Tuesday Tidbit

Ludington, Michigan

Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams. You are never more than six miles from one of them.

Christmas in July (well, May...)

I know it seems like the winter holidays are a long way off, but I have never been deterred from visiting some of my favorite Michigan landmarks just because it's spring (or summer...or fall). If you're in need of a day trip (or a weekend getaway-but more on Frankenmuth in another post) check out these great places!

The first, and probably the best known is Bronner's in Frankenmuth. This place is immense! They have thousands of ornaments, hundreds of wreaths and trees and who knows how many other decorations, books and toys. They also have a wonderful selection of Hummels and Christmas village houses and accessories. You can easily spend several hours here, so I suggest making Frankenmuth a day trip. Hit up Bronner's and then head over to either Zehnder's or Bavarian Inn for yummy chicken dinners. From either restaurant, you can easily walk the downtown area and check out some of the other local stores. Check the Frankenmuth website for deals and special events, like Oktoberfest and Snowfest.

The other Christmas shop is Always Christmas in Canterbury Village. Located in Lake Orion, Canterbury Village has a restaurant, an ice cream shop and several smaller shops that surround Always Christmas. Always Christmas is smaller than Bronner's, but still large, with two stories of trees, ornaments, and decorations.

If you need a little help getting in the holiday mood (or just want to cool off on a hot summer day), I suggest checking out one of these great places. It's impossible to leave either one without humming a carol!

Pastry House Hippo: Novi, Michigan

You may have noticed my love of baked goods. If you haven't, you must be new here-welcome! I don't often splurge on bakery baked goods. I make my own or, if I'm in a hurry, I grab something from the grocery store. Last week, though, I was making a trip into Novi to support a fellow 3-Day walker who was having a fundraiser and it gave me a perfect excuse to visit my favorite Asian grocery store (One World Market). While I was in town, I wanted to try an Asian bakery as well. After a quick internet search, I found Pastry House Hippo, which happens to be located across the street from the grocery.

This place was great! As soon as you enter this tiny shop, you grab a tray and a pair of tongs. Then all you have to do is pick out your pastries. I had my sons with me and the four-year old had quite a time making up his mind. You see, one of the highlights of this bakery is their adorable little animal rolls called an pan. They are exquisitely detailed and fun. They are also filled with chocolate cream, strawberry jam or sweet bean paste. You can see the ones we picked out in the pictures. I also had some raisin-filled melon bread. Everything was delicious! The next time I go, I'm going to try some of the savory combinations. I also hope I can get there around lunch time for a steamed pork bun. I read some reviews complaining that the items were pricey, but for the work involved I had no problem paying the $1.50-$2.00 each bun cost. More than a doughnut, sure, but doughnuts don't take this level of artistic endeavour.

If you're going to head over, here's a couple tips. First, they are located off Grand River in the same strip mall as the Library Pub and Anjishin Noodle House. Second, they only take plastic on orders over $10, so make sure you have some cash on you. Lastly, they have a website but it's in Japanese, so unless you're fluent, it's not incredibly helpful. I highly recommend Pastry House Hippo. Grab some sushi across the street at One World Market and some dessert over here and you're set!

Wild Chef: Holland, MI

Wild Chef is an independent Japanese steak house in Holland, Michigan. I've been there twice and have been impressed both times. The chefs are as talented as any you would find at the well-known teppenyaki restaurants. There are moments of impressive fire and utensil tricks, but what really matters is that the food is excellent. The fried rice is some of the best I've ever had and the shrimp appetizer is delicious. Their sushi and miso soup is wonderful. As my entree, I had their yakiniku, a marinated beef, and really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed a glass of some of the best plum wine I've ever tried (they sell it by the bottle, as well).

If you're in Holland for the Tulip Festival, or any other time, check out Wild Chef. It's right on 131, so it's easy to find (just look for the red triangles on top of the small strip they're in). I think you'll really like the combination of theatrics and delicious food. If you've never been to a Japanese steak house, you'll love the experience! And maybe, like my son, the chopsticks.

The Burger Joint: Milford, Michigan

First, I must apologize for a lack of pictures. Our camera battery died as I was trying to get a picture of the outside of the restaurant. *Sigh* Oh well, use your imagination and you'll be fine!

The Burger Joint, on Main Street in Milford, Michigan, is awesome! It's a small place where you order at the counter and then wait for your number to be called. Their meat is ground locally just for them and their fries are hand cut. At our table, we ordered a salmon burger (a special for Lent), a kid's cheeseburger, a Joey burger, and a custom burger with garlic aioli, bleu cheese and burnt onions. Every sandwich was delicious and perfectly made. The fries and coleslaw were also wonderful.  We were there in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday and there was a pretty steady trickle of customers, but we only waited about 10 minutes for our freshly made food.

All-in-all The Burger Joint was a great place for a quick, casual meal and I will definitely go back!

Featuring Clark Creations- Natural, Vegan Skin Care

I first met Pam, of Clark Creations, at a craft show that we were both vendors. Her commitment to quality products is unparalleled. I've tried the Dream Cream and am currently a tester for her new deodorant.  I asked her a couple questions to find out more about what makes her tick. So without further delay-here she is!

Clark Creations Oatmeal Soap

1) What inspired you to make your own body products?

The inspiration behind making my own bath products began when I had uterine cancer some 18 years ago. After all those chemo and radiation treatments and subsequently the doctors wanted me to go on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), I decided against it - I just never felt right. My skin became my enemy and I was sure it was linked to all the drugs I had taken when going thru cancer treatments for 2 years. I knew there had to be a better way - so I started small, learning all I could about essential oils that I could readily purchase and then more and more research into what I could make myself.

2) How do you decide what to make?

First, I started to make the things I needed for myself and after I began Clark Creations (in March 2008), I started listening to my customers. They have been my best critic and truth be told, I wouldn't keep striving to make new and different products, if my customers never ask, but I've discovered new and exciting bath products just by lots of experimentation and research and I am blessed to have some really great customers who are welcome to be my guinea pigs! LOL

3) How did/do you learn to make your products?

I learned to make my own bath products out of necessity and partially because I wanted to give my skin the chance to heal after what the doctors had done over my lifetime with topical prescriptions and oral medications. I got tired of the expense and the never-ending trips to the doctor just to "cure" one more irritation to my skin.

I have had no formal training. I've learned everything from books, the internet and talking to naturopath and/or homeopathic doctors (who are friends). I wish many of the forms of learning I experience now would have been more attainable when I was diagnosed with cancer 18 years ago, but you can't go back, can you? Anyway...I have enjoyed learning all I can and enjoy teaching others too, which is why I offer workshops in my home on essential oils, fragrance oils, soap, lotions, creams, lip balms...

4) Which products are your favorites? Why?

Clark Creations Dream Cream

 Hmmm....that's a hard one. If you would have asked me 18 years ago, I would have said my bath salt recipe (because I use cornstarch to soften the water and it leaves my skin silky), but now...well its hard to choose just one. The Dream Cream was my invention about 10 years ago, I guess (wow!) and its non-greasy and does an excellent job to soften and heal my rough, cracked hands and feet. And, there is the Oatmeal Fizzies that contain no fragrance, just natural goodness - great for kids, teens and adults who suffer from eczema or dry skin. I suppose my next favorite is the Massage Stick (made with Shea, Cocoa and Mango Butters) that some people would describe as a lotion bar without the mess! LOL. All of my bar soaps I just LOVE, love, love the scents/essential oil combinations and they are glycerin so they won't dry skin. And...currently, by suggestion from a repeating customer, I am testing out a new natural deodorant which I am LOVING the scent and the way it doesn't cause my skin to itch.

5) Which of your products do you recommend for people who are new to natural skin care?
Well, anytime a person is going to try a new product, I always tell them to use it sparingly at first and build up to using it daily, if they wish. Pregnant women should be careful about large amounts of peppermint or ginger (which can cause contractions to start early) and should talk to their doctor about starting any new regimen when essential oils are in the product. I list the ingredients in my products starting with what is the most to the least, so if there are any allergies to the natural ingredients, they are aware of how much is in it.

Example: Blemish Buster bar soap contains peppermint and orange essential oils and the crushed peppermint herb as well as crushed organic orange peel. The bar is made for those who have acne or skin irritations (mild rosaecea, blemishes). I use daily, but for those who have very sensitive skin, I ask them to start using the bar one time a week and slowly work up to every day, if that is the wish of the customer. After several weeks (6) the body or face will become accustomed to the new regimen and breakouts will be few and far between.

6) How do you think the handmade movement benefits you and your local area?
When I began making skin care as a business, I was not sure where I wanted to take it. After being in business almost 3 years (yeah!), I am sure that the niche of using no animal by-products sets me apart from most of the skin care providers in my area (Michigan). There are not too many vegan skin care companies and I also try to stay on the cutting edge of the fragrance/essential oil trends as well. Being a small Michigan based business, I listen to what the customers are asking for; see what my competition has to offer and try hard to keep costs down for new customers and those who are just getting into the natural way of life.

I try to be as open and honest about myself and the products as well as what I can give the customer. I work hard to provide every opportunity for the customer to contact me with any questions - and making (or manufacturing) my own products gives me an "edge" on what other "natural" companies are out there. I've spoken to several "natural" skin care representative from the larger guys and many of the representatives don't have any idea what is in the products. They don't have to list their ingredients - and I WANT to list every ingredient - I WANT my customers to know exactly what they are getting.

I want to thank Pam for answering my questions and for being such a great example to small business owners everywhere. Please visit Clark Creations website or Facebook page for more information and to try her great products!

A Clark Creations Gift Set

Go See it Sunday: Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan

Situated along the Red Cedar River in Lansing, Michigan, Potter Park is a large park that avoids the lawn-like uniformity of many traditional green spaces. The park itself is full of trees and has several picnic pavillions and play structures. Within the park is Potter Park Zoo. The zoo began in 1915 when J.W. and Sarah Potter donated 58 acres to Lansing. This became Potter Park. In 1917, twenty-seven more acres were added and the first animals, elk, arrived in 1920. The zoo continued to grow throughout the 1950's but that growth slowed in the 60's and some people thought the zoo should be closed. In 1969, Jim Hough formed the Friends of the Zoo. Money raised by the society bought the zoo's first elephant in 1972 and the zoo railroad in 1974. In 1986, the Friends of the Zoo became the Potter Park Zoological Society.

Today, the zoo is open year round and is home to over 400 animals. Camel and pony rides, a petting area, big cats, primates, penguins and otters are just a part of all the things to see and do at the zoo! Members receive free admission to the Potter Park Zoo as well as other perks throughout the year. Members also receive free or discounted admission to over 100 other zoos and aquariums across the country.

Rates for parking and zoo admission vary based on age, membership and Ingham County residency status. Check the zoo's website for a complete listing of fees, hours and events. Use of the park outside the zoo is free except for the parking fee.

The Potter Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Go See it Sunday: Ocqueoc Falls

Nestled in an area of farmland and forest, Ocqueoc Falls is the only major waterfall in Michigan's lower peninsula, eleven miles inland from Rogers City, off of M-68, in Presque Isle County.

There is a a rustic camping area with permanent outhouses, picnic tables and parking. There are some beautiful hiking opportunities or you can simply explore the area immediately surrounding the falls. If you're a geology buff, examine the rocks for geologic features like the ripple marks that my son and I found.

This would be an excellent half-day trip for folks from the northeast lower peninsula, or even the thumb area. Take a picnic lunch and spend several hours exploring the falls, hiking and relaxing outside. It is truly a beautiful place.

Go See It Sunday: USS Silversides in Muskegon, Michigan

The USS Silversides is docked in Muskegon, Michigan and is open to the public for tours. There is also a nice museum and a Coast Guard Cutter on site for touring as well. Get out there and see our state!