"Walkin' in a winter wonderland..."

The sights may not be a Winter Wonderland in Battle Creek quite yet; however the holidays kick off this weekend! Driving down Michigan Avenue this morning I noticed the variety of lights and garland lining the way and can hardly contain my excitement.

However, I do not have to wait long! The International Festival of Lights (IFOL)kicks off Saturday with the Battle Creek Holiday Parade. The parade, beginning at 5:40 p.m.,will take place along Michigan Avenue downtown.

This year, the IFOL will have a Warming House located at 12 West Michigan Avenue (formerly Godfrey's Jewelers).The warming house will be every Friday - Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

All of this reminded me of the importance of updating the CVB's holiday page on our web site. So, of course, I had to begin playing Christmas music on Pandora to bring in the holiday spirit.

There are so many exciting things going on! I can just imagine all the amazing photos that will be taken! (I think I love photos of an event almost as much as I love experiencing it!)

Be sure to check out the holiday page and see why I am so thrilled for the season to begin!

So, my younger sister was complaining to me the other day that she didn't have anything new to do on a date with her boyfriend. And, it got me to thinking, that I am sure there are other people looking for new and different ideas. So, I compiled a couple of my ideas and think that people can mix and match for themselves what to do... whether single and trying out the whole dating scene, or married and just needing a night out, I think these are a great stepping stone.

Gary Fields Comedy Club and dinner downtown
Picnic at one of the beatiful local parks
"Picture the Moment" - walk together around town/parks taking favorite pictures and put in an album
Sports events - no matter the season - Battle Creek Knights, Revlolution/ Bombers
Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall - walk around town, get some icecream, sit and watch the beautiful fountain
Go bowling! Or minature golf! Or the Arcade! Be a kid again for a night
Enjoy dinner at Schuler's in Marshall then attend a performance at the Franke Center for the Arts.
Or, why not try dinner and an evening at teh Waterfront Seaside Sports Bar, especially once the weather stays warm, it would be great to sit on the lake and enjoy the winter FINALLY being over.
Stay a night at local hotel; perhaps one with a pool or hot tub, and enjoy dinner and a little relaxation away from the normal stresses of life.

There is so much to do in Calhoun County! This is just the start of my list! I will have to post another one soon on this same topic and share my favorite date my husband took me on! I'd love to hear any of your favorite local dates!

The world moved around me so fast that all I could do was stare in amazement. Traveling through the ancient Roman ruins to following the Christmas Star, I was worlds away; yet still in Battle Creek.

Kingman Museum hosted an-invite only reception last week celebrating the new planetarium. During the event guests were invited to see sneak-peeks of the shows to come! And let me tell you, I was fascinated! I know it’s something my children will love and I cannot wait to take them to Mystery of the Christmas star! I myself am looking forward to seeing it!

To see for yourself be sure to catch one of the regularly scheduled shows and visit www.kingmanmuseum.org for more information.

Do you ever find yourself being impatient? I do. Earlier this week I was driving home only to find myself behind a bulky tractor that seemed to be winning its own 5mph race. So, I did want any logical driver would do, I turned down the next street and knew that I would eventually find my way back to my original route.

The second I turned the corner I was in awe of the fall colors around me. I’ve never been down that road and I was stunned at how gorgeous the afternoon sun looked on the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges that decorated my site. The windows were down, I turned the music up and it was a simple, perfect moment.

So next time you feel a little impatient, don’t forget to take that other route because you never know the sights you’ll find!

Some things in my life are so unconsistent that I don't know which way is up; especially with kids. One thing though, that is a staple in our household is Kellogg's Fruitloops. The cereal is always on the shopping list and it is always a great snack with, or without, milk.

The other morning, taking the kids to school, I smiled as I smelled the familiar scent in the Battle Creek air. Something that I've grown accustomed to from living here for all these years. Sometimes I think we ignore it, but you have to stop and smell the Fruit Loops sometimes... or the Cocoa Crispies, or whatever the cereal companies have baking.

Interesting fact - did you know that Fruit Loops are part of the diet for a variety of animals at the zoo? Yup. Sure is.

So, when you get up tomorrow morning, or drive home this evening, remember to stop and smell the Fruit Loops.... or whatever delicious goodies are being baked.

So we survived the floods of 2008! After raining for days upon days, my family and I are ready to spend every minute we can outdoors. Thankfully this coming weekend poses the perfect opportunity to be out and about and even enjoy a piece of Michigan heritage.

Albion's Festival of the Forks will take place in Downtown Albion Friday thru Saturday (September 19-20th).

There's SO much to and so much going on that I won't have to worry about finding something else for the kids this weekend. The festival kicks off with a spaghetti supper (and I don't have to cook!) a 5k run/walk and a Lobster Bash among other scheduled events. Then, on Saturday, the parade will entertain, the food will stuff, and the ballets and concerts will excite. Summer may officially be over, but the variety of things to do in the area are still going strong. Hope to see you in Albion this weekend! Post for more information!

As Cassie is on one last vacation before school starts, Karen Hagerty from the Marshall Chamber of Commerce remarks on one exciting upcoming event!

The 45^th Annual Historic Marshall Home Tour will be Saturday and Sunday, September 6-7 in 2008. This Grand-daddy of home tours is sure to delight visitors with some never before seen homes. Ticketholders can enter seven private residences, seven museums, a church and the Madison Green Art Faire. New evening activities are sure to prove fun with the Kalamazoo Big Band playing Saturday evening from 6-8 PM and from 9-11 PM a Dueling Pianos concert right out front of the Honolulu House Museum by the Brooks Memorial Fountain. Other activities that weekend include the 7^th Annual Civil War Ball held downtown next to the GAR Hall Museum and Carver Park, the Calhoun County Quilters Show held at the Marshall Activities Center, KRMY Brook's Field Airport’s 77^th Anniversary Fly and Drive-In, Zion Lutheran Church's 23^rd Annual Taste of Germany Dinner, Trinity Episcopal Church's Salad Smorgasbord, a Needlework Show at the Marshall Distric Library, and a wonderful Evening Gallery Tour with the Blue Hour Gallery, Gallery 105, EastEnd Sudio & Gallery, and the Eclectic Gallery. All these events have a website on the Marshall Area Chamber's www.marshallmi.org so if you need times, places, cost, details, etc., you can find it all there under our "events" tab. Or, you can call the Marshall Area Chamber at 800.877.5163 and we'll be glad to answer your questions on these events or others happening in the Marshall area.

This moring, as I sat and sipped my morning coffee, I continue with my daily routine. This begins with skimming the news and, today, I was quite excited when I noticed an article about the new Kingman Museum Planetarium. According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, the museum recieved grants for a new "Digistar 3 SP2HD high-defintiion planetarium system with dual speakers and full dome projection." So do you know what this means?

This means looking into the sky and seeing billions of stars at any time of the day! What a great thing to take my kids to! Please note, the article said that the planetarium won't be open until the Spooky Science Fair on October 25. However, be sure to plan to attend! I, for one, am looking forward to it myself.

This proves good reason for me to continue on the daily news...

Cruise the Gut is coming to Downtown Battle Creek in T-minus 3 days. It will be this Saturday August 9, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and will take place along Michigan Avenue.

Every year, it's marked on the calendar! I love seeing all the people Downtown! Everyone is checking out cars, socializing and enjoying summer in Michigan! I am always so impressed with the amount of people that come out.

While you're here, don't miss the chance to look into the local shops and stop for a bite to eat.

My husband and I are always looking for new cruises to go to, if you know of any, please tell!