Maranda Gets a Dog Sled Lesson
One of the unique winter activities that the Double JJ Resort offers is dog sledding. Maranda got a lesson in mushing from the pros.
Where You Live
Family Fun This Weekend!
Here are some fun family events happening this weekend…..Where You Live!
Open Wide Exhibit at the Grand Rapids Childrens’ Museum, now - Sunday, April 16. www.grcm.org
This is the first weekend of the Open Wide exhibit at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Kids can learn the basics of dental health while they role play as dentists, brush teeth and put braces on life-size puppets.
Michigan International Auto Show, Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29 DeVos Place – Grand Rapids www.showspan.com
Auto manufacturers from around the world will bring over 300 new vehicles to DeVos Place, including the latest in sedans, vans, SUV’s, trucks, hybrids and sports cars. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for kids.
Grand Haven Winterfest, Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29-Downtown Grand Haven www.winterfestonline.org
Events include a family dog pull, cardboard sled race and all kinds of winter activities for kids.
Richmond Park Winter Rush, Saturday, January 28 at 11am, Richmond Park – Grand Rapids www.winterrush.com
Winter Rush is an extreme race designed to incorporate the natural outdoor elements of Richmond Park located in the heart of Grand Rapids. Fun course elements include sledding, snow angel making, a wall climb and run through the wood. Bring the kids out and cheer on the participants!
This week on Where You Live, we’re talking winter fun at the Double JJ Ranch and Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. We’ll show you everything that the Double JJ offers families this time of year including tubing, dog sledding and sleigh rides. Plus, we’ll have your chance to win a two-night stay for your family! Watch Friday at 7pm on WXSP, Saturday at 7:30am & 7:30pm on WOTV and Saturday at 6:30pm on WOOD TV.
Off to Play at the Double JJ!
This weekend on “Where You Live” we’re heading north to the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for some winter adventures! We’ll go snow tubing, dog sledding and for a horse drawn wagon ride through the snow! Plus, we’ll check out the Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark! And we’re giving away two overnight stay and play packages!! It’s an amazing place with an amazing contest! Watch “Where You Live” this weekend at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and 6:30 p.m. on WOOD TV 8!
Five Star Family Fun for this Weekend!
There are loads of family fun activities taking place around West Michigan this weekend. Here are a few of my favorites.
Winterfest-Saturday, January 21 from 11am-3pm-Outdoor Discovery Center – Holland www.outdoordiscovery.org
Families are invited to the Outdoor Discovery Center to celebrate winter! Activities offered include ice fishing, snow fort building, snowshoeing and more.
Little Red Riding Hood-Saturday, January 21 at 10:15am & 11:15am-Sunshine Community Church – Grand Rapids www.grsymphony.org
The Grand Rapids Symphony presents this children’s classic set to fun music. Cost is $5 per person and it’s the perfect way to introduce your child to the symphony.
The Great Skate-Saturday, January 21 through Sunday, January 22-Rosa Parks Circle – Grand Rapids www.griffinshockey.com
From 10pm on Saturday to 10pm on Sunday, there will be an ice skating marathon at Rosa Parks Circle. Through out the 24 hours there will also be a variety of children’s activities taking place. This event is a benefit for the Griffins Youth Hockey Foundation.
Harlem Globetrotters-Sunday, January 22 at 2pm-Van Andel Arena Grand Rapids www.ticketmaster.com
If your kids love basketball, you won’t want to miss the Harlem Globetrotters!
Museums Free 4 All-Sunday, January 22 from Noon-5pm
The Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum are all offering free admission this Sunday! Head downtown and take advantage of this special opportunity.
This week on Where You Live, we’re talking about Cash for College. We’ll take you to Ferris State University as we talk to experts and find out how to navigate through the world of financial aid and scholarships. Meet a student who is working her way through college debt-free, plus get important financial advice on saving money now to help your child pay for tuition in the future. Watch Friday at 7pm on WXSP, Saturday at 7:30am & 7:30pm on WOTV and Saturday at 6:30pm on WOOD TV.
Setting Goals for 2012
I’ve never been the type of person who makes a New Year’s Resolution. Each year New Year’s Eve rolls around and as midnight creeps closer I quickly come up with something like, “I need to have more patience this year” or “I’m going to try and workout more this year.” Then, October rolls around and I realize that I never really held myself to it.
This past December I was at a friend’s house and noticed they had written out a list of goals for 2012 and had it posted clearly where they could see it each day and be held accountable. They had laid out goals for work, health and family. That night at home I couldn’t stop thinking about their list and how I liked the idea of actually writing goals down and putting them where they’d be a constant reminder. I started to think about what I would put into those categories and what my goals for the coming year would be.
I think a lot of people (including myself) don’t like to make a big giant New Year’s Resolution because it can be hard to live up to. But, by setting a list of goals to work toward, it’s not such a daunting thing to take on. I decided to make my own list of 2012 goals and so far I’ve only shared it with my husband. I think by sharing my list with all of you, it will hold me accountable and hopefully inspire some of you to take on some new challenges this year.
Family Goals for 2012
1. To work harder on doing nightly homework with Sophia. I know this sounds like an easy one, but surprisingly Kindergarteners get lot of homework. Patience is not a virtue that I’ve been blessed with, so I dread this time each evening, especially when Entertainment Tonight is calling my name. This year, I’m going to work harder at carving out time for homework with Sophia and channel my inner teacher.
2. To spend more quality time with my husband. Anyone that has children knows that a large part of your life is spent catering to their needs (I originally typed being a slave to them, but realized that sounded too harsh). A week will pass and my husband and I haven’t had a conversation that didn’t involve iCarly, Barbie dolls or poop. Enough said.
Health & Wellness Goals for 2012
1. To run a 5K. I haven’t said this one out load except to my husband, probably because I’ll be forced to do it. I’m not a runner, but I’ve always thought it seems like such an accomplishment to run a race. I know a 5K seems small, but these goals are supposed to be obtainable.
2. To do something active three times a week.
Work Goals for 2012
1. To blog at least twice a month. I know over the past year I’ve slacked on this, but I’m committed to blogging more often! If anyone has any topics for me to tackle, I’d love suggestions!
2. To be a more positive person. I think this is something that I need to try to apply to my life in general. I’m often a glass half-empty kind of gal and I think I need to be more optimistic and positive, like envisioning my glass half-full of wine.
So, there they are. Those are my goals and now it’s time for me to start working towards them. I’d love to hear from you about your goals for 2012. Do you set them? How are you working towards them?
Photo is courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/puuikibeach/3242828279/
Win A Healthy Heart Party!
Maranda and her partners are throwing a Healthy Heart Party for one lucky school. Watch the promo below for details on how to win.
The Appeal of Pinterest
Pinterest is becoming a popular website for women around the country. We talked to a Rockford family to find out what makes this website so popular.
Love Those Oats!
January is national oatmeal month and it’s no surprise since oatmeal sales are highest during the cold winter months. Oatmeal is actually made of ground oat groats (the hulled grain of oats) and comes in many different forms (Old fashioned oats, quick oats, steel cut and instant). Here are the differences:
Steel-cut oats: Oat groats cut into small pieces; have not been steamed or rolled
Old fashioned rolled oats: Steamed and rolled but not cut
Quick-cooking rolled oats: Cut into small pieces then steamed and rolled
Instant Oatmeal: Pre-cooked and dried; Many instant oatmeal varieties also have added flavorings, sugars, sodium and fat
Oatmeal can be a very healthy depending on the type and what you add to it. The NuVal™ Nutrition Scores for cereal are driven by the amount of sodium, sugar and fiber. The more sodium and sugar, the lower the score and a higher amount of fiber will help to increase a NuVal score. Here are some hot cereal examples:
John McCann’s Steel Cut Irish Oats: 91
Quaker Grits Smooth & Creamy Enriched White Hominy: 82
Cream of What Enriched Farina: 82
Quaker Whole Grain Rolled Oats: 57
Kashi GoLean Truly Vanilla Hot Cereal: 46
Quaker Instant Cinnamon Oatmeal: 30
I like to keep a big container of old fashioned oatmeal in my cupboard especially when it’s cold outside. By adding fruit, nuts and fat free milk you will have a satisfying breakfast (or snack) that will keep you full and provide energy throughout the morning. Create your own “signature” bowl of oats by adding your favorite toppings. Here are some combinations that I like:
- Dried cherries and sliced almonds
- Walnuts, sliced banana and cinnamon
- Stir in 1 spoonful of peanut butter and low sugar strawberry jam
- Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of canned pumpkin and top with walnuts and a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon
- Diced apple or peach and pecans
- Almond oatmeal to go (recipe below)
Almond Oatmeal
In a large container combine 2 cups whole oats, 2 cups almond milk, ½ cup raisins, ½ cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts and 2 tsp. cinnamon. Mix well. Cover and let sit overnight in refrigerator. Serve warm or cold.
Yummm! Anyone have any oatmeal recipes to share?
Becoming A Road Warrior
Each year, the Fifth Third River Bank Run committee selects an elite group of people to become Road Warriors. Meet two of the people taking on the challenge!
Renew, Recharge, Re-energize!
Welcome to 2012- I hope the new year is off to a great start Where You Live! On this weekend’s show we’ll explore simple ways you can recharge, re-energize and revamp things for your family! We’ll shop with Shari from Meijer and see how simple switches in the groceries you buy can make a big difference in your family’s health. Our friends at Holland Aquatic Center will share great shape up moves you can do at home and Priority Health has five ways to make living healthier a little easier. A Pine Rest Expert will share practical ways to reconnect with those you love. Plus, you’ll love the great finds at Goodwill that will inspire you to re-do your wardward and your living room all for under $10!! Plus, it’s time to kick-off the 35th Anniversary of the Fifth Third River Bank Run-find out how you can get involved! Watch “Where You Live” this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 7;30 p.m. on WOTV 4 and Sunday at 11:30 on WOOD TV 8.
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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