It’s the 4th annual Michigan Animal Rescue League’s Yappy Hour event where your pooch is welcome to join the party!  This year’s event will be hosted at the historic Meadowbrook Hall’s prestigious Rock Garden at 480 South Adams Road in Rochester, MI 48309 on Thursday, June 6, 2013 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations can be made by calling (248)778-5351 or by visiting www.michigananimalrescueleague.org ~ Tickets start at $75.00 and include hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails for humans and gourmet dog treats for man’s best friend!  There will also be live music, a silent auction, and an opportunity for red carpet photos with your pooch!

This event was held at The Royal Park Hotel for the last three years and and was sold out for the past two years!  Proof that our four-legged friends have quite an impact on our lives as family members and not just as companions.  They love us unconditionally and don’t care if we’re mismatched or naked, having a bad hair day or wearing a tiara!  Dogs love because they know nothing less and the world would be a better place if we followed in their foot steps (literally) and loved with such selflessness.   

We could all learn a few lessons from our furry friends;  Dog’s have become family members in the American household because they have earned their position by being L O Y A L !  A dog will never lie, cheat or steal (unless you leave an undergarment with your human scent on it laying around, then it’s NOT his fault! YOU asked for it)!  All joking aside, dogs are simply not capable of doing all the horrible, evil, hurtful things humans do to one another because they only want to love and protect us.  We should return the favor no matter if its our dog or a stray.  If a dog found you on the side of a road, I’m quite sure he or she would stop to make sure you were okay.  Showing love and compassion should be second nature not something you ignore because you’re late for a meeting.       

Yappy Hour is a wonderful annual event, celebrating the love we share for our domestic canine family members we cherish because they exhibit prime examples of true love for life and for us on a daily basis so we should give proper recognition to these precious animals we opened our homes and hearts to.  Hope to see you there!

To like The Michigan Animal Rescue League on Facebook click HERE.

Village Green of Rochester is hosting a pooch party for residents and their furry friends!  Man’s best friend is cordially invited (on a leash of course) with their human for some treats, give-aways, and fun!  This pet friendly event will be on Saturday, May 18th, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm in the clubhouse great room and non-resident guests are welcome as well. 

A healthy lunch will be provided for pet owners and treats for the pets.  Give-aways include dog toys, bowls, apparel, and a variety of treats!  This event is a perfect opportunity for residents to join together with their dogs and the common love they share in being pet owners.  

Studies prove that people who own cats and dogs (most popular domestic animals) live longer, healthier lives and it’s not just the companionship they offer, it’s the physical interactions and caring for the animal that significantly contribute to our health as well.  Here’s an informational slideshow from WebMD that tells you all about it!  

Village Green Corporation also knows just how important our pets are to us by offering pet friendly properties throughout the U.S.  Though some properties may have breed restrictions and/or weight limits, I find it to be a fair  opportunity to remain a proud pet owner!  

Note ~ All pets must be socialized, friendly and up to date with vaccines to attend the pooch party.  Each resident or non-resident guest is responsible for their pet and its behavior.  Join in the fun and make some new friends!

Though the 2013 Spring Season is slowly (I repeat S L O W L Y) unfolding, there are plenty of new and exciting community events happening in Downtown Rochester to help us get into the spirit of Spring!  Downtown Rochester has BIG plans to celebrate healthy living for Michigan’s Earth Day Event this year by offering community members a chance to browse, shop, save, learn, and come together to support Going Green!

The Michigan Earth Day Event celebration will begin on Friday, April 26 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and will take place at the corner of East Third Street and Water Street.  On Saturday, April 27, the celebration will continue from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday, April 28 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Admission is FREE and everyone is welcome!

Also, it’s that time of year to once again enjoy Downtown Rochester’s Farmers’ Market!  The 14th annual event will kick-off on Saturday, May 4, 2013 and continue EVERY Saturday until October 26, 2013.  Get local, fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods,  flowers, plants, and other products exclusive to our mighty State of Michigan!  As always, the Farmers’ Market is located at the ever so popular corner of East Third Street and Water Street. 

If you’d like to know more about the wonderful vendors, click HERE.   BONUS ~ Be one of the first 500 adults to attend on opening day and receive a FREE Farmers’ Market Tote Bag!  There are also FREE activities for children at the Rochester Farmers’ Market so bring the kiddies along for some fun, interactive ways to promote a healthy lifestyle!  A child is never too young to learn about health and wellness so lead by example and Go Green!

Fairly new to Downtown Rochester, The Meeting House gets a rave review from this Rochester resident!  I make it a point to spend my “entertainment” budget in my hometown as often as I can.  Putting money back into my community is important and I believe my fellow Rochester residents agree otherwise many of the merchants, businesses, and restaurants would not continue to remain open for business year-after-year.  Poor service at a new establishment, right out of the gate, could be fatal! 

It’s not just the food that makes a place worth frequenting, . . . it’s the “customer service” that partners with the overall experience.  The possibility of being served a less than favorable entree’ at any establishment is likely on occasion but it’s the professionalism and sincerity behind the customer service you receive from the restaurant, when they are trying to rectify the situation, that really helps a patron decide whether or not to return. 

I’m more than happy to report that my experience at The Meeting House was nothing less than flawless!  There were no issues to report because I got everything I asked for even when I pulled a Meg Ryan and ordered a few things on the side and requested to add a chicken breast to the top of my salad.  I’m genuinely convinced every employee I came in contact with loves what they do!  It was refreshing to see a team effort with the wait staff and management.  My positive experience was shared with a friend, both of us thought highly of the food, drinks, variety on the menu, decor, ambiance, and staff.

The Meeting House is not just another restaurant in Downtown Rochester, they really do have their own essence taking place.  The fact that they also use local sources for items on their menu is just another reason to add them to my “favorites” list!  I was more than pleased to see it all unfold right before my eyes and WILL go back to take in more!

To “Like” The Meeting House on Facebook, click HERE.  To take a peak at their menu, click HERE.

It’s that time of year again, to raise money for a great cause with a BIG splash!  All Village Green properties participate in the annual “Splash Day” which is held in April when the weather is unpredictable and most people are itching for summer to arrive.  This year, winter has been lingering like yesterday’s fish dinner and no one wants more!

The 2013 Splash Day marks the 22nd year for Village Green properties, celebrating the communities we live in. Together, we make a difference in the lives of others as we join together to raise money for charities that touch and improve the lives of those who may be faced with challenging and even devastating situations.

This year’s charity is the Ronald McDonald House and no one knows just how traumatic is is to have a sick child like they do!  They have been providing a safe haven for the families of children with a variety of medical ailments, many even life threatening, for over 38 years. With our help, their virtuous work can continue to bring hope where despair is too familiar.

Each property will hold their own event, creating fun ways to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.  Village Green of Rochester will offer their residents a chance to give back and the opportunities to win some great prizes! Throughout the month of April (up to the day of the event - Saturday, April 20th, 2013), the residents can purchase raffle tickets for $1.00 each or 30 tickets for $20.00.  Each ticket is a chance to win one of four great prizes! 1) A Gift Basket donated by WOW!  2) Wine Tasting for two at Downtown Rochester’s Fieldstone Winery,  3) One FREE Hour in a state-of-the-art PGA Tour Golf Simulator located at MOVESTRONG, DeClaire Medicine for Movement in the Crittenton Medical Building,  4) A Gift Basket donated by AT&T.  

Village Green of Rochester will also raise money at the April brunch by inviting residents to “Create their own Burrito” for $1.00, . . . they can choose from scrambled eggs, sausage, shredded cheese, black beans & rice, sour cream, and salsa!  Just another way to help us reach our goal!

Splash Day originally began as a dare all those years ago.  Since April is rarely swim-friendly weather, a Village Green property manager accepted a dare to take a plunge into the icy cold water.  He only had one condition; the community had to pledge donations for his dip in the pool and the proceeds were to be donated to a local/regional cause.  Splash Day was born!

To date, Village Green properties have raised more than $100,000 for several children’s charities.  This year, Splash Day proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities in each of Village Green’s regions.  As always, this annual event makes everyone a winner! Come make a splash for a great cause!

Many of us do not know what it is like to go without our most precious basic needs such as soap, deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste, . . . just to name a few.  Sadly, there are people who lose everything and they are forced to go without these and other crucial personal hygiene products.  Village Green, as a company,  will make genuine efforts to give back to needy community members by holding a “Hygiene Kit Drive”.   

This year at the Village Green Annual Seminar the focus will be on collecting Hygiene Kits to provide desperate community members with some necessary, daily products that will give them a starting point to regaining their dignity once again.  Those in need excepting a helping hand cannot be easy but even the smallest acts of kindness will go a long way.  

Village Green properties will be collecting personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes, mouthwash, shampoo, disposable razors, shaving cream, deodorant, feminine products, soap, lotion, and washcloths.  Many of these items are inexpensive and can be purchased at your neighborhood Dollar Store.  These items can be dropped off at any Village Green Leasing Office and the wonderful employees with deliver the collected items to their annual seminar in April. 

Please join us in supporting a worthy cause because any contribution, big or small, will touch the lives of those Metro Detroit community members in need.

The residents of Village Green of Rochester are invited to a beer tasting event at the Rochester Mills Beer Company in mid March.  They will have the opportunity to taste up to eight in-house brewed beers and enjoy some top notch appetizers as well!    

The Rochester Mills Beer Company is nestled in the quaint Downtown Rochester and it just so happens that they are all about “Food, Friends & Beer”, which is a perfect combination for any fun-filled event!  They are just as good at preparing food as they are at brewing beer!  I have been a patron of the Mill for over 10 years and have never had a bad experience with food, entertainment, or beer! 

One of Michigan’s resident favorite breweries in the State, the Rochester Mills Beer Company has been pouring beers for almost 15 years and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!  If you have not taken the opportunity to visit the Rochester Mills Beer Company then put them on your “must do” list for 2013!  You won’t be disappointed!  Take advantage of their pool tables, martini lounge which doubles as a private room for your party needs, free entertainment on weekend evenings, outdoor patio when weather permits, menu of delicious options that will please everyone, and their wide variety of brewed beer on tap!

The Rochester Mills Beer Company is located at 400 Water Street just two blocks East of Main Street in Downtown Rochester ~ 48307.  You can just stop in or call to make reservations for two or a private party at (248)650-5080.

*Menu has Gluten-free, Vegan, and Vegetarian options!

FTD is NOT a good or even halfway decent place to order flowers/gifts from!  Let me share my personal experience and allow you to see for yourself many, MANY other complaints as well. 

My eldest daughter lives in California and I live in Michigan but I wanted to send her flowers for her birthday so I went online to shop my options.  Shame on me for not reading the HORRIBLE  REVIEWS online (one after another) before placing my order!  Prior FTD customers were even stating that they only gave FTD one star out of five because they couldn’t choose no star!!!

After I placed my order to have flowers delivered to my daughter for her birthday, I soon realized what an awful corporation they are!  I asked my daughter to snap a picture of her flowers with her iPhone and send it to me so I could see them.  Much to my dismay, the scrawny “arrangement” (for a lack of a better word) was unacceptable and looked like something I could get for $12.00 at the corner liquor store! 

As you can see in the photo above, a side-by-side comparison of what I paid for and thought my daughter would receive and what was actually delivered!  What would you have done?  I spent almost $90.00 and THAT is what I paid for!  If I had not asked my daughter to send me a picture, I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN what she received AND she would never complain that her special delivery was too small because she had no idea how much I spent!  I guarantee this happens all the time to people all over the world! 

I called FTD and was on hold for over 30 minutes.  I was so annoyed I decided to send a formal complaint via e-mail instead.  After I sent my message, I was sent an automated message in return indicating that I would be contacted within 24 hours, . . . that NEVER happened!  Two days later I placed another call and waited on hold, AGAIN!  The individual I spoke with took my information and said she would have a “supervisor” contact me to resolve this matter.  You may have guessed that NEVER happened either!

I was beyond angry and really wanted to speak to a real person rather than sitting on hold, being forced to listen to the FTD advertisements about how “exceptional” their service was!  Talk about LAUGHING OUT LOUD and wanting to cry at the same time!  I hope you’re sitting for the last portion of my story, . . . When I finally spoke with a person, he placed me on hold for several minutes before another representative took my call.  She actually suggested that they pick up the flower arrangement from my daughter, . . .  TWO DAYS AFTER THEY WERE DELIVERED?!?!  I was appalled so I raised my voice (also known as yelling)!  I was placed on hold AGAIN before I was conveniently disconnected!!! 

This is where being a blogger/writer comes in handy.  FTD should not get away with ripping people off nor should they be allowed to treat their “customers” as though we don’t matter!  This story has an ending but before I share that with you, you must realize that WE do have a voice and it is our responsibility to share our bad experiences with others to prevent our fellow man/woman from being taken advantage of as well OR have our loved ones think we’re cheap when they receive a few roses surrounded by weeds crammed in a toothpick vase!

Five days after the so called “floral arrangement” was delivered to my daughter, I placed yet another call to FTD.  Though I feel slightly bad for stripping the woman I spoke with any shred of dignity she may have had, I demanded a FULL REFUND and that she immediately connect me with a manager!  Keep in mind, this call was five (YES 5) days after the delivery.  The “manager” took my phone call and apologized to me then said he would send me a confirmation e-mail indicating that I would receive a full refund.  I did get an e-mail a few hours later but now it’s day seven (YES 7) and still no refund.  Only time will tell if I ever see that refund but I WILL NEVER ORDER FROM FTD!!!  AGAIN!!!     

Lastly, FTD should stand for “FAILURE TO DELIVER” since I have not come across one GOOD review and I had to add another one since I was treated so poorly after my expectations were not met!  Even their Facebook wall is filled with disappointed customers and apologies to the same! 

Just a suggestion, send a homemade card instead and draw some flowers in it.  Your loved one will appreciate your thoughtfulness and YOU won’t get ripped off : )

For those of you who believe that frozen treats are only for the summer or warm weather, I’m here to suggest that you reconsider your opinion so you don’t miss out on something really SWEET all-year-round!

The folks at Sweet Island Yogurt are on to something fun and tasty!  They offer a variety of popular frozen yogurt flavors and over 50 toppings, but hey, IT’S DESSERT, . . . totally necessary so no one leaves unhappy!  When it comes to indulging in a delicious treat here and there, why settle for ice-cream in a carton you can get from your grocer when you can have frozen yogurt or custard poured YOUR WAY!

The serving bowls are one size and it’s up to you on how you fill it; pile it high or keep it simple!  Your bowl is then weighed by the ounce for your newly created, FAT FREE dessert (well, at least the yogurt is fat free)!

Sweet Island Yogurt is located at 402 S. Main Street in the ever so popular Downtown Rochester, MI.  They take, “Have it your way”, to an entirely new level with fresh fruit toppings, candy toppings, and hot caramel or fudge toppings.  Whether you are with the kids, a group of friends, or all alone, I guarantee your trip to Sweet Island Yogurt won’t be your last!

To “like” Sweet Island Yogurt on Facebook, click HERE. 

Sweet Dreams!

Chocolate Covered Peep Hearts

Ingredients:

1 package Peeps Strawberry Hearts (9 hearts total)

8 ounces chocolate candy coating

2 teaspoons vegetable shortening

9 4-inch lollipop sticks

Sprinkles

Directions:

Melt the candy coating in a tall glass that is just wide enough for the hearts to fit in. Stir in the vegetable shortening to thin out the candy coating.

Dip one stick into the chocolate, about 1/4 inch deep. Push the chocolate end of the stick into the point of the heart peep.

Dip the heart into the chocolate coating to coat. Shake off the excess. Add sprinkles as desired and lay flat on a sheet of waxed paper to dry.

Recipe Credit: http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/2013/01/31/chocolate-covered-peeps-hearts/

Chocolate Raspberry Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:

Small twisted pretzels

Hershey Raspberry Hugs

Valentine Colored M&M’s

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the pretzels on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Place a Raspberry Hug on top of each pretzel.

Bake the pretzels for 2-3 minutes or until the chocolate softens.

Once you remove from the oven gently place a M&M on top of the Raspberry Hug. Cool and serve.

Recipe Credit: http://www.whatscookinglove.com/2013/01/chocolate-raspberry-pretzel-bites.html

Molten Lava Cakes

Ingredients:

2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for the ramekins

4 teaspoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Pinch of nutmeg

12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting (optional)

6 large eggs plus 6 egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter eight 6-ounce ramekins and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar.

Combine the butter, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk the flour, confectioners’ sugar, eggs and yolks, vanilla extract and almond extract in a bowl until creamy. Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. Divide among the prepared ramekins.

Bake the cakes until the tops are stiff and the edges darken, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cakes with a small paring knife and transfer to plates while warm. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Recipe Credit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/molten-lava-cakes-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback

Red Velvet Trifle

Ingredients:

For the Cake

1 package red velvet cake mix

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoon milk

For the Mousse

2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

10 oz dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)

For the Pudding

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup half and half or milk

3 large egg yolks, preferably at room temperature

8 oz semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)

Directions:

For the Cake

First, prepare the dense cake. This cake is a cross between a brownie and a cake. DO NOT prepare using the recipe on the back of the box, because it would be too tall to be able to cut out the hearts.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease 8 by 8 inch baking pan.

Combine cake mix, oil, egg, and 1/4 cup of the milk. Then add the other 2 tablespoon milk until the batter isn’t completely crumbly. It will still be pretty dense – denser than traditional cake batter or brownie batter.

Spread it into the pan and bake for 26 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool.

For the Mousse:

Prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl. Place chocolate in a smaller bowl. Heat 1 cup of cream in small saucepan over medium high heat until it’s almost boiling, stirring constantly. Pour hot cream over chocolate and stir until smooth. Place bowl into ice water bath to cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Beat the remaining 1 1/2 cups cream in stand mixer on high until stiff peaks form (about 2 minutes). Gently fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture.

Place plastic wrap directly on the mousse to avoid crusting and let chill overnight (or at least 3-4 hours).

For the Pudding:

Refresh the ice water bath. Place chocolate in smaller bowl.

Heat the cream and milk in small saucepan over medium high heat until it’s almost boiling, stirring constantly. Beat the egg yolks in small bowl. Take out about 1/2 cup of the hot cream and gradually pour it into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Then pour the yolk/cream mixture back into the cream on the stovetop. Continue cooking while whisking until mixture thickens. (This took about 5 minutes.) The mixture will not be super thick – it will thicken more as it cools.

Place plastic wrap directly on the mousse to avoid crusting and let chill overnight (or at least 3-4 hours).

Assembly:

Using a small heart shaped cookie cutter, cut 10 hearts out of the cake. Crumble remaining cake. Place a layer of cake, a spoon full of pudding, and a couple dollops of mousse in each jar. Repeat, and top with heart. This made 12 mini mason jars full.

Recipe Credit: http://confessionsofarecoveringchocoholic.com/2013/01/14/valentines-day-red-velvet-trifle/

Cherry and Cream Cheese Heart Pastry

Ingredients:

1 to 2 pkgs refrigerated pie crust (depending on how many you want to make, or you could always make your own pie crust)

1 pkg. cream cheese softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

1 can cherry pie filling

Large heart cookie cutter

Small heart cookie cutter (optional)

Parchment paper

Rolling pin

For the Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar

2-3 teaspoon Milk

Instructions:

Cover cookie sheet with a piece of parchment paper and preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Roll out 2 sheets of pie crust and cut out large hearts with the cookie cutter.

In large bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/4 sugar, egg and vanilla or almond extract. Set aside half of the heart cutouts for the top layer.  Spread cream cheese mixture over the bottom layers of the pie crust hearts to 1/2 inch of the edge.

Next, top the cream cheese mixture with a tablespoon or two of the pie filling.

With rolling pin, lightly roll out the rest of the pie crust hearts so they are slightly bigger than the bottom ones.  (They need to be bigger to fit over the toppings.)  If you have a smaller heart cookie cutter, you could cut out the middle so the cherries will show through.

Lay the top piece of pie crust over the bottom.

Using your fingers, press the edges together.  Go around the edges again with a fork for an extra strong seal.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pie crust has turned a pretty golden brown.

Let cool for about 20 minutes.

While cooling, mix the glaze.  Combine 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. If the glaze seems too thick, add another tablespoon of milk.

Drizzle the glaze over the heart pastries.

Recipe Credit: http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2012/02/cherry-and-cream-cheese-heart-pastry.html

Valentine’s Day Chex-Mix

Ingredients:

9 cups Rice Chex cereal

1 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth)

4 TB (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1/2-1 cup M&Ms

1/4 cup pink and white sprinkles

Directions:

Melt the butter, white chocolate chips, and peanut butter in a bowl in the microwave. Melt for 30 seconds, stir, and continue melting as needed.

Put the rice Chex cereal in a large bowl, and then pour the peanut butter mixture over. Stir until the Chex is pretty evenly coated. Put 1/2 of the cereal mixture into a gallon Ziploc bag and add the powdered sugar. Shake to mix it up.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or foil and pour the powdered-sugar-coated Chex mix on top. Let it sit for about 1/2 hour to “dry.”

Stir the M&Ms and sprinkles into the Chex mix remaining in the bowl.

Let this sit for a while to dry too.

Then add all the Chex mix together and gently stir to combine. One recipe makes about 4-6 cupss

Recipe Credit: http://www.food.com/recipe/valentine-chex-mix-285679

Still need some Valentine’s Day date ideas? Check out a few good ones here: http://bit.ly/UteAAL

Plus, Valentine’s Day gifts NOT to give: http://bit.ly/YHnw2V