By Lori in Lansing on 3/11/2010 5:01 PM

St. Patrick’s Day is approaching and I’ll be hunting through my closet to find something green to wear so I don’t get pinched. It must not be a good color for me, because I can never find a green shirt for the day. And I don’t find many green foods that I like, either. Yes, I realize that they’re generally supposed to be good for you, but I don’t ever think I’ve caught myself thinking, “Wow, I can’t wait to chow down on those peas…or string beans.” But I do like guacamole. That’s green... Read More »

By brendan on 3/10/2010 10:37 AM

Okay so everyone says spring makes them feel young again, I know. But I'm telling you, for me, I see a few signs of spring and I immediately am shot back to fond memories of my youth and my pass-time of choice when winter weather was finally beaten back by warm spring temps - playing basketball. Finally the driveway was clear of snow and the temperature was finally warm enough that the ball didn't feel more like a stone. You couldn't really even call it warm, you know? Like 50 degrees maybe, but that was warm enough. You'd avoid the puddles from snow melt and spend some time shooting baskets savoring the thought that it only gets better from here. Every spring I get that feeling again and now it is even more fun because right when you're getting that itch to play ball we have a fantastic event with that exact focus - March Magic Hoopfest. This awesome event celebrates all things hoop! From a three point shoot out to a dunking area to a free throw challenge it is all here. You can't help but ... Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 3/4/2010 8:52 AM

My first foray into volunteering occurred when I was in high school in New Jersey. I signed up to be a Candy Striper at Overlook Hospital. I remember wearing that pink pin-striped uniform which gave me access to a lot of places that the general public was not allowed. The best assignment was when the floral delivery truck pulled up. The patients were so happy to see you bringing them flowers. The worst was being asked to take a tray of specimens down to the lab. When you’re 16 years old, that doesn’t seem too cool. Perhaps not so cool today, either. And closed doors meant, “Do not enter.” Period. I learned that one really fast. Don’t ask. I think the vision will be burned in my brain till I die.

As my life progressed, I have volunteered in various capacities like at my kids’ pre-school (where three hours felt like a full day), various school PTA committees, garden club committees, and the like. I even won a volunteer of the year award at the Humane Society in 1999. And I learned an importan ... Read More »

By brendan on 3/1/2010 8:51 AM

So if you're already a fan of the Greater Lansing CVB on Facebook, or following us on Twitter, you've likely heard the news about Over the Edge. This, of course, is the opportunity provided to you by the Team Lansing Foundation to rappel down the side of downtown Lansing's tallest building, the 23-story Boji Tower. While considered by organizers to be an "extreme rapel" there is no previous training or experience required. You must be at least 18-years-old, more than 110 pounds and less than 300 pounds and of good overall health. You must also collect a minimum of $500 in sponsorship money for the Team Lansing Foundation which works to strengthen local community assets and stimulate hospitality education programs for area youth. All the information you need, as well as an online set-up for managing your pledges, is available at www.teamlansing.org. So, now you have the info. The question at this point ... Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 2/22/2010 2:28 PM

I had a meeting last week at the Michigan Hall of Justice. They have a great Supreme Court Learning Center on the first floor that attracts all kinds of visitors and school groups. It’s just one of a few nationwide and we’re fortunate to have it adjacent to the State Capitol Building. The first time I visited was when it first opened, and I got the tour and thought, wow, I really don’t know a lot about the judicial system. It was pretty interesting, but I thought it was all just a bit over my head. Then the docent mentioned that the learning center is really geared towards middle school students. Yikes!

So when you first walk in, there is Lady Justice to greet you, with her arm stretched out holding those scales. But, she doesn’t have her blindfold on like she does on all the TV shows ... Read More »

By brendan on 2/18/2010 11:50 AM

When you're in third grade a field trip is a particularly welcome event. A break from the classroom, from tests, and the smell of something you might rather not eat cooking in the cafeteria. That field trip becomes particularly special when you are a third grader in Michigan, and you get a day to tour Michigan's Historic State Capitol Building.... Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 2/17/2010 9:38 AM

The cover shot of the 2010 Greater Lansing Official Visitor Guide I’ve nicknamed in my mind, “a man, a van, a camera and some duct tape.” Our photo shoot fortunately fell on a beautiful September evening. There were three things that we wanted to convey on the cover; an iconic Lansing landmark, the fun of taking a road trip to the area, and to reveal our vibrant and thriving community. We met with Thomas Gennara, a very talented local photographer, his assistant and the very nice “models” who were kind enough to have just the car we wanted in the shot. Everyone was extremely patient and good natured, and even withstood the honking of horns from annoyed drivers as they cruised very slowly down Michigan Avenue with the photographer following closely behind the Cadillac with his camera precariously mounted to the front of his van to get that perfect shot. To get the angle just right looking slightly down ... Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 2/11/2010 12:05 PM

It’s Lansing’s Frost Fest!!!

Hey mid-Michigan, it’s Valentine’s weekend and I’ve found a sweet deal for everyone to enjoy. It’s like the stars were all aligned because we got the snow and the festival both on the same weekend! Its Lansing’s Frost Fest, so pull on your parka and come out of hibernation on Saturday. During the day families can enjoy Snowboard rail demos from Modern Skate and Surf, make a snowman, or get into the snowball throwing contest down at Riverfront Park. Or they can hop on the Frost Fest Trolley to take them to the heart of downtown to see the ice sculptures, or just chill out in the warming tent. There will be free carriage rides, too. That’s ... Read More »

By brendan on 2/8/2010 1:45 PM

Okay fellow mid-Michigan parents, tell me if you haven't had one of THESE moments. It's a Sunday in early February and the weather is cold enough out that it's no fun outside, but there is not enough snow to tough it out and bundle up for a decent winter outing. The kids, mine are boys 9 and 8, are bored and literally bouncing off the walls. Every two minutes they're breaking out into a wrestling match or running around the house like crazy people and despite the fact that you've yelled a hundred times to CALM DOWN - can you really blame them? Now a days kids get like 12 minutes for recess and the weather has been so crummy they haven't had a chance to burn off steam (and adults would be kind to remember kids, unlike a lot of us, actually still have steam...) or do any real playing at all. With the Superbowl hours away I knew I wanted to give them some fun and exercise before sitting in front of the TV for the big game for a few more hours. So what do you do in Greater Lansing when the kids are cooped up and ... Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 2/4/2010 2:15 PM

Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m pathetic in the kitchen. Don’t know much, and really don’t care. Cumin? Not a clue. Trans Fats? Um, they’re bad, right?  I’ve got a personal philosophy that if we humans could eat kibble like we feed our beloved pets, and that it’s nutritionally balanced, scientifically formulated and we dole it out in a measuring cup, that we all could be slim, trim and get the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals. We just have a tendency to put way too much emphasis on food, socially and emotionally. I’m just saying.

With that said, take me to an eatery that I actually have to figure out the components to make it taste good and I panic. Take Mongolian Barbeque for example. It’s both of my kids’ absolutely favorite restaurant. They will concoct awesome meals and rave about it for the next week or two.  I, on the other hand, even though I follow the “recipe cards” they offer for challenged people such as myself, end up with a meal that is below my expectations ... Read More »