How did you do in the lottery tonight, Ann Arbor?

I caved.

I bought my very first lottery ticket that wasn't a scratch-off tonight with my fiance, two easy picks for the $640 million Mega Millions drawing.

Sadly, I matched one number, and it wasn't the Megaball, meaning my investment was worth nothing.

The big question is: how did you do?

Any winners out in Washtenaw County tonight? How much did you win?

Who cares?

According to an article on the CBS News website, Starbucks is now using cochineal extract or dried bugs as dye in its strawberry frappucinos.

The information was posted on thisisvegetarian.com after a Starbucks barista notified the site.

Also known as carmine or crimson lake, the extract has been used for thousands of years to color fabric and is deemed safe by the FDA.

So, what do you think? Do you think this is safe? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

See the link below for other interesting things that might be in your food.
http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10004411.html?tag=page;previous.

Hey President Obama, that's not how you attract Michigan voters

I saw this tweet today from @OhioState (it was retweeted by the White House) and thought "He's shooting himself in the foot with voters up here."

We’re excited to welcome President #Obama to campus today! He’s a Buckeye at heart—here’s the proof. #ObamaOSU twitpic.com/8zqyd4

— OhioState (@OhioState) March 22, 2012

That's not the type of thing Michigan voters will want to see come November, President Obama.

Yay for spring!

As I am writing this today, it's 83 degrees in Washtenaw County...and it's the second day of spring. I am definitely not complaining but I hope it's not an indication of what we are in for this summer.

Warmer weather always makes me want to eat healthier foods. I am more apt to eat a salad as opposed to wanting comfort food, I crave an apple as opposed to french fries. It always seems that in the winter, I put on a few pounds but shed them in the summer.

Do your eating habits change with the seasons? Do you plan on eating better to shed some pounds for the warmer weather that is now upon us? Tell me, I'd like to know!

Photo by Judecat

Ann Arbor's 'Pure Michigan' television ad is out, take a look

The Pure Michigan campaign has launched a new ad cycle, and has included one for the City of Ann Arbor.

Earlier this year, the city and area business leaders pledged to spend nearly $500,000 on the ads, which include television and radio ads.

The television ad was recently released, and is below. Take a look and let us know what you think. Does it represent Ann Arbor well?

What a crock

Oh Crock-Pot, I think I've found a new friend. It's so nice to be able to throw random ingredients into a pot, turn it on and come home to the house smelling oh so good. And yes, I guess it's even better because that means I don't have to cook after being at work all day.

Recently, I began asking my friends for recipes and was pretty shocked at the number I received. I think the slow cooker may be more popular than what I was giving it credit for.

What kinds of recipes do you like? Any particular websites that you go to or do you have some good ole' tried and true recipes that you use?

Tell me, I'd like to know!

Photo by SaucyGlo

How much does food matter anyway?

So is anyone looking forward to the new Food Matters movie due to come out at the end of March? It's called "Hungry for Change" and judging from the trailer, it looks like there are going to be many more interviews with experts along with information about natural healing and nutrition.

So what does everyone think about these movies anyway? Do you think it's legit information or just a spiel to make money?

To view the trailer, visit www.hungryforchange.tv.