Joy Shantz
Joy is a wife, mom, friend and neighbor who lives in the City of Lansing and loves it! She gets excited about the outdoors, cold brew coffee, international cuisine and meeting new people. You can follow her Lansing area adventures at her personal blog @hometownfound on Instagram.
Shop Local for Used Books in Lansing
Cooler weather is here, and with that comes the draw of spending the evening snuggled up in a blanket with a good book. Stocking up on enough great reads to get you through the...
Teaching Your Kids About Holidays Around the World
It's still fall, but my mind is already on the holiday season. I just can't wait for Christmas! As I get ready for my favorite holiday, I want to make sure my kids are...
4 Hikes to Take in Lansing this Fall
I am not the most athletic person. A childhood eye problem left me with poor hand-eye coordination, and, truthfully, I’m afraid of most sports-related activities. That is why hiking is the perfect exercise activity...
Go Out For Girls Night in Lansing This Fall
I had two babies in the past four years, which made life wonderfully busy. Amidst the beautiful, messy, and noisy days parenting toddlers, there are some things I missed. One of those things is...
Best Ice Cream Shops In + Around Lansing
It's finally summertime, and that means one thing and one thing only -- ice cream every day! Okay, maybe not every day.
There are so many different places to indulge in tasty frozen treats across...
Lansing Mom’s Guide to the Manistee River Area
A few weeks ago my husband and I left our kids with their grandparents for the first time and headed Northwest toward the Manistee River. Granted, a weekend without the kids in our own...
Get Thrifty in Lansing Thrift Stores This Spring
A few years ago our family was on a strict budget as we repaid the last of our student loans. We tried to avoid eating out, I made coffee at home, and we only...
Have a Date Staycation In Lansing
We recently received the greatest gift -- the grandparents offered to take our kids for the weekend! After looking for a hotel or cabin to rent and finding them all really expensive, we decided...
Things To Do In Lansing This Spring
Spring is just about here, and I know I'm excited for better weather and more color in the trees. This change of season brings some of my favorite things: magnolia blossoms, floral print dresses,...
Plan a Friend Trip in the New Year
Last spring I spent the day with one of my best friends in Grand Rapids. We had a delicious brunch, went shopping, got our nails done, and ended the day with a fabulous community...