Popular Posts

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Using Yogurt as a Cooking Substitute

Healthy living may start with a bunch of substitutions so that you don't have to give up everything you love. Kick up the health value of your recipes with a little help from this secret (sometimes not-so-secret) ingredient: GREEK YOGURT. The chart below is from Chobani, but you may use any kind of greek yogurt in your recipes as a substitute. 


Monday, December 29, 2014

BEST Sugar Cookie Recipe - Amazing!


Our fellow blog, Fit and Free With Emily says...
"These cookies are addictive, especially on a cold day with some cocoa or tea. The Chobani adds an extra fluff that can NOT be beat! Crispy and sugary on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth fluffy on the inside."




Ingredients
  • 5 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt (Chobani)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream butter, yogurt and sugars with your mixer. Add eggs. Beat until fluffly. Add canola oil and vanilla.
  3. Slowly add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients.
  4. Best to chill overnight, but can be baked right away. Roll into balls, flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.
  5. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. DO NOT overcook.
  6. Makes approximately 6-8 dozen, depending on the size of your cookies

What to do for Winter Break with the KIDS!

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  5pm - midnight
Location:  Rochester Municipal Park
You are invited to brighten your holidays in downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show! The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light.

Date:  Tue, 12/30/2014
 
Time:  8pm Dec 30, 6pm and 9:45pm Dec 31
Location:  Performance Network Theatre 120 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Two pianos. One stage. 100 years of American piano music. Boogie Stomp! the Stageplay, tells the largely untold tale of boogie woogie and how it has shaped popular American music. Premium seats still available despite looking blacked out online.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  9:30am-1:30pm
Location:  Pump It Up
Special Holiday School's Out Jump N Art! Monday,Tuesday, and Friday (Dec. 22nd - Jan 2nd 2015) $25 per child (one day) $45 per child (2 days) $60 per child (3 days) 9:30am-1:30pm Includes lunch, snacks, crafts, and of course jumping!

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  6pm
Location:  Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Storytelling, musical performances, and a Kwanzaa marketplace. Hosted by Khary WAE Frazer and featuring an African garb fashion show!

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  Museum hours
Location:  The Henry Ford - America's Greatest History Attraction
Imagine a giant Christmas tree adorned with hundreds of precious ornaments, the perfect Santa and winter wonderland-bound toy trains. Experience these unforgettable moments for real during Holidays in Henry Ford Museum.

Date:  Wed, 12/31/2014
 
Time:  1 - 4 p.m.
Location:  Plymouth Historical Museum
Features popular Christmas stories and movies from the past two centuries, including the poem of the same name purportedly by Clement C. Moore, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Polar Express, Elf, White Christmas, and Christmas Vacation.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  5:30 to 9 p.m
Location:  Detroit Zoo
Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in winter as you take in the lights and the sights and enjoy holiday entertainment and activities for guests of all ages.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  Varies by date
Location:  The Detroit Opera House
Back by “popular” demand. Variety calls WICKED "a cultural phenomenon,” and it continues to break box office records across North America.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  12 - 4pm
Location:  Kensington Metropark
Cabin fever? Kids on break? Come out and play! We're running hayrides, or sleigh rides if there is enough snow, all week. Standard hayride rates apply. See Page 6 in the Farm Center Newsletter. For additional information, please call 248-684-8632.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  5:30 - 9pm
Location:  Detroit Zoo
Go on an extraordinary adventure in the Wild Adventure Zone with "The Polar Express 4-D Experience" at the 4-D Theater.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Location:  Michigan Science Center
Narrated by Cate Blanchett, Journey to the South Pacific will take moviegoers on a breathtaking IMAX® adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  10am - 5pm
Location:  Michigan Science Center
Have your young scientists, grades K-5, join us for a MiSci Adventure this holiday season. Register for MiSci Adventure Days December 29, 30, 31, and January 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Date:  Mon, 12/29/2014
 
Time:  Varies by day
Location:  City of Troy
Spend some time at the Community Center over the holidays. Special daily rate of $4/person resident or non-resident from December 20 - January 4.

Date:  Fri, 01/02/2015
 
Time:  12 - 3pm
Need a break from all the indoor holiday activity? Come out to the Farm Center and enjoy a wagon ride in the crisp winter air. The magnificent Percherons await you! Rides will be happening from Noon to 3pm

Date:  Sat, 01/10/2015
 
Time:  2:00PM Sat/Sun & 10:00AM Thur
Location:  PuppetART Theater25 East Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
This December & January we are very pleased to announce our BIGGEST show of the whole season, Snow Queen. This famous tale, written in the late 1800's by H.C. Andersen plays on good versus evil and portrays an original heroic tale with a twist.

New Year's Eve with The Family!

Are you looking for New Years Eve Metro Detroit parties and family fun events in the tri-county area, Metro Detroit, MI for kids and families to Ring in 2015? Look no further! You have found the place for events and activities for the New Year!



New Year's Eve in Never Never Land in Mount Clemens

  • Time: 4-9 p.m. (adult-geared gala starts at 9:30 p.m.)
  • Address: downtown Mount Clemens, Main Street at the clock tower
  • Cost: free/general, $2/train rides, $5/magic show
  • Contact: 586-469-4168
Take a trip to Never Never Land this New Year's Eve. Peter Pan and Captain Hook will be there singing karaoke along with Elsa from Frozen, who will be leading arts and crafts. There are also pony rides, a petting zoo, train rides on Thomas the train and magic shows at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. Dress up like a princess and get a picture with Elsa, Anna and Olaf – or wear your favorite pirate attire to walk the plank of the pirate ship. Then grab a good seat near Fairy Godmother for a countdown to fireworks at 9 p.m.!

Northville Nite Family New Year's Eve Party

  • Time: 4-7 p.m.
  • Location: Recreation Center at Hillside, 700 W. Baseline Road, Northville
  • Cost: $12/adults, $18/ages 2-17, $8/dinner ticket
  • Phone: 248-349-0203
This movie-themed party happens in Hollywood on the red carpet full of paparazzi. Kids enjoy arts and crafts, a photo booth and carnival games – plus a spaghetti and meatball dinner, construction area where they can craft a world of blocks and more.

New Year's Eve All-You-Can-Play Laser at Zap Zone in Canton

  • Time: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
  • Address: Zap Zone Fun Center, 41953 Ford Road, Canton
  • Cost: $35; pre-register and pay
  • Phone: 734-844-7746
Action-seeking kids can ring in the New Year with unlimited laser tag and glo-golf. Plus there's bumper cars running at select times. Check ahead for age information.

DJ Skate Night at Arctic Coliseum Arena in Chelsea

  • Time: 7-10 p.m.
  • Address: Arctic Coliseum Arena, 501 Coliseum Drive, Chelsea
  • Cost: $10/person (includes skate rental)
  • Phone: 734-433-4444
Join a live DJ for a night of skating. Request your favorite songs and skate the night away to laser lights.

New Year's Eve Sleepover at Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield

  • Time: 6 p.m.-9 a.m.
  • Address: Franklin Athletic Club, 29350 Northwestern Highway, Southfield
  • Cost: $85/child, $125/up to three kids in the same family
  • Phone: 248-352-8000
Kids ages 5-12 can bring a sleeping bag, pillow and your favorite pajamas and join the people at Franklin Athletic Club for a sleepover with pizza, popcorn, games and a 2015 celebration at midnight. Register by Monday, Dec. 22 (check ahead on availability).

New Year's Bash at Oakland Yard Athletics in Waterford

  • Time: 5-9 p.m.
  • Address: Oakland Yard Athletics, 5328 Highland Road, Waterford
  • Cost: $19/child, $35/two children, $45/three children, $15/each additional child (be sure to pre-register in advance)
  • Phone: 248-673-0100
The summer camp staff from Oakland Yard Athletics is here to supervise kids ages 4-14 at this New Year's event. Enjoy a live DJ and inflatable bounce house. Plus, there's a little friendly competition with a scavenger hunt, water balloon toss and other contests. Price of admission includes a pizza dinner and all activities. Be sure to pre-register to get in on the fun!

Noon Year's Eve at Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit

  • Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Address: Dossin Great Lakes Museum at Belle Isle, 100 Strand Drive, Detroit
  • Cost: Free
  • Phone: 313-833-5538
The whole family is invited to Belle Isle for a morning of crafts, hot cocoa and a kid's New Year's countdown to noon. Celebrations conclude with a ringing of the Detroit city bell.

New Year's Eve Party at Livonia Community Recreation Center

  • Time: 4-7 p.m.
  • Address: Livonia Community Recreation Center, 15100 Hubbard Road
  • Cost: $8.75/residents, $10/non-residents (must register in person in advance)
  • Phone: 734-466-2900
Enjoy a rock climbing wall and swimming, face painting, dodge ball and a giant inflatable structure. There's also food, music and a surprise entertainer. Space is limited, be sure to grab your tickets in person at the LCRC as soon as possible.
AUBURN HILLS MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
pump it upWednesday, December 31, 2014 from 5:30p-8:30p
Auburn Hills MI New Years Eve Party 2014 – New Years’ Jump N Jam!
Pump It Up Auburn Hills (1720 Opdyke Court Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326,248-375-1100website)
Price includes pizza, drawings, lots of jumping, and a kids only New Years Eve 2014 Countdown to ring in 2015. Reservations required. Call today to reserve.
BRIGHTON MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from noon-2a
Brighton MI New Years Eve Party – New Years Eve Roller Skating and Laser Tag
Rollermania (6995 Grand River Rd, Brighton, MI 48114)
3 New Year’s Eve parties to choose from at Bonaventure. Kids skating party is from noon-5p. Adults can ring in 2014 with a skating party from 7p-1a. All you can play laser tag from 10a-2a. All you Call Rollermania for more details at 810-227-2010.
CANTON MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 5:30p-8:30p
Canton MI New Years Eve Party 2014 – New Years’ Jump N Jam!
Pump It UP Canton (46090 Michigan Ave., Canton, MI 48188, 734-495-1222website)
Price includes pizza, drawings, lots of jumping, and a kids only New Years Eve 2014 Countdown to ring in 2015. Reservations required. Call today to reserve.
ChristmasIceSkatingCampusMartiusDETROIT MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 4p-1a
Detroit MI New Year’s Eve Party – Motor City New Year’s Eve Drop
Downtown Detroit
Free New Year’s Eve party in Downtown Detroit. Enjoy 2 New Year’s Eve spectacles – one for adults at midnight and one for kids at 6:30p. Alcohol & non-alcoholic drinks will available for purchase around the site. Food trucks will dot the area for Detroit eats and you can also enjoy extended ice-skating hours until 1a. Activities begin at 4:00pm with Live entertainment on the Main Stage, ice skating, fire pits, horse drawn carriage rides and more. For more info, visit motorcitynye.com.
FARMINGTON HILL MIS NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from noon-1a
Farmington Hills MI New Year’s Eve Party – New Year’s Eve Roller Skating Parties
Bonaventure Family Skating Center (24505 Halsted, Farmington Hills, MI 48335)
2 New Year’s Eve roller skating parties to choose from at Bonaventure. Kids party is from noon-5p. Adults can ring in 2015 with a skating party from 7p-1a. Both parties include a New Year’s Eve balloon drop. Call Bonaventure for more details at 248-476-2200.
Fireworks18
NOVI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 1p-4p
Novi MI New Years Eve Party – Family New Years Bash
Paradise Park (45799. Grand River, Novi, MI 48374, 248-735-1050website)
Enjoy an appetizer buffet, unlimited soda or $2 beers, laser tag, Karaoke and craft table, unlimited bounce house, 4p balloon drop with prizes, party favors and more! Call for pricing info and to reserve at 248-735-1050.
Date:  Tue, 12/30/2014

Time:  11 - 11:45am
Location:  Novi Public Library
Be sure to celebrate 2015 in style. Create your own fun favors and decorations for New Year’s Eve.

LisaLaGrouBowling1ROCHESTER HILLS MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from noon-2a Janaury 1, 2015
Rochester Hills MI New Years Eve Party – New Years Eve Family Rock n Bowl
Classic Lanes Classic Lanes (2145 Avon Industrial Dr Rochester Hills, MI 48309, 248-852-9100)
Classic Lanes offers New Year’s Eve parties all day long for bowling fun. Choose from 3 party shifts for up to 6 guests – Daytime Families Party, Early Evening Party, or Late Nite 5-Hour New Years 2015 Countdown Party. Includes all you can bowl rock ‘n glow bowl, free shoe rental, large pizza, party favors, music, giveaways, door prizes and more! Call today to reserve your space.
altSTERLING HTS MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 through New Year’s Day 2015
Sterling Hts MI New Years Eve Party – New Year’s Eve Waterpark Party at Best Western Sterling Inn Indoor Waterpark
Best Western Sterling Inn (34911 Van Dyke Avenue · Sterling Heights, MI 48312)
I took my family last year for New Year’s Eve Splash Bash a couple years ago and we had a blast! Splash Bash is a great New Year’s Eve party for kids. New Year’s Eve Splash Bash features indoor waterpark fun, entertainment, video game parties, bouncers and special room rates for the family at the Best Western Sterling Inn. Call 586-979-1400 to reserve.
troy community centerTROY MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 5p-8:30p
Troy MI New Years Eve Party – New Year’s Eve Family Night Out
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083)
Basketball, swimming, inflatable castle and more activities. Pizza and pop will be available for purchase for dinner between 5p-7p. Call 248-524-3484 for ticket info.
WATERFORD MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 5p-9p
Waterford MI New Years Eve Party 2014 – New Years Bash at Oakland Yard Athletics
Oakland Yard Athletics (5328 Highland Road, Waterford, MI 48327, 248-673-0100website)
Enjoy a live DJ, inflatable bounce house, sports, games, contests, new years countdown and balloon drop and more! Admission includes pizza dinner. Must pre-register!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from noon-2a
Waterford MI New Years Eve Part – New Years Eve Rock-N-Glow Bowl Eve
Airway Lanes (4825 Highland Rd, Waterford, MI 248-674-0424)
Airway Lanes offers New Year’s Eve parties all day long for bowling fun. Choose from 3 party shifts for up to 6 guests – Daytime Families Party, Early Evening Party, or Late Nite 5-Hour Countdown Party. Includes all you can bowl rock ‘n glow bowl, free shoe rental, large pizza, party favors, music, giveaways, door prizes and more! Call today to reserve your space.
WIXOM MI NEW YEARS EVE EVENTS
pumpitupinflatablebouncer4Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from 5:30p-8:30p
Wixom MI New Years Eve Party 2014 – New Years’ Jump N Jam!
Pump It UP Wixom (28373 Beck Rd.Unit H Wixom, Michigan 48393, 248-912-1090website)
Price includes pizza, drawings, lots of jumping, and a kids only New Years Eve 2014 Countdown to ring in 2015. Reservations required. Call today to reserve.