Author: stefanie

Posted on

My 15 favorite Disney World character moments

Yesterday, we returned from our wonderful Disney World family trip, and it’s crazy to think that after months of planning and thinking about the trip, it feels like it all happened in the blink of an eye.

For Stella’s first Disney World trip two years ago, we were there for about two and a half days and did a whirlwind of three parks in that time. I was pregnant with Margot, and it was late May, so it was a hot, exhilarating, and exhausting weekend. This time, we were there for six nights and had the opportunity to have a break day, as well as two days at the Magic Kingdom.

One of the best parts of the trip is all of the wonderful photos captured by the Disney photographers (and some on my camera, too). It’s rare to get photos of all four of us together, so we took advantage of the Memory Maker package and got as many photos taken together as possible.

Other than the family photos, my most favorite memories captured during the trip are with the wonderful Disney characters. Although it’s tough to choose, these are my 15 favorite moments with the characters.  Continue reading “My 15 favorite Disney World character moments”

Posted on

Check out Punk Taco in Old Town

Today was considerably the most beautiful day of spring so far, which isn’t saying too much considering it was snowing this past week. Yet it was so fortunate that I had lunch plans with my friend Jen today in Old Town, because today was the perfect day to visit the newly opened Punk Taco.

I can always count on Jen to suggest a new and fun place around the Lansing area to check out; our last outing was to The Crafted Bean in Lansing.

Punk Taco is the latest restaurant from the restaurant development company also responsible for some of my other favorite spots in Lansing, including The Cosmos, Zoobie’s, and The Creole.

Punk Taco, located in the spot right next to the new Creole Burger Bar & Southern Kitchen, has a very cool vibe.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhEygq2lvIR/?taken-by=punktacolansing

Continue reading “Check out Punk Taco in Old Town”

Posted on

Old favorites and new classics: A peek at Wharton Center’s 2018-19 season

We’ll have to “Wait for It” a little bit longer, but “Hamilton” is finally on its way to the Wharton Center this upcoming season. The Wharton Center has revealed its complete 2018-19 lineup, and it is full of old favorites and new classics for theater lovers.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Along with the cultural phenomenon “Hamilton” (May 14-June 2, 2019), the Wharton Center will also welcome the Broadway touring productions of “School of Rock” (September 18-23, 2018), “Love Never Dies” (October 9-14, 2018), “Fiddler on the Roof” (December 4-9, 2018), “Anastasia” (January 15-20, 2019), and “Miss Saigon” (March 12-17, 2019). Continue reading “Old favorites and new classics: A peek at Wharton Center’s 2018-19 season”

Posted on

Happy National Poetry Month! Here’s more bad high school poetry.

As promised, I dug up some more poetry from high school in honor of National Poetry Month.

This one is actually a twofer.

I found this tucked into the pages of my poetry notebook, and I’m imagining it’s the result of a Gallimaufry exercise. I can see how my poetry voice was starting to come out, instead of relying on cliches and melodramatic, high school girl language.

Continue reading “Happy National Poetry Month! Here’s more bad high school poetry.”

Posted on

Happy National Poetry Month! Here’s some bad high school poetry.

Well, it’s National Poetry Month, and just a few days into April, I’m already seeing friends posting some of their favorite poems on social media. In the years before mommyhood, writing poetry was something I lived for. It helped me format my thoughts in different stages of my younger life. So for the sake of being vulnerable and having a laugh, I’m going to be sharing some of my best and worst stuff during the month of April. Continue reading “Happy National Poetry Month! Here’s some bad high school poetry.”

Posted on

Exploring Michigan: Adventures in Owosso

Owosso, Michigan is a town less than 40 minutes away from the Lansing area, but I didn’t know much about it other than a car dealership. Seriously. So when my friends Linda and Ellen wanted to check out a store there, we planned to make a little Saturday trip out of it. Some Googling brought some promising ideas for coffee, shopping, and lunch.

Despite it turning into a typical late-March Michigan day with rain and wind, we were all charmed by the friendly town of Owosso and its offerings. Here are photos from our adventures. Continue reading “Exploring Michigan: Adventures in Owosso”

Posted on

Shakespeare, Stay Puft, and Richard Simmons: A conversation with Colin Mochrie

“Hi, this is Colin Mochrie.”

As a fan, I never anticipated that one day Colin Mochrie would be calling my house. When I said as much in my reply, he said, “Well, dreams do come true.”

It’s that dry, quick wit that has made Mochrie a fan favorite in the world of improv for the last few decades. Mochrie is best known for his work on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” alongside Brad Sherwood, and enthusiasts of the popular TV series will have the chance to watch the magic happen live on stage.

The improv veterans will be visiting the Wharton Center on April 7, 2018 with The Scared Scriptless Tour, a completely improvised show based on audience suggestions and participation.

I spoke with Mochrie about the Scared Scriptless show, his recent foray into the world of Shakespeare, and the funniest person he knows.

Continue reading “Shakespeare, Stay Puft, and Richard Simmons: A conversation with Colin Mochrie”

Posted on

Favorite tips for surviving (and enjoying) Disney World with kids

Growing up, we were a Disney World family through and through. I feel so fortunate that our spring break family vacations were spent in Florida each year. I also give my parents a lot of credit for putting up with the crowds and the heat and the excitement all of those years.

Magic Kingdom in its late 80s/early 90s glory

I fancied myself quite an expert in the ways of Disney World, navigating the parks and building itineraries in my head. Other than my self-inflicted obsession with planning, having a Disney trip set in stone before even flying to Florida wasn’t necessary. But that was a simpler time.

Continue reading “Favorite tips for surviving (and enjoying) Disney World with kids”

Posted on

The power of kindness: Learn about ePIFanyNow

Calling to check in on a family member or friend. Paying for the coffee of the person behind you. Letting someone into your lane when there’s a lot of traffic. Buying someone lunch. Helping someone in need.

No matter the size of the gesture, doing something kind not only makes someone’s day — it can inspire other acts of kindness.

This is the premise and inspiration for ePIFanyNow, an organization created by my friend Bob Hoffman almost ten years ago.

ePIFanyNow will celebrate its popular annual event at the MSU Federal Credit Union headquarters on Sunday, May 6.

But while the result is an ever-growing movement aimed at making the world a better place, the catalyst for it was something quite different.

Continue reading “The power of kindness: Learn about ePIFanyNow”

Posted on

Check out The Crafted Bean in Lansing

Earlier this week, I met up with my friend and former coworker Jen for coffee and lunch at The Crafted Bean in Lansing. The original DeWitt location opened in December 2016, and the Lansing location, west of Sparrow Hospital on Michigan Ave., just opened earlier this year.

I was really excited to try a new coffee place in Lansing, especially when Jen told me that they have a food truck outside that serves up sweet and savory bubble waffles. SIGN ME UP.

The vibe inside is very cool, embracing the authentic architectural details of the space instead of trying to make something new look old and lived-in. I love the exposed brick, tin ceiling tiles, and eclectic furniture.

Continue reading “Check out The Crafted Bean in Lansing”