In partnership with
Mid-Michigan Monthly
DECEMBER 2025
Do red cars cost more to insure?
You may have heard the myth that red cars cost more to insure, often with varying reasons why. The truth is, the color of your car has nothing to do with your premium. Insurance companies are more interested in your vehicle’s make, model, age, safety features, and your driving history. What’s not a myth, though — is that people really can save a ton of money by switching insurers. Check out Money’s car insurance tool to see if you could, too.
RECIPE TO TRY
Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Toasted Pecans
This dish is everything December calls for — warm, lightly sweet, beautifully caramelized, and packed with those festive pops of red and green. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for Christmas dinner, and pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, or a roasted chicken.
Why We Love It
This is one of those sides that always earns a spot back on the Christmas menu. The sprouts get crispy, the cranberries add a tart-sweet pop, and the maple-balsamic glaze ties everything together without being overly sweet.
It looks stunning on the table — and tastes even better.
Ingredients
1½ lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
3 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Optional: zest of ½ an orange for brightness
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them cut-side down on a sheet pan.
Roast for 22–28 minutes, until the edges are deeply caramelized and crisp.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Warm butter, maple syrup, and balsamic in the same skillet. Stir until glossy.
Fold in the roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and toasted pecans. Add orange zest if using.
Serve warm, straight from a cast-iron skillet or a serving bowl.
This is one of those Christmas sides that earns a spot on the table every year. It’s simple, seasonal, and has that balance of crispy, sweet, and savory that works with anything from ham to a roast chicken. The cranberries bring a bright pop of color, the pecans add crunch, and the glaze ties it all together without tipping into dessert territory.
Brought to you by The Grounded Homestead
JOB POSTINGS
Crew Leader
Join Custom Maids and build a career with immediate growth opportunity, competitive industry pay, and performance bonuses!
Enjoy flexibility, job stability, and a supportive work environment where hard work is rewarded.
Excavation Laborer
📧 Inquiries: Send us a message here or give us a call 989-625-9979
Now hiring laborers for full-time outdoor work. No experience needed—just a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
Merchandising Associate — Frank’s Great Outdoors
Responsibilities include stocking shelves, building displays, monitoring inventory, moving merchandise, keeping work areas clean, and assisting customers. Must be able to work 40 hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical activity and strong attention to detail required.
Pay: Based on experience
Benefits: IRA, health insurance, paid time off
Commercial Lines Account Manager — Superior Insurance Group
Manage a commercial book of business, handle renewals, endorsements, certificates, and client service needs.
Must have 3+ years of commercial lines experience and a Michigan P&C license. In-office role with competitive pay ($50–$75k), benefits, PTO, 401(k) match, and bonus opportunities.
MID-MICHIGAN’S MOST DELIGHTFUL CLEANING SERVICE
OUR SERVICES:
One-Time Deep Cleanings
Rejuvenating Fresh Start Service
Monthly Deep Clean Service
Regular Bi-Weekly Service
Regular Weekly Service
Serving all Residential & Commercial Clients within a 30 mile radius of Wenona Street in Bay City, Michigan!
THANK YOU FOR READING
Thank you for spending a little bit of your day with us!
The Mid-Michigan Monthly Team
📧 [email protected]
🌐 custom-maids.co
📍 Bay City, MI