College Football Bowl Game Snacks to Enjoy at Home

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on December 19, 2013

Bring the energy of a college football game into your own home with a more intimate setting … by hosting a bowl game at home. Celebrate the University of Michigan Wolverines with an appropriate menu of delicious and easy-to-prepare snacks for your guests. Here are a few ideas to get your Ann Arbor home party started:

Ann Arbor Football Snacks — by Yuri Long

Hearty Potato Cake With Ham

Potatoes are the perfect cold weather food. They keep easily and have a comforting texture. Fill up your guests with a hearty potato cake. Cut potatoes into quarter inch rounds. Layer a buttered casserole dish with potato rounds, thinly sliced ham, and heavy cream. Top with parmesan. Bake the entire dish for forty minutes. Slice the resulting cake into bite sized chunks and serve to guests.

Chicken Fingers

Chicken fingers are the ideal finger food. Make some in advance for your guests. Chop up chicken pieces. Coat with a mixture of egg wash and flour. Fry in hot oil. Make them even more special with the use of dipping sauces. Make a quick honey mustard by adding a few drops of honey to your favorite type of mustard. Serve along with ketchup you have spiced up by adding some of your favorite spices like freshly ground peppercorn.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Shrimp are an easy snack that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. Shrimp that have already been peeled and boiled are widely available in many Ann Arbor area markets. Defrost them in advance. Wrap bacon around the shrimp and secure them with a toothpick. Place them under the broiler of your oven for a few minutes until the bacon becomes crisp. Serve with a cooling dip. Drain plain yoghurt overnight with a cheesecloth. Empty into a pan. Mix the results with olive oil and minced garlic.

Super Quick Nutritious Vegetables

Provide your guests with an immediate nibble once they come in your house. Cut up broccoli, carrots, turnips and green bell peppers into bite sized slices. Boil water. Place all of the vegetables in a colander. Pour the boiling water over the vegetables to blanch them. Serve with a dip of chopped garlic, chopped tomatoes and olive oil for a healthy boost.

Roast Chickpeas

Chickpeas make an easy and quick snack. Surprise your friends with a roasted version. Open up a can of chick peas. Drain them of all water as carefully as possible. Sprinkle on spices such as cumin or paprika. Place them in the oven for ten minutes. The result is a crispy snack with an unexpected bite.

Enjoy College Football Snacks

Gathering together with friends to watch as the Michigan Wolverines win yet another game is a great way to embrace the fall season. Make your party even more special by presenting your friends with easy to eat snacks they will all love.

Find a Home Perfect for Hosting Bowl Game Parties

Easy Tips to Hanging Holiday Lights for Your Ann Arbor, MI Home

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on December 10, 2013

The holiday season is just around the corner in Ann Arbor, which means that you need to start thinking about hanging up your Christmas lights. It is an amazing feeling when you get this task done, but many people do not relish doing it. The key to getting it done is getting it started. Once you get some momentum going, it will be done in short order. To help you find the motivation to hang your Christmas lights this year, follow these tips to make it easy on yourself:

Ann Arbor MI Christmas Lights — by Christmas Lights, Etc

Spots & Tips to Hanging Holiday Lights Outdoors

Displaying holiday lights around the exterior of your Ann Arbor home is a great way to show your holiday spirit this year. Dazzle neighbors and children alike with colorful decorations that makes everyone feel at home this holiday. To get started, think about where you want to hang your lights. Places like the driveway, front door, bushes & trees, and around the windows are great places to add strings of lights.

Measure the area where you want to hang lights and consider how many lights you’ll need for the project. Also be sure to collect all your supplies, such as your work gloves, stepladder, and extension cords, to make the process easier. Once you’ve done the initial preparation, begin by testing the lights. Plug them in and spot any that aren’t working. It’s suggested you don’t connect more than 3 strands together, in case of any electrical surges. To save you time from turning the lights on and off, get a timer that is weatherproof and let the machine take care of the work for you.

Additional things to consider include clips, tacks, and adhesives made for hanging lights outside.

Spots & Tips to Hanging Holiday Lights Indoors

Besides placing lights around your Christmas tree, there are a number of other areas you can spread joy around the house. Places you might want to consider hanging lights include:

Around the walls of your bedroom
On the fireplace mantel
Up the stair rail
On a wreath
Around the windows

Again, be sure to measure the area where you will hang lights at and prepare the supplies. Items like transparent tape, tacks, and twist ties come in handy when hanging lights indoors. Always remember to work from the highest point first and work your way down. If you use tacks, make sure not to pierce the electrical wiring. If you place any lights in seasonal wreaths, consider using battery-operated lights to save you time and hassle.

Click Here to Explore Ann Arbor Homes for Sale

Your Ann Arbor, MI Holiday Calendar

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on December 4, 2013

Check out local festivities happening around Ann Arbor this holiday season and use our Holiday Calendar to mark down your favorite dates. You and the family can enjoy visits by Santa Claus and run in holiday 5k races. Also, be sure to check out our blog on December 6th and read our upcoming blog post: 12 tips to selling your home before the holidays!

Share this Image On Your Site

Please include attribution to http://www.homesearchannarbor.com/ with this graphic. <a href='http://www.homesearchannarbor.com/blog/your-ann-arbor-mi-holiday-calendar/'><img src='https://www.homesearchannarbor.com/files/2013/12/Holiday-Calendar-Template-Annarbor.jpg' alt='Ann Arbor Holiday Calendar' width='540px' border='0' /></a>

Ann Arbor, MI Charities: Giving Back This Thanksgiving

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on November 14, 2013

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and to recognize and make note of all that we are thankful for. It is also an important time to remember and reach out to those that are less fortunate. Whether it is lack of food or a warm home to gather in or it’s due to the loss of a loved one, there are people who need us to reach out to them at Thanksgiving time. There are many different charities in the Ann Arbor area, but below are a few of the city’s best:

Ann Arbor MI Thanksgiving Charities — by U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

2375 Hubbard StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48109.
Phone: (248) 437-4524

This 5K walk/run begins and ends at the North Campus of the University of Michigan on Thanksgiving Morning. Participants are asked to bring at least one non-perishable food item to benefit the Food Gatherers of Ann Arbor as well as warm clothing items to donate to the Salvation Army. Children and strollers are welcome. Post Turkey Trot events include awards, refreshments, and Santa Claus.

Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels

2025 Traverwood Drive, Suite FAnn Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 998-6686

This wonderful company provides meals to home bound individuals in the Ann Arbor area. The meals are prepared by the University of Michigan Health System’s Patient Food and Nutrition Services and delivered by volunteers. Not only do they provide meals for those less fortunate, but they also provide dignity and fellowship. For some people, the volunteer is the only person they see all day. Donate your time or a monetary amount. Make sure those less fortunate have food and company for the Thanksgiving season.

Habitat for Humanity

170 Aprill DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 677-1558

Habitat for Humanity makes home ownership possible for low-income families and individuals. There are many ways to get involved including donating to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, making a monetary donation, or donating your time helping out in the construction of new homes. Groups and families can sign up together. Help a family have a warm home to gather in next Thanksgiving.

Homefront Hugs USA

1850 Brookfield DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 330-8203

Homefront Hugs USA has its headquarters in Ann Arbor and is dedicated to supporting our military, veterans, and their families. Write letters or send cards to wounded veterans. You can “Adopt” a deployed hero or heroin. Show your support and appreciation for our country’s finest. Hundreds of men and women are on the Homefront Hugs waiting list for you to come along side them. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to show these families we are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifice.

Putting the Giving Back in Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a bountiful time of year. Warm, cozy fires at home and hearty family meals should make us all feel grateful. Remember those in need and take stock of how you can help. Donate time, money, food, or clothing to those less fortunate and you will enable them to enjoy this holiday season as well.

Ann Arbor, MI Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Dinner

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on November 12, 2013

Thanksgiving dinner is one of those meals where many prefer to out to eat and thus leave all of the preparation, cooking, and cleaning to others. There are a few top choices in the Ann Arbor area for those who want to get out for their Thanksgiving meal this year.

Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Restaurants — by Vxla

Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 769-2500
www.webersinn.com

Weber’s is perhaps the most well known place to grab Thanksgiving dinner in the Ann Arbor area. There are various options in this classy restaurant that include choices such as traditional roast turkey, prime rib, seafood or even roasted duckling. It’s all served with traditional trimmings to complete the meal.

Gandy Dancer

401 Depot Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 769-0592
http://www.muer.com/gandy-dancer/index.asp

Gandy Dancer is another Ann Arbor restaurant that is open for business on Thanksgiving. Options include traditional turkey or duck with all of the trimmings or anything else off of the varied menu that has specialties such as fish, pasta, and even vegetarian entrees.

Haab’s Restaurant

18 West Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-483-8200
http://www.haabsrestaurant.com/

Haab’s Restaurant is a great restaurant if you’re looking for something with a more casual feel. The Thanksgiving offering includes traditional turkey dinners, but also includes the favorites of this establishment.

Eating Out in Ann Arbor for Thanksgiving

Whether you want a fine dining experience such as Weber’s or something in between at Gandy Dancer or more laid back at Haab’s, you can put down that frozen turkey and find a great place to head out for Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Click Here to Explore Ann Arbor Homes for Sale

Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Ann Arbor Home

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on October 11, 2013

Decorating for Halloween can involve the entire family. To begin, select a large orange pumpkin together for the front door area. Carving a spooky face and adding lights inside will set the mood. Now comes the fun part — how to create a one of a kind Halloween experience for the little trick or treaters that will ring your doorbell. Ask each family member what they like best and incorporate their ideas into the decorations.

Ann Arbor Halloween Home — by Between Naps on the Porch

Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Home

There are the typical plastic spiders to hang up dangling from fake cobwebs and the stuffed black cats placed in windows. But you can also try unusual things this Halloween. Some people have displays of Autumn items such as a scarecrow or pumpkin patch in the yard. A friend decided to pretend to be the scare crow and as the children walked up he moved slightly. It took a few minutes for them to realize that the stuffed scare crow was moving and they would get the candy and run screaming down the steps.

There are eerie sounds like creaking doors and spooky noises to greet the children as they ring the doorbell. Or you might add chuckling or boo sounds to the pumpkin by the door. It will amuse children when the pumpkin talks.

Also, add some of the deep purple lights on windows or front gates. Not only do they look beautiful but they cast a glow on the pumpkins by the door. Or you can decorate with strings of miniature lighted pumpkins. These light the entryway of your house without being to bright.

Halloween Party Ideas

If it’s a Halloween party you are throwing add dry ice to the table in a “witch’s cauldron.” The overflowing mist will provide atmosphere to the night. Sometimes, in Ann Arbor it can be cold even as early as Halloween. So when you use decorations outside its best to not use cardboard cut outs as they won’t hold up. Instead, think of plastic or natural fibers such as ghosts made of weather resistant cotton. A display of ghosts can be created in the front yard to attract trick or treaters.

Plan ahead so that you have the time to make a Halloween night to remember. You can use different sizes of pumpkins each with a scary or cute face to decorate outside. When the pumpkins are lighted their glow will be welcoming to passers by.

Halloween Home Decorations — by FOCAL POINT STYLING

Halloween in Ann Arbor

Halloween in Ann Arbor can be magical. Its a wonderful close knit community 35 miles west of Detroit. Near the Huron river it has dense forests and hills. The University of Michigan is located here as well as the Nichols Arboretum.

When holidays arrive its great when everyone gets into the decorating. Driving down the city streets look at the shops to get some new ideas. Work with your neighbors to make a whole block a Halloween spook adventure. Creating a spook house is another idea you might consider. With black cats and candy corn it is sure to be a hit.

Need a Home Perfect for Decorating? Explore Ann Arbor Real Estate

Ann Arbor’s Halloween Attractions & Pumpkin Patches

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on October 9, 2013

Ann Arbor is a beautiful tourist town that offers a wealth of amenities to local residents and visitors. October brings many fun, family-oriented events to the Ann Arbor community, including several great haunted attractions and corn mazes. If you are looking for some fun Halloween thrills this fall in the Ann Arbor area, you should check out these exciting attractions that are coming up.

The Brandywine Cemetery

Where: 2727 Brandywine Street in Ann Arbor
When: October 30th and 31st. Gates are open between 7PM and 7:30PM, gate closes at 9PM
Price: Free. Donations are accepted for area charities each year. This year’s contribution will go to the local food bank
More Info: Click Here

The Brandywine Cemetery Tour is a haunted attraction that is located in the southeast part of Ann Arbor. This beautifully detailed cemetery contains amazing sculptures of gargoyles, tombstones and various props that are used for haunted attractions throughout the city. This gore-free event is a fun way for the entire family to enjoy the spirit of the Halloween season. Each year the Brandywine Cemetery takes up donations to benefit local Ann Arbor charities.

Slaughterhouse Adventure

Where: 5781 Grand River in Fowlerville
When: Open every Friday and Saturday starting on October 4th, from 7PM to 11PM
Price: Slaughterhouse, Haunted Maze and Haunted Hayride are all $13.00 per person, per event. Combos and Group Discounts are available. Price for Haunt-Free Corn Maze is $6.00, children under 4 are free.
Phone: (517) 223-9140
Web: Click Here

The Slaughterhouse Adventure located in nearby Fowlerville offers an abundance of thrills and chills for all ages. There are plenty of spooky attractions and gore-filled mazes to take part in at this annual Halloween event, as well as a family-friendly haunt-free corn maze. The Slaughterhouse Adventure and Grand River Corn Maze guarantee that you will have an experience like no other, whether you travel through the haunted maze, take a tour of the Slaughterhouse, or travel along on the Haunted Hayride. There are combo packs available so that you enjoy two, or all three attractions at a discounted price.

The Blast Corn Maze

Where: 6175 Daly Road in Dexter, MI
When: September 1st through November 9th, from 5 PM to 10 PM on Fridays, 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM to 8 PM on Sundays.
Price: $7.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Children ages 5 to 12. Children under 4 are Free. Group rates of 15 or more people are $5.00 per person. Hayrides cost an additional $3.00 per ride.
More Info: Click Here

The Blast Corn Maze is a family friendly event that is located in Dexter, MI which is not too far from Ann Arbor. There is a ten acre corn field that features 3 ½ miles of trails with three exits. Kids can play on the mountain of straw or in the corn box before of after walking through the maze. Other attractions include the Corn Cannon, Cow Train, Duck Races, Pedal Car event and Picture Props. There will be pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, corn stalks and straw bales available to purchase in October.

Halloween in Ann Arbor, MI

The Ann Arbor community has a lot of fun and spooky attractions to offer local visitors and residents each year. Whether you are hoping to experience the scariest entertainment in town or get lost inside a corn maze with the entire family, you are sure to find an event that will suit your fright level in or around Ann Arbor.

Learn More About the Ann Arbor Area

Things to Do in Ann Arbor, MI

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on April 26, 2013

Ann Arbor, MI is the place to be all year around. From summer to the winter, there is plenty to do in this beautiful city. The city experiences the beauty of the seasons changing; therefore there are plenty of activities to do throughout the year. The city offers plenty to do for people both young and old since it also has a large population of college students.

Summer Playground

In the summer, visitors and locals can fish in the pristine lakes and enjoy the natural landscaping. Every year, the city hosts the Ann Harbor Summer festival that highlights culture and art in the city. The festival lasts over three weeks and displays performances and shows that range from independent movies to interpretive dance. The city also offers plenty of well-maintained golf courses perfect for any golf enthusiasts needing to get their 18-holes in. The city also offers plenty of parks for individuals to jog or take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful Ann Arbor summer weather.

The City Life

Since it is considered a college city, there are plenty of fun restaurants and bars in the city. For the young crowd, the city offers a vibrant lifestyle. There are an multitude of bars and pubs to check out that offer plenty of brews on tap. For families and the older crowd, there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, giving options to cater to anyone’s food craving. The college community brings an assortment of dining options, giving both visitors and residents a vast variety of cuisine options.

Fall Paradise & Winter Wonderland

Autumn in Ann Arbor is full of energy and nature’s beautiful scenery. College students are just getting back to school, and there is a bit of excitement for new beginnings in the air. The change of seasons brings cooler air to the city, so a whole new set of autumn activities emerge. Visitors can drink hot apple cider, and watch as the leaves change for the season. Go pumpkin picking and enjoy the city’s fun decorations for Halloween.

Winter brings cold and the snow. Locals have long packed away their summer shorts and replaced them with snowsuits. Ann Arbor does see quite a bit of snow during the winter season, but with the frost comes the option for cross-country skiing or skating. Bundle up and enjoy the many winter activities available in the city, then end the day by a warm fire enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.

Spring Time

With the winter passing, brings new life with springtime. Though still a bit chilly, a snowsuit is no longer a necessity in Ann Harbor. Enjoy the blossoming flowers and the plants coming back for the spring. Enjoy the warmer weather by walking around the city and taking in its rich culture. While walking around the city stop in to check out the local boutiques and shops.

Ann Arbor is the perfect destination for any season. The seasons bring a variety of new activities to do and see while in this beautiful city.

Click Here to View Ann Arbor Real Estate