As families start their back-to-school shopping, it’s time to think about what healthy snacks, drinks and lunches you plan to send to school with your child. Top government officials are finally directing manufacturers to remove hazardous ingredients from foods, including harmful dyes that make food marketed especially for children more colorful. Fortunately, many companies have
A new school year is just weeks away. It has been decades, but I still remember my kindergarten teacher. I never knew her last name – my classmates and I called her Katie, because she said we could. However, I called her Miss Katie because even though this was my first experience in public school,
There is a parable that Jesus told in the Bible about two sons (Luke 15:11-32). One day, the younger son came to his father and asked for his inheritance early so that he could go off and live life doing whatever he pleased. Even though this was an incredibly inappropriate request to ask for an
Financial Advisor/Adviser, Investment Adviser, Retirement Planner, Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, etc. What do all these titles mean? The cross section of different titles, licenses and certifications make it very difficult for consumers to understand who they are working with and what their fiduciary obligations are. Licensing and Compensation A financial professional’s business card may say
In about five minutes, you can have a fruity and naturally sweet treat that’s creamy, slightly icy and super-refreshing … so good! Made simply with frozen fruit and dairy-free milk or coconut water, its cotton candy-like flavor is perfect for hot summer days or nights. Strawberry-Watermelon Sorbet INGREDIENTS ▸ 2 cups cubed frozen ripe watermelon
Every summer, without fail, it begins: the highly unpublicized, fiercely uncompetitive and proudly unproductive event known as The Lawn Chair Olympics. There are no medals, no opening ceremony, no sponsors – unless you count store-brand lemonade and whatever sunscreen bottle you found in last year’s beach bag. But the dedication is real. Every seasoned participant
President Trump made a campaign promise that if elected, he would support legislation exempting tipped income from the federal income tax. On May 20, 2025, the Senate unanimously passed the “No Tax on Tips Act” with the House narrowly passing the “Big Beautiful Bill” on May 22 that also exempted tipped income from taxation. “No
I was 13 in July of 1966, when Richard Speck committed the “Crime of the Century” – raping and murdering eight student nurses after breaking into their Chicago townhome. Although it was 59 years ago this month, I will never forget it. My family lived on a well-traveled, yet fairly isolated main road in rural
The best part of a new season – and yes, by July, summer is in its prime – is that style locks in for the weather, which in Michigan is sunny and gorgeous! This summer, we’re inspired by the all-American vibe, from nautical nods to textural touches to vintage-inspired eyelet and lace details. Like vintage
I scream, you scream, we ALL scream for ice cream! What better way to celebrate a sunny, hot, summer day than by eating a yummy ice cream treat from your favorite shop? And, this is the perfect time to cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor because it’s National Ice Cream Month! President
Sometimes, I need an inspiration boost to write this column, usually when my mind is in whirling dervish mode. It happens occasionally and when it does, I take a look at the National Day Calendar website, nationaldaycalendar.com. I am forever amazed by the things we find it necessary to celebrate! In July, people observe Pecan
I always loved school. I loved the routine, the consistency. Lunch was always at the same time, followed by recess. Library on Thursday, music on Tuesday, computers on Friday. I loved learning, so that part of school was a win for me, too. I loved to learn and I loved to succeed – so to
