For families who are looking for a fun-filled adventure, there’s no need to get out of the state and travel far: Michigan has a number of exciting indoor water parks that are perfect for day trips and full weekend getaways. They say nothing brings a family closer together than a Pure Michigan water park adventure. If you’re ready to have a wet and wild adventure, here are a few of our recommendations. LivnFresh has listed some of the best indoor water parks in Michigan. 1. Great Wolf Lodge WaterparkGreat Wolf Lodge Waterpark is an incredible family resort located in Traverse City. It has over 38,000 square feet of splash-loaded rides, slides, and pools. This water park has eight waterslides, five different pools, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, and a multi-story interactive tree house that’s sure to entertain the whole family. With all these amazing options, you will surely have a few favorites. Outside the park, the fun continues: you can grab a wand and fight a dragon in MagiQuest or visit Scoops Kid Spa to get an ice cream-themed manicure. Mom and dad can relax at the full-service spa and fitness room. On top of all that, there are plenty of shopping and dining options. The Grand Lobby also holds a nightly fireside Story Time, which is a great way to cap off your adventure at Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark. 2. Fairview Beachfront Inn & WaterparkOver at Mackinaw City, families that are heading to the Upper Peninsula can reserve a stay at the Fairview Beachfront Inn & Waterpark. It has water cannons, geysers, dump buckets, and more fun-filled activities within the 5,000 square foot water park. It’s not all adrenaline-filled too—adults can take a breather and enjoy a huge 25-person Jacuzzi that is sure to relax and revitalize anyone. There are day passes and packages that are available here. Also, the inn is only minutes away from the Mackinac Island ferries, for those who want to take their adventure to the next level. 3. Avalanche Bay Indoor WaterparkAvalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark is the ultimate family adventure, being Michigan’s largest indoor water park. This 88,000 square foot water playground is located in Boyne Mountain and is the largest in the entire state. It has five different water slides, a lazy river, hot tubs, an interactive play structure, a wave rider surf pool, and a climbing wall. Boyne Mountain also offers guests a menu of activities such as Michigan’s finest downhill skiing, golf, and spa. There are lodging options like hotel rooms, chalets, and charming Austrian-themed houses. 4. Gold Rush Indoor WaterparkGold Rush Indoor Waterpark at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury features a variety of water activities all within a 60,000 square foot property. You and your family can play water basketball, or try out the water slide, float down the lazy river, or splash around in the wave pool. Guests can also take a thrill ride on the white water raft. Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark also boasts Michigan’s tallest indoor waterslide. For adults who want to slow it down and unwind just a little, the indoor/outdoor family hot tub is a great choice. 5. Bavarian Inn LodgeThe Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth offers the Bavarian Inn Lodge for those who are looking for a new water adventure. Guests can dip into five indoor pools and three whirlpools. One pool features a waterfall and another is just for adults. There is also a special pool that is designated for toddlers. Your kids may also enjoy the two-story children’s play village. When you’re done swimming, you can also try their indoor miniature golf or more than 100 arcade games. The Bavarian Inn Lodge offers dining, 350 rooms and suites, and several packages perfect for families, groups, and special occasions. On top of all these, the inn overlooks the Cass River, which is a nice and relaxing view. 6. Zhender’s Splash VillageAlso in Frankenmuth, Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark promises an unforgettable weekend with the family. This water park is located just one mile from downtown Frankenmuth. It offers 30,000 square feet of aquatic adventures. There are four-story tube slides, a lazy river, water geysers, a toddler area, huge 400-gallon dumping buckets, sprays, and a hot tub. The 146-room hotel also offers a game arcade, a snack bar, and a dining area for breakfast and lunch. 7. Wyndham Garden Sterling HeightsThe Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights is not far from downtown Detroit. Here, you can plunge into the activity-filled 32,000 square foot indoor water park. It features a three-story water slide, a lazy river, and geysers. What makes this unique is the 2,300 square foot interactive Splash Play Park that kids will surely enjoy. For those who want to stay active during their weekend getaway, Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights also has an indoor running track, a basketball court, and a fitness center. 8. Splash Universe Water Park ResortThe Splash Universe Water Park Resort in Dundee is a great destination for a family adventure. The 25,000 square foot water park offers over 100,000 gallons of water park excitement. This is not just an indoor water park, as some of its features are outdoors, so this place offers a lot of versatility in that department. There are water slides, adventure areas, an interactive play structure for kids of all ages, and the so-called Ripplin’ River. It’s the perfect birthday destination and weekend getaway spot. Splash Universe Water Park Resort has you covered. Other Amazing Indoor Water Park Options in MichiganSurfari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Waterpark in Watervliet is Michigan’s newest indoor water park. It offers two premier water slides, a kiddie water playground with a tipping bucket, a lazy river, and a hot tub with waterfall. There’s something for everyone. Whether you want to host your child’s birthday party or you just want to relax for a day, Surfari Joe’s is a great destination to meet your needs. The Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel in Mt. Pleasant is a 45,000 square foot indoor waterpark that is designed for people of all ages. It has a wave rider, body slide, bowl slide, rock climbing wall, lazy river, children’s play area and a private adult pool, hot tub, and sauna. Lastly, the Lakeside Resort in Houghton Lake is an indoor water park in Northern Michigan. It is a 9,000 square foot water park that offers water slides, a lazy river, kid’s pool, and a hot tub. Michigan certainly offers a diverse array of indoor water parks. This is just another reason why we here at LivnFresh are always inspired to make great state pride apparel that reflects our love for Michigan. Visit https://www.livnfresh.com/ for more information. from https://blog.livnfresh.com/water-parks-in-michigan/
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For the next few months, Livnfresh will be participating in Throwback Thursdays of sorts. This exciting new relaunch will bring back Livnfresh designs from “the beginning of time”. We have had so many people ask where they can rebuy their favorite shirt that got lost. And so, after much thought, we have decided to relaunch some of our best sellers over the years. This is a special treat for those who absolutely love Livnfresh’s designs and want to see more of our earliest offerings. It’s a trip down memory lane, featuring designs that have been retired for almost 10 years. Livnfresh is bringing all of them back for a limited time only, so watch out for it by visiting our Throwback Thursday Tab at Livnfresh.com. We will update the site every week to feature the designs we are bringing back for Throwback Thursday. What Is Throwback Thursday And How Did It Start?But how exactly did “Throwback Thursday” become a thing? This is a widely popular internet trend that involves posting old content online—mainly pictures and videos—those that spark feelings of nostalgia. Many people upload old pictures because it’s fun to look back at how things have changed over the years. This trend may feel relatively new, but the truth is it has been around for quite some time. Throwback Thursday is used in social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter where friends and followers can easily interact, view, like, and comment on these nostalgic posts. You’ll commonly find these posts accompanied by the hashtags #TBT or #ThrowbackThursday. People all over the world use it to relive their past experiences that they want to relive. It’s great to look back at all the positive experiences we’ve been through, and also inspiring to see how much we’ve grown from our difficulties. So what is the significance of Thursday? Why can’t we throwback on any other day of the week? The answer is simple: Throwback Thursday is just a really catchy name. We love alliteration. It’s hard to track down the very first post that included the hashtag #ThrowbackThursday, given how popular this trend is. In fact, there are over 40 million pictures tagged with #TBT on Instagram and another 23 million with #ThrowbackThursday. It’s possibly the most popular hashtag game ever. Some say it started back in 2011 not long after Instagram added hashtags as a feature. A user named @bobbysanders22 allegedly became the first person on record as using the tag. However, there is no indication that this user started the hashtag. Pinpointing the first true #TBT post is tricky. Google Trends shows that Throwback Thursday became used more regularly in February 2012, and interest in the hashtag game increased substantially since then. It’s safe to say that the term got started in 2011, gained traction throughout 2012, and became one of the most popular social media habits by 2013. It may have started even earlier than that, according to a few sources. Sports Illustrated attributes the origin of the term Throwback Thursday to a sneaker-specific blog named Nice Kicks. According to SI, this blog began a practice of regularly posting photos (on Thursdays) of old basketball footwear. This was back in 2006—in a series, they titled “Throwback Thursday”. Another source agrees, saying that since then, the slogan has blown up mostly because of the sudden rise in popularity of the photo-sharing site Instagram. So while the trend has origins outside of social media, it only gained widespread attention once the major apps began to hit the mainstream. Now, we have Flashback Friday, which is almost as popular as its Thursday counterpart. The idea is still the same: revisit old memories and share them online for other people to enjoy. It’s an invitation to look back into the past and reflect on the many lessons they’ve taught us. Or sometimes just look at how styles have changed. Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy Livnfresh’s take on the popular Throwback Thursday trend. Visit Livnfresh.com today! from https://blog.livnfresh.com/throwback-thursday/ Michigan is a beautiful state—which is why we here at Livnfresh are always inspired to make high-quality state pride apparel. We know all about the sights and the sounds of the Mitten State. But for those who are not yet familiar with the wonders of Michigan—you are in luck! We are here to talk about some of the best destinations in the state. Michigan has a lot of awesome places for you to explore and discover. Here we are listing down the top 15 points of interest in Michigan. This includes cities, villages, and other destinations that will make you fall in love with the state. For the cities, we are also listing down a few suggested spots for you to visit with your friends and family. DetroitAs the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan, Detroit has plenty of activities for you and your loved ones to get into. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is known for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera. It is inspired by the city’s ties to the auto industry, which gives it the nickname Motor City. Downtown attractions include Comerica Park, Fox Theatre, the Henry Ford Museum, and Belle Isle. Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at Hitsville USA, which is their original headquarters. After exploring this big city, you might want to grab a bite in the nearby neighborhood of Greektown, which has a few Greek restaurants. Traverse CityKnown for its annual National Cherry Festival, Traverse City is another popular destination. It is located on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and features a few breath-taking beaches such as Clinch Park, West End Beach, and East Bay Park. For those who are interested in watching plays and concerts, the Victorian City Opera House is a perfect choice. Meanwhile, the Dennos Museum Center has an Inuit art collection and features works by Michigan artists. Traverse City is rich in both cultural and natural attractions. Mackinac IslandIf you want to get away from the cities and hop on to an island adventure, then Michigan’s very own Mackinac Island is the right choice for you. Mackinac Island sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. The island’s State Park has trails, woods, and limestone Arch Rock formations that cover most of the land. Fort Mackinac is a walled cluster of military buildings on a coastal bluff, founded way back in 1780. Mackinac Island also holds the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum that features local works such as Native American art, maps, and photos from the 19th century. This island is rich in history, and you might be surprised by what you learn. You can also visit the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World to view tropical gardens and live butterflies. Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreThe Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a national park in Michigan that features sand dunes, lakes, trails, and many campsites. This sprawling nature preserve is as old as continental ice sheets and as young as the 1970 Establishment Act that set aside the Lakeshore for the preservation of natural resources. The immense sand dunes perched above Lake Michigan are its most prominent features. These dunes sit atop the already towering headlands that are glacial moraines. It’s a magnificent sight that overlooks the Sleeping Bear, Empire, and Pyramid Point bluffs from above 400 feet. Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreAnother national lakeshore, this park offers 40 miles of lakeshore and 100 miles of trails winding through a northern hardwood forest. It is unlike any place on Lake Superior because the Pictured Rocks offers miles of pristine beaches and incredible hiking trails. Visitors can even view towering sandstone cliffs and experience the serenity of northern woodlands. In the spring, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore transforms into a sea of beautiful wildflowers. Summer gives way to warm basking days. This destination highlights the best of Michigan weather and why we love it so much. Grand RapidsGrand Rapids is a Michigan city on the Grand River, east of Lake Michigan. Favorite tourist spots include the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum which celebrates the life and legacy of the 38th US president; the Meyer May House; the John Ball Zoo; and the Millennium Park. On the outskirts of Grand Rapids sits the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park that has a tropical conservatory and multiple gardens. Ann ArborAnother Michigan city, Ann Arbor is located west of Detroit and is home to the sprawling University of Michigan, which is known for its research programs. The University of Michigan Museum of Art displays works from around the globe spanning centuries. If you are looking for science-focused attractions in the city, the Museum of Natural History and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offer great exhibits that are suitable for adults and kids alike. Ann Arbor also has the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, which features permanent exhibits including Roman sculptures and an Egyptian mummy coffin. HollandThis Michigan city is located on the shore of Lake Macatawa. It is well-known for the Big Red Lighthouse that stands by the channel that connects the lake to Lake Michigan. Nearby is the beachfront Holland State Park that shelters deer and migratory birds. Holland also celebrates Tulip Time Festival every May and sees tulips blooming all over the city. Isle Royale National ParkThis isle in Michigan is designated as wilderness. This archipelago offers hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving activities in Lake Superior. Here you can explore a rugged, isolated island that is far from the sights and sounds of modern civilization. Isle Royale is unparalleled when it comes to beauty and solitude. Do keep in mind that the island is closed from November 1 through April 15 annually. PetoskeyPetoskey is a city and coastal resort community with a population of approximately 5,670. It is the county seat of Emmet County and has destinations such as the Crooked Tree Arts Center, Bear River Valley Recreation Area, Petoskey State Park, Odawa Casino, and the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. It’s a nice small city with a lot of variety when it comes to activities, so it is definitely a nice place to visit. MarquetteMarquette is a city in Michigan as well as the county seat of Marquette County. It is the largest city of the state’s Upper Peninsula. It is a major port on Lake Superior, known primarily for shipping iron ore. It is also the home of Northern Michigan University. Popular attractions include the Presque Isle Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette Mountain Ski & Bike Area, and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. This city was even listed by CBS as one of the 10 best places to retire in the US back in 2012. MunisingAnother Michigan city, Munising is found on the southern shore of Lake Superior on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is the county seat of Alger County and is partially surrounded by Munising Township. However, both are administered autonomously. In this city, you will find the lovely Munising Falls. Also popular among tourists are the Pictured Rocks Cruises, Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, and Wagner Falls. Mackinaw CityThis Michigan village is located on the northern tip of the state’s Lower Peninsula. Mackinac Bridge crosses the Straits of Mackinac to the Upper Peninsula. Founded in 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has restored quarters and views from the top. Wilderness State Park includes stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline, trails, and campsites. Other popular attractions include the Fort Michilimackinac, the McGulpin Point Lighthouse, and the Ice Breaker Mackinaw Maritime. LansingLansing is the capital city of our beloved Michigan. Dating to the 1870s, the Michigan State Capitol building features a cast-iron dome. Also in Lansing is The Impression 5 Science Center, which has interactive displays. Another good destination for those interested in science and nature is The Potter Park Zoo. It houses endangered and threatened species such as Magellanic penguins, black rhinos and golden lion tamarins. FrankenmuthLast but not least, this point of interest is another Michigan city that has a wide array of tourist attractions. Frankenmuth is known for its Bavarian-style architecture. It is also rich in culture and history. The Frankenmuth Historical Museum highlights the area’s German roots. Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum features different kinds of flight gear, Medals of Honor and military equipment. If you’re looking for an adventure, Frankenmuth Aerial Park offers ropes courses and zip lines in a wooded area. Other great choices include The Michigan Heroes Museum and St Lorenz Lutheran Church. There are many reasons to visit Michigan, and here we’ve compiled just a few of the most popular ones. Visit Livnfresh.com and show off your state pride today! from https://blog.livnfresh.com/points-of-interest-in-michigan/ Presented By: Downtown Traverse City Dates: December 19, 2019 Location: Downtown Traverse City East Front Street Traverse City, MI 49684 Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Price: Free- But You have to pay for the gifts. The cost to attend the event is free. No shoplifting or you will be sprayed with beer and the public might beat you. Gentlemen, the time has come. It’s that time of the year again, where men gather together in an inebriated shopping frenzy and march through the streets of downtown Traverse City. This historical display of holiday shopping manliness is a tradition to the locals and is a salute to all Michigan men out there scrambling to get their last-minute Christmas shopping done… You are not alone, fellas. Local participating businesses offer great deals, fun games, food and… refreshments. Yes, the refreshments include beer. There is beer… Beer. With such a large array of shops in the downtown area (including our Livnfresh Traverse City location), there’s never a shortage of places to check out. Shop like a man, and join us on December 19th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Did we mention that there’s beer? Guys, while you are picking up some jewelry or coats or your spouse’s favorite Michigan Gear, pick something out for yourself. Check out our Hunting Gear or our Love Beer Apparel. from https://blog.livnfresh.com/mens-night-traverse-city/ One of the things that inspire us the most at Livnfresh, is when we see other people crushing it when they are going about doing their normal daily life. Well today, we are interviewing one of Cari Samalikâs friends and someone that she admires very much. Nikki is truly an inspiring person. She juggles so many plates in her daily and professional life and always finds a way to make sure that she has time for self-maintenance. I mean come on, just take a look at some of her images, this woman is seriously strong and ripped! So we tip our cap to you today Nikki and we are soooo proud to have you as part of our Livnfresh tribe! Question 1- How did you first hear about Livnfresh and what drew you to the clothing line? Being a Gaylord Native I was introduced to it by friends, then just started following the brand online! I LOVE IT!!! We stopped a while back in the TC Store with friends from Texas and they loved the store too!! Such great products that now remind me of home Question 2- What Is Your favorite piece of Livnfresh apparel? Hoodies, hoodies and more hoodies. Great designs, and comfortable wear canât go wrong Question 3- So you are from Michigan but currently live in PA? Can you tell us what brought you out there and are you enjoying PA? Well, my husband is a welder and works in the natural gas industry out here. I do love it, we live in the mountains and the people and outdoor life are amazing, but I do have to say I miss Michiganâs lakes. Question 4- What inspires you to stay so strong and physically fit? Also, what do you do on a daily basis to stay so lean? I just feel better when I work out, I think the key to fitness is finding something you love to do. I love being outdoors, hiking, riding my horse, skiing, and I love lifting, and the challenge of cardio. This keeps me fit so I can accomplish my next adventure! We just returned from elk hunting in CO, and that was probably one of the most physical challenges I have ever done, and by prepping myself physically I could actually enjoy it. I push myself every day to keep going for that next goal, that next adventure. To keep consistent with your workouts, and to continually challenge yourself. I think that makes a huge difference when I discuss goals with clients or when designing my own workout programs. Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/fitnik2020/ Question 5- What do you do to have fun as far as outside activities? Wow, everything! I grew up in northern Michigan on a hay farm, so my brothers and I were always outside! I love skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and hunting, running, biking, 4-wheeling and most of all riding my horse Wyatt! Anything outdoors I just really enjoy. We have so many amazing opportunities here in the USA to get out, be active and explore I try to take advantage as much as possible. Question 6- We know that you hunt. Can you tell us did you grow up hunting? And what keeps you coming back year after year? Yes, my father and grandfather taught me very early how to hunt, and how to respect and enjoy the sport. Now my husband and I travel to hunt and fish in different areas all over the world. I come back because I love the âwhat ifâsâ of hunting? You never know what will happen, and that is the exciting adventure of it all. Question 7- If you could design your perfect Michigan 2 week road trip, where would you go, what would you do there and why? Also gotta share your favorite eateries while you are there! Oh, I love this question! Well, my older brother lives just outside of Detroit, so I definitely hit a concert or go see the Tigers downtown. Maybe hit Mexican town, love the stores and food there! Then head towards Grand Rapids, see friends, hit the coast as and travel up Traverse City way, take my time and enjoy our small towns and amazing views. Once I get up close to Traverse City I have to hit Red Ginger (always my fav!) and cruise around the amazing bike paths, maybe catch a ride on the Naughty Cat. Spend a few days in Mackinaw, you can never go wrong with a day or 2 on the island, and dinner at the Pink Pony. Maybe horseback ride around the island or just take bikes. But one place I just love and would have to see is Tahquamenon falls and whitefish point in the Upper Peninsula. Maybe do some camping, hiking, and visit the lake superior shoreline. On the way down I-75 south, go to Gaylord, see friends, stop by Kassuba Lake where my Grandfather was raised and we spent so much time as kids and adults! My favorite spots to dine are Dianaâs for breakfast or lunch, and Benethumâs for dinner. But you canât beat all the newer local restaurants that have popped up since I have been gone! And I am SO excited that big buck is open, we enjoy eating up there too. I love trying out all the new cuisine that Gaylord has to offer. And from there you have to go home, which is Johannesburg Michigan, a small town with one blinking light. Home is where the heart is. Visit Paulâs Pub with my Younger Brother, have a beer, play some Keno see people I went to school with and just enjoy. This is my happy place where I can ride horses with my nieces and help my parents on the family farm, and just let life go by as slow as it needs to. Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/fitnik2020/ Thank you! We want to thank Nikki for letting us interview her. We really appreciate all our tribe members and we are super excited to introduce our audience to Nikki. Please follow her on Facebook https://business.facebook.com/fitniklifestyle, Instagram @FitNik2020 and go check out her website, https://www.nikkifiel.com/. If you are in Williamsport PA and are looking for a personal trainer or meal prep pro, or if you live in Michigan (she offers a great online Training program also!) she is your gal! Thank you for thinking of me! I will always be a Michigan girl at heart! Keep making amazing clothing, itâs always nice to throw on a hoodie and be reminded of home, itâs like a hug from mom! Featured Image Source: Nikki Kassuba Fiel from https://blog.livnfresh.com/interview-with-nikki-kassuba-fiel/ When it comes to hot chocolate, are you the type of parent that makes one out of the box, or do you prefer to make it from scratch? We won’t judge. After all, everyone’s on different ends of the spectrum in terms of time and desire to be Betty or Benny Homemaker. In fact, both methods are good, and it’s all a matter of preference (and often time). We wanted to go through our two favorite options for making hot chocolate for your kids or for yourself during the winter. Whether it’s homemade or out of the box, you can still make the perfect hot chocolate. How to Make Hot Chocolate from ScratchIf you’re not much of a coffee drinker, you might appreciate a hot beverage in the form of hot chocolate. The best homemade hot chocolate always starts with real chopped chocolate—that is if you don’t want to go the regular route of cocoa powder. Heat up your milk in a saucepan and bring it to a scalding temperature, at about 180 degrees F. You can add a smidge of sugar if you want. You’ll know it’s ready to go when little bubbles start to form on the side of the pot, but it’s not quite boiling. Do not let it boil or the end result might be a little grainy. When the milk is properly hot, add the cocoa powder or melted chocolate straight in. To melt the chocolate, you can just microwave the chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each time until it is melted. The melted chocolate whisks in beautifully, and you end up with a smooth and creamy result. It’s easy to make, it’s simple, and it’s definitely delicious. The Best Out of the Box Hot ChocolateIf you don’t have time to do all of this, you can just buy hot chocolate, add some hot water, and voila: you have a delicious drink that’s ready to enjoy. But you still want to make the best choices right away so you don’t end up with flavorless hot choco. Here are a few safe picks for your sudden hot chocolate cravings: Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix is very sweet, and yet it maintains the richness of cocoa. It leans more heavily on its milk flavors. It’s no surprise that Swiss Miss is one of the most popular choices. Another good option is Stephen’s Gourmet Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa that gives you that sweet chocolate flavor but with a touch of saltiness. Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Mix Milk Chocolate is a drink you will love as you’re sitting by the fire. It has a rich mahogany color and a velvety texture. Last but not least, the Land O’Lakes Chocolate Supreme Hot Cocoa Mix is a classic hot chocolate with a salty component, but in a good way. Many people like this brand for its rich and milky flavor, and buttery texture. How to Pass Off Your Out of the Box Hot Chocolate As HomemadeIf you are going for an “out of the box” approach and you’re planning to serve it to your family, you can add your own personal flair to it and pass it off as homemade. Add warm milk to your out of the box hot chocolate and it will change the taste drastically. You can also serve your ‘homemade’ hot chocolate with some marshmallows or whipped cream. Gather round the fire, serve these drinks in lovely mugs, and everyone is sure to have a good time. One hot chocolate tip to keep in mind is that you CAN reheat hot chocolate, but just make sure you don’t bring it to a boil. If you do need to reheat your hot chocolate, do it on the stovetop instead of the microwave so that it’s easier to control the heat. If you need to store leftover hot chocolate, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to drink it, reheat using the instructions above. This holiday season, grab your favorite type of hot chocolate, and curl up by the fireplace and enjoy a book or a movie. Make sure to do your lounging in your favorite Livnfresh gear! Visit Livnfresh.com and see some of the finest Michigan apparel Livnfresh has to offer. from https://blog.livnfresh.com/perfect-hot-chocolate/ Some people say they love Michigan because it has some of the greatest weather in the country. But what is the Michigan weather really like. And more importantly, why do we love Michigan weather so much? Let’s take a closer look. What is Michigan Weather Like? The weather in this state varies from season to season, but it also changes easily on a whim. Generally speaking though, the hottest months are June through August. It averages about 84°F during those months. Michigan enjoys blue skies and sunshine during the summer. But the winter weather is just as gorgeous. It can range from rain, sleet, and snow on any given day—perfect for hot chocolate or coffee and sitting by the fireplace. The annual average snowfall is 41.1 inches or 102 centimetres. What People Say About Michigan WeatherMichigan has a reputation for being just a bit unpredictable. But the reality is that the state’s weather actually falls on the more average side in terms of ‘unpredictability’. South Dakota gets the honor of having the most unpredictable weather. Unpredictable or not, we love it anyway. In fact, many people seem to agree that Michigan weather is great. “My husband and I lived near Midland in Michigan for a few years,” said Julie Gates, a florist who briefly worked in Michigan. Gates enjoyed the weather so much that she even shared her thoughts online. “The winter weather wasn’t that cold the years we were there. I grew up in states that were considerably colder than Michigan. Summers were mild compared to the hot and humid Southeast where I live now. The soil was great for growing anything. Yard work was actually enjoyable in Michigan.” While Gates praised the Michigan winter season for being enjoyable, Laurie Iversen described how much she liked the summer time: “I had fun in that state because the summers were great, and life was good for me. Perhaps, I loved Michigan because of wonderful memories.” She added: “I could easily live in Michigan, again. Every weekend, my husband and I went exploring. There is plenty to see and do. Mackinaw Island, the Upper Peninsula area, the Great Lakes, Saulte Ste. Marie, and the list goes on of places we visited.” Winter in MichiganNever too cold, but always bringing in the snow—Michigan’s winter season is perfect for that cross country skiing adventure. There are many destinations to choose from, whether you are a beginner or a professional; whether you’re going alone or with your family. We recommend resorts like Boyne Highlands, Caberfae Peaks, Crystal Mountain, Hanson Hills, The Homestead, Shanty Creek, and the Vasa Trail. Spring in MichiganMichigan spring offers so many different activities for you to enjoy once the thermometer starts rising. The flowers bloom, the birds return, and everyone’s spirits are lifted. Enjoy Michigan’s spring time by going fishing, view some tulips, or visit the annual Maple Syrup Festival at Vermontville. Summer in MichiganOf course, when the heat really starts to come in, it’s time to enjoy some of Michigan’s top summer destinations. Visit the Upper Peninsula’s hidden waterfalls; enjoy some of the state’s rich history at Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum; visit Fishtown; take a brewery tour; kayak to Turnip Rock—and more! The Best Season in Michigan: AutumnAlthough this one is up for debate, autumn tends to take the top spot when it comes to the best Michigan season. It’s because of the lovely autumn colors that create a spectacular view in late September and October. There are many reasons to love the fall season in Michigan. The cider mills, the fall foliage—and of course, the weather! Here at LivnFresh, we love the Michigan weather as much as we love the rest of the state. Be sure to visit us at LivnFresh.com for some great Michigan-inspired apparel. from https://blog.livnfresh.com/michigan-weather/ Hosting the big Thanksgiving dinner for the whole family can be challenging—and we’re not just talking about the many meals you have to prepare. For many people, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a crowd of family and friends. If you have guests coming over for the holiday, you need to make sure everyone can fit in the house comfortably! Lucky for you, the experts at LivnFresh have prepared a simple guide on how to maximize your house space for Thanksgiving dinner. Here, we’re focusing on maximizing your house space no matter how small your place may be. With some smart planning and creative solutions, you can host a memorable dinner no matter how much space you have. Plan AccordinglyIf you are working with a smaller space, you need to embrace it and just plan accordingly. Do not pine for space you don’t have. Instead, make the most out of what you do have. This space will dictate your dining style. If you have enough space to set up a large table, then you can pull off a sit-down dinner. If a large table is out of the question, consider a buffet style of dinner featuring smaller tables. Encourage your guests to sit on chairs, couches, and benches to eat. The size and amenities in your kitchen will also give you an idea of how to plan your menu. Can you fit a turkey in your oven? Do you have enough burners and counter space to cook everything you want to serve? There’s no shame in buying and serving pre-made items. Better yet, cook ahead of time so you can prepare more meals if you want to make use of your culinary skills. It’s all about proper Thanksgiving prep. Rearrange BoldlyTake a step back and really look at the space you have. Swapping spaces or removing furniture is the best way to buy you and your guests a little more space to move around in. If you have many relatives coming over, you will have to rearrange the place anyway, so it’s better that you do it ahead of time. Making more room lets you be a little more creative with your usage of space. Consider pushing furniture against walls in the meantime. Remove side tables and other small furniture that are in the way. If you can take it another step further, you may be able to repurpose items to hold food, drinks, coats, bags, etc. Your guests will be staying in the living room, dining room, kitchen, but they generally won’t be staying in the bedroom—so this is where you can stash your other things for now. Use Space StrategicallyThe bedroom can store all your unneeded furniture for the time being. But it can also store jackets, purses, and shoes so that they remain out of the way—and so guests know where to look for them afterward! Alternatively, you can use the bedroom as a playroom to keep all the energetic children busy. If you have a patio, it’s a great place to store coolers for cold food and beverages. If your kitchen is small, de-clutter it immediately. In fact, de-clutter the entire house. It will begin to feel bigger once you’ve thrown away all the stuff you no longer need. Dine CreativelyWorking with a small space is tough, but it also allows for a more intimate holiday bonding experience where everyone can eat together and talk. So when it comes to hosting a dinner party, you only need two things: places to sit, and surfaces to eat off of. You can put several smaller tables together and create a large gathering spot, for example. Even sturdy boxes and accent tables can be used as dining surfaces in a pinch. Just cover them in tablecloth to make them more presentable, of course. Renting chairs is certainly an option, but also consider benches, couches, stools, etc. At the end of the day, you and your guests just want to have a good time. It’s the company that counts, not space. If they can all move comfortably, and the place is clean and organized, then Thanksgiving should be an enjoyable affair. If all else fails, ask for help! Tell guests to bring their own chairs or small tables if absolutely necessary. Here at Livnfresh, we love Thanksgiving just as much as we love Michigan. Be sure to visit us at Livnfresh.com for some great Michigan-inspired apparel. from https://blog.livnfresh.com/thanksgiving-dinner/ Here at LivnFresh, we know that you can brighten up any Michigan home with the right DIY furniture. Right now, live-edge resin river tables are some of the most sought after furniture pieces out there. And today we will teach you how to make one on your own! With careful planning and delicate execution, experienced woodworkers and DIY’ers will surely be able to make a lovely new resin-filled table. This guide covers the basics of making your own live-edge resin-filled table to give you an idea of how it usually goes. Gather Your Tools and MaterialsYou will need a few materials for this project, namely: wood, translucent tinting pigments, tape, polypropylene sheet, polishing compound, and of course, some clear epoxy resin. Of course, you will also need some more tools and safety equipment to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Before you get to work, make sure the environment you are in is a dry, heated space all throughout the process. The resin also needs to be at room temperature. If it’s delivered cold or it’s been in the garage for some time, you will have to raise the temperature to 20°C before use. Damp or cold conditions may affect the end result. Prepare the WoodWhen choosing your wood, you need to make sure that the wood is seasoned, dry, and as flat as possible. The style and type depend on your personal preference—you can get creative here. But waney-edges work best for this type of project. Pro tip: you can ask your supplier to cut the wood down to the correct size and depth or cut it in half if you want to do a central river channel. Chisel out the bark and then remove any loose material with abrasive paper. Next, check for cracks and gaps on the top and bottom of the pieces of wood. Seal them in by filling them with resin. Use tape to seal the cracks and gaps to prevent the resin from running out. Check on it every now and then and top up the resin if some were absorbed by the wood. When the resin is fully cured, use abrasives to level off the surface, removing any high spots. You want to leave a keyed surface so a coarse abrasive is ideal. Create a ContainerPosition your slabs of wood so you can make a container around the whole table slab—it will support the resin whilst pouring and curing the river. Begin with a flat sheet, which will make a baseboard to work upon. Use the polypropylene sheet to create a base and side barriers to create a container around the wood. Make the base 8cm larger than the table to allow for side barriers. Then use a hot-melt glue gun and run a bead of glue all around the base and side barrier to making sure the container is water-tight. If you need to test if it is watertight, just make sure you dry the container thoroughly afterward. Add the Resin!Whether you color the resin or not depends on your personal taste. Lots of DIY’ers use glow powders, metallic pigments, solid colors, etc. Try experimenting on a small amount of resin with any effect you want to achieve before applying it to your table. You can also leave it clear, and the resin will look good too. Use a blue translucent tinting pigment if you want to emphasize that watery effect for your river table. Once you’ve chosen the right style, carefully pour the resin into the container. Then add the correct amount of hardener and mix thoroughly. Make sure the resin completely covers the whole base area. Aim to slightly overfill the river channel, then leave the resin to fully cure. Place the wood planks back into the correct position on top of the resin. Use a brush to seal the edge and top surface with the resin including all the knots, splits, and cracks. Use a heat gun or hairdryer on medium heat to remove any bubbles. Finishing TouchesTo finish off the table you will need to add the legs and seal the wood. It is important that you do this prior to polishing the resin river as the polishing compound may mark the wood if it’s not protected. To polish the resin you will need a hand-held polisher and a high-quality polishing compound. This will help you achieve a high gloss finish. Here at LivnFresh, we love DIY projects as much as we love Michigan. Be sure to visit us at LivnFresh.com for some great Michigan-inspired apparel. from https://blog.livnfresh.com/live-edge-resin/ There are so many reasons to love Northern Michigan—and the numerous ski resorts are definitely among the top reasons to visit. If you are looking for the best deals for skiing in Northern Michigan, then don’t worry—LivnFresh has you covered. The secret to choosing the right ski resort in Northern Michigan is simple: there are no wrong choices. There are beginner-friendly slopes and ones that are more suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers. But mostly, it’s all about choosing which one offers the best deals. Caberfae Peaks in CadillacIf you’re just starting out, you need to find ski deals that won’t break the bank. Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac fits this description perfectly. Right now it has ski season passes that are available starting at $149. The weekend and midweek pass cost the same, so it’s just a matter of choosing which one fits your schedule. There is also a $249 peak pass that is valid 7 days a week. Sometimes they offer sales and deals for as low as $69 per person, but you will have to watch out for that by visiting their website. You can check it out by clicking here: https://caberfaepeaks.com/ The price is well worth it too. It boasts the highest chairlift in lower Michigan, which means it can provide skiers the chance to soak in a 360-degree view of Manistee National Forest while still gaining easy access to backside beginner favorites like the Smiling Irishmen and Easy Street runs. For stronger skiers who want to test their backcountry capabilities, there is nothing like the 25-plus-acre area that Caberfae opened up a few years ago. It is a boots-back hike to the lodge at the base of the slopes, but the backcountry terrain is free of huge boulders and cliffs so it is an ideal way to take your skiing to the next level without going too crazy. The Homestead at Glen ArborThis Glen Arbor gem provides stunning views that don’t require you to be a daredevil. The Homestead has an array of packages that are perfect for a weekend ski getaway with the family. They have a package that includes nightly lodging, lift tickets, and optional breakfast each morning for only $42.12 per person, per night, based on a family of four. There are further discounts and deals to watch out for if you visit their website at https://www.thehomesteadresort.com/ The brilliant blues of Lake Michigan make The Homestead’s horizon something to marvel at. This is all thanks to the resort’s location, nestled on Sleeping Bear Bay. The slopes are gentle and the crowds are small, so it makes for a peaceful vacation. The Homestead limits ticket sales to ensure this. They make sure the experience is as convenient and enjoyable as possible. They also have instructors for kids and adults of all ages who want to learn about skiing. It also has an elegant spa to top it all off. You can get more information by calling The Homestead hotline: 231-334-5100. Treetops Resort at GaylordTreetops Resort can turn casual skiers into full-fledged fanatics. There are 23 runs on top of other snow-fueled adventures such as tubing parks, dog sledding, wilderness sleigh-ride dinners, and more. This family-friendly destination is also the heart of Michigan golf, so skiing isn’t the only sport featured in this resort. Here, kids 6 years old and under can “stay free, ski free, and get freebies”.Visit their website at https://treetops.com/about/ for more information. Here you will find more details about prices, packages, and various deals. Here at LivnFresh, we love skiing just as much as we love everything that Northern Michigan has to offer. Be sure to visit us at LivnFresh.com for some great Michigan-inspired apparel. from https://blog.livnfresh.com/best-deals-for-skiing-in-northern-michigan/ |
ABOUT USWe know that you will love how you look and feel in these super comfortable and stylish designs. Go ahead wear your heart on your sleeve! Bleed maize and blue or green and white. It's all PURE MICHIGAN! From our "Original Michigan D" line to the "Fresh Coast" and "Hang Loose" to "I'm a Lake Girl", our designs are fun and the material is amazing. Livnfresh is an Michigan lifestyle company. Our t shirts, hoodies, hats and apparel are an expression of our love for Michigan. Archives
December 2019
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