January, 2010
Schools Going Green!
One of the things I love 
about my job is visiting schools around West Michigan and meeting all the amazing students, teachers and parents. This morning I had the honor of being a part of a school assembly at Rosy Mounds Elementary School in Grand Haven. We were kicking off a month long “Go Green” challenge asking students to live a little greener both at school and at home. A few special treats included a visit from a Priority Health Cyclist, the Grand Haven High School Green Team and the Grand Haven High School Green Guys!! It was a super fun morning watching the students get fired up to “Go Green’! Congrats to that entire district for making it a priority to care for our planet. I’d love to hear what your school is doing to “Go Green”!
The Power of Purple
Schools around West Michigan are helping support cancer research at the Van Andel Institute as part of their Community for a Cure campaign. All you have to do is choose a sport, game, date and location and make it purple! Here’s how you can be part of the power of purple.
Soup’s On!
Soup is one of the most nutritious, budget-friendly dishes you can prepare for your family. I love to make a pot of soup each week during the cold winter months. If there are leftovers, you can take them to lunch!
The ingredients in these quick and healthy soups are loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and they make a perfect dinner that is sure to please. Simply add a whole grain baguette and supper is served!
Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Makes 4 servings
1 large onion, sliced
2 T. Meijer canola oil
½ lb. extra lean ground beef
2 potatoes, thinly sliced
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup Meijer frozen whole kernel corn
1 can Campbell’s® Healthy Request® Tomato Soup
3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
½ t. McCormick® Italian seasoning or oregano
1. Sauté the onion in the oil in a soup pan until onion is limp.
2. Crumble meat in and stir, cooking until all red is gone. Add broth, tomato soup and spices.
3. Add potatoes, carrots and corn; simmer all ingredients for approx. 20-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Nutrition Information per serving: 360 Calories, 12g Fat, 45g Carbohydrates, 16g Protein, 34mg Cholesterol, 675mg Sodium: 5g Fiber
Tomato-Cheese Ravioli Soup
Makes 4 servings
1 (14-1/2 oz.) can Meijer stewed tomatoes
1 (14-1/2 oz.) can fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
½ t. McCormick® Italian seasoning
2 cups Meijer frozen cheese ravioli or fresh cheese tortellini (about 12 oz.)
1 small zucchini, sliced
¼ t. ground pepper
1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add ravioli, zucchini, and pepper; bring to a boil.
2. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 7 to 8 minutes or until pasta and zucchini are tender.
Nutrition Information per serving: 317 Calories, 6g Fat, 48g Carbohydrates, 15g Protein, 39mg Cholesterol, 653mg Sodium: 1g Fiber
Beauty and the Beast Pre-Sale Special!
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is coming to DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids Friday, May 21 through Sunday, May 23. You can save big on tickets to the show but you have act this week!!
Be enchanted with a tale as old as time that has won the hearts of millions of people worldwide. Here is your chance to go for a special discounted rate! As a Marandatv.com friend, get tickets before the general public and save $10 on all kids’ tickets if you purchase between Monday, January 25 and Thursday, January 28. Simply call 1-800-745-3000 or click on the link below and use the code BELLE when you check out.
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/65699/803520&majorcatid=10003&minorcatid=23?camefrom_CFC_VanAndel_BLAST
‘Where You Live’ – January 23, 2010
This weekend we’re showing you ways to make planning a little easier. From mealtime to your energy bill, find out how you can save time and money with a great plan!
Ways to Save Energy and Money
With a little planning, you can see a big difference in the energy used and money spent on your monthly electric bill.
Need Help With Meal Planning?
Many families struggle when it comes to meal planning, but Meijer has made it a little easier with Meijer Mealbox.
Planning Ahead for College
Planning for college can sometimes be overwhelming. We talked with Marnique Harris, Financial Aid Officer at Ferris State University Grand Rapids, to find out how to keep your kids on track.
Check out the following websites for more assistance on funding your college education.
https://studentaid2.ed.gov/getmoney/scholarship/scholarship_search_select.asp?13817/
http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/F4CApp/index/index.jsf
Education Options For Your Child
There are some many choices out there when it comes to your child’s education. The charter school system is one of them.
If you’re planning to enroll in a charter school for the 2010-2011 school year, the deadline is quickly approaching. Open enrollment closes on February 26, 2010. For an application link and more details visit www.heritageacademies.com.
Blogs
Maranda's Blog
Keep in step with Maranda as she explores issues affecting your family.
Maranda's Go-To Gal
Insights from the mom who helps Maranda get it all done.
Whitecaps Blog
Whitecaps mascot Crash takes you inside the ballpark.
Cruiser's Blog
Cruiser has the inside track for Craig's Cruisers.
Health & Wellness
Make health and wellness a priority.
Fifth Third River Bank Run
On pace with the Fifth Third River Bank Run.
Healthy Living
Simple solutions for healthy living.
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