With the 87th running of the National Cherry Festival now behind us, one would think life would return to a more normal, quieter pace around here. But instead the activity level in northwest Michigan is revving up.

Lots of spectators, vacationers and hometown residents participated in 8-days worth of activities since the Fourth of July during the Cherry Festival, and from all accounts, it was a very successful celebration for the cherry industry, growers, retailers and revelers. Janet and I always enjoy the concerts in the Open Space down on the waterfront, the Queen’s coronation (congratulations to Angela Sayler), parades and the chance to see friends connected to the cherry industry that we have been a part of for many years.

To make sure there’s reason to visit, planners continue to welcome summer fun addicts for an array of different events to our hometown.  The Traverse City Film Festival brings scores more to attend showings of independent films – current, classic, new and some you’ve never heard of before and probably won’t again.  In its fifth year, TCFF is fast becoming an annual don’t-dare-miss-it draw for an entirely different segment of the population.

Gaining in popularity is the Horse-Shows-By-The-Bay equestrian event with riders and competitors from around the country visiting our area.  It’s quite the spectacle with jumping courses and dressage.  But if you aren’t a fan of horses but like jazz, there’s the Manitou Music Festival in Leelanau County or a long marquee of entertainers at the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts.  There are polka festivals, wine tours, art shows, steam engine days and even a 120-mile AuSable Canoe Marathon where athletes paddle over sixteen hours through the night   – and the list goes on and on.

We are pleased that the economy’s troubles have not paralyzed travel and enjoyment in our tourism-based region.  And like many areas in this great country of ours, there’s no shortage of choices when it comes to good down-on-the-farm family fun mixed with a bit of arts and culture.

Smoothie popularity continues to grow nationwide as a commercially-made beverage that’s a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks.  But they can just as easily be created right in your own kitchen.

When I think of smoothies, several thoughts come to mind;
• A healthy drink
• Easy to make
• Inexpensive

Brownwood Acres/ FruitFast supplies our delicious and nutritious Fruit Juice Concentrates and popular Liquid Fruit Supplements to smoothie outlets, health clubs, restaurants and natural food stores.  So if you have a favorite eatery, gym or grocery store that you wish would carry the FruitFast line to improve their smoothies, tell them about www.brownwoodacres.com.  Or let us know and we will contact them for you.  Just call us toll free at 1.877.591.3101.

There really isn’t anything tricky or complicated when it comes to creating your own smoothie right at home.  I recommend starting with your favorite ingredients – which we know will include our FruitFast concentrates and liquids – and ones you typically have on hand.

Start with the fruit, water, milk or juice, ice cubes and then get creative!  For an extra healthy treat, flaxseed, wheat germ or whey powder can be added for a boost.  Low fat yogurt adds nutrition with fewer calories or the reverse can be the goal when you add nuts, ice cream or chocolate syrup.  Then you have dessert in a glass.

FruitFast’s gourmet cook, Debbie Colaianni, can get you started with a recipe for a Pomegranate and Mixed Berry Smoothie that’s on the FruitFast Recipe Blog.

And yes, do share your favorite smoothie recipes with us.

Worried about the cold, winter season affecting your health? Close your eyes and relax.

A new study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University suggests that not getting enough sleep directly affects the immune system, making people more prone to colds.

Sheldon Cohen, psychology professor at Carnegie Mellon University says, “People who slept less than seven hours were about three times more likely to get a cold than people who slept eight hours or more a night.”

Over 150 people were in the study. After two weeks of monitoring their sleep, they were quarantined for six days and given a cold-virus through nose drops. Eighty-eight percent of people became infected with the virus but only 43 percent actually got sick, showing signs of infection, such as a stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat.

So add “sleep” to your list of to-do’s this week…and think of it as an investment in your health!

Each year, as the presents pile up under the tree, the snow banks pile up on the roadside, people notice something else piling up… additional pounds. According to CNN, over 70 percent of the U.S. population will gain weight over the holiday season. It’s hard to resist all the tempting treats constantly offered – the cookies and candy that seem to always be an arm’s reach away, a second (or third) helping of Aunt Mary’s special casserole at the family’s holiday dinner, and maybe another “small” slice of pie.We rationalize these indulgences by telling ourselves that it only happens once a year… but getting that weight off seems to take a good portion of the next year.

Was it worth it?

It is possible to enjoy holiday meals without necessarily carrying that meal around with you for the next few months. Many people incorporate FruitFast’s dried fruit into their favorite traditional holiday meals to make the meals healthier, as well as adding extra flavor. FruitFast offers three Premium Dried Fruits: Montmorency Dried Tart Cherries, Balaton Dried Tart Cherries, and Dried Wild Blueberries. FruitFast’s dried fruits are quality analyzed, unlike many others on the market.

Over the next few weeks Fruit Fast will be offering some tried and true recipes that incorporate our dried fruit and Liquid Fruit Supplements. Click on our recipe site and indulge in our “picks” of tasty delights to make your holiday meals and entertainment a little more guilt-free. Start a new holiday tradition – enjoy the food but feel good knowing you won’t be paying for it later!