking for the best dishes at local eateries, I’m the gal to ask. Many of my adventures surround food — I can’t go shopping on the magnificent mile without stopping for the Asian nachos at the Grand Lux. Visiting the East Coast and not having Maryland crab cakes is a sin as far as I’m concerned. It’s true, many a good time and many a good memory have happened over a meal. Think about how much of your life happens over a meal … pretty amazing, isn’t it? Whether Read more [...]

I don’t need a calendar to know that March holds one of my favorite holidays. Every March 17 everyone becomes Irish for the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. My mom was Irish, so as little kids my brothers, sister and I were taught the importance of this holiday. As I grew older I began to see the importance of this holiday in an entirely new way, typically by looking down through the vast emptiness of a beer mug. Now the days of celebrating with reckless abandon have been replaced with a Read more [...]

I’m wearing an avocado mask this morning. I hear it’s great for the skin; an excellent way to clean your pores. But let me be honest … this mask was applied by my son, when he smacked a spoonful of avocado out of my hand and onto my face. Cute little rascal. I just don’t get it. I don’t get not wanting to eat, because I always want to eat! I love food. It may be an unhealthy relationship, but eating is a very enjoyable experience for me. I savor it, look forward to it, crave doing it, Read more [...]

February 6 - April 2 — RecycleMania, East Lansing. RecycleMania is an annual eight-week recycling competition between more than 600 colleges and universities across the United States. The goal is to increase recycling awareness in a fun and friendly competition. How can MSU Spartans participate? 1) Be aware of recycle bins located in every building. Use them properly. 2) Encourage fellow classmates, faculty and staff to recycle. 3) BE SPARTAN GREEN! Recycle on a regular basis! MSU Goal: 1 million Read more [...]

Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing opened its new slimy, crusty and stinky exhibit titled “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body” on Friday, Jan. 28. Science Center members were the first to get a peek at the exhibit, which features a burp machine, human skin climbing wall and interactive games. The exhibit will be open through May 15. For more information visit www.impression5.org.

It was ladies’ weekend Feb. 4-6 at the Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo at the Lansing Center. Women were able to view and sample products and services from the more than 275 women-geared businesses on display. The Expo also featured cooking demonstrations and presentations on health, home, business and style.

The Fresh Paint Art Auction on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Eagle Eye Conference Center in Bath featured pieces of art created by Haslett students, faculty and alumni, as well as by local artists. Guests were entertained with a live band and hors d’oeuvres throughout the auction. The funds raised will benefit art programs at Haslett Public Schools.

By Romayne Lay INGREDIENTS 1 lb. ham 1/2 C. butter 1/3 C. parsley 32 oz. frozen hash browns 1/2 gal. milk 2 cans cream of chicken soup 1 tsp. salt 1-8 oz. cream cheese COOKING INSTRUCTIONS Melt butter and cream cheese together. Add cream of chicken soups, milk and salt. Stir until smooth. Then add ham, potatoes and parsley. Cook for 45 minutes. Editors note: we like garnishing our potato soup with chopped green onions, shredded cheese or bacon to taste. Read more [...]

I love March — in like a lion, out like a lamb. Seems like everything and everyone comes back to life. This do-it-yourself drink station is a simple, fun way to dress up a dinner party or gathering to celebrate the beginning of spring. And if you’re anything like me, a great way to recycle those many wine bottles that piled up over the long winter. Supplies 3-5 wine bottles, or more depending on your crowd Razor blade Stick-on labels Buttons, pins, clip-on earrings, beads Ribbon Read more [...]

Knitting and crochet enthusiasts in the Greater Lansing Area are a "close knit" bunch — no pun intended. So, when a knitting shop closed in West Lansing, two local women who worked there knew what they had to do. Without missing a beat — or dropping a stitch — they opened a shop of their own. “When one door closes, another one opens,” said Kathy McCormack, co-owner of Sticks & Strings yarn shop in Lansing’s Old Town. Sticks & Strings opened last November to familiar faces Read more [...]