A Mom’s Guide to Laser Hair Removal with Plush Laser

June 12, 2024

Detroit Mom partnered with the amazing people at Plush Laser to bring you this post. All opinions are our own.

As moms, we know how hard it can be to carve out time for yourself. And, we also know that it is incredibly necessary! Doing something just for you looks different for everyone, but if you’re someone who’s been thinking about getting laser hair removal, you’re going to want to check out what Plush Laser has to offer!

The treatments are so quick that they can be done on your lunch break (yes, really!). There is virtually no downtime after and it’s not nearly as painful as you might be thinking. And, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the absolute best care in addition to your personalized treatment plan.

Below, our friends from Plush Laser are answering some frequently asked questions about laser hair removal so you can have a better idea of exactly what to expect at an appointment!

What are my options for laser hair removal at Plush Laser?

Laser hair removal is the very best solution to permanently remove unwanted hairs you’re currently removing with traditional methods like shaving, waxing, sugaring, plucking, tweezing, or epilating. Instead, you’ll get rid of the hairs for good–saving you SO much time and money!

We do everything from upper lip to full body–you can choose pretty much any area of the body with treatable hairs. As long as the hairs have the appropriate density and color, you are good to go. We will also do a thorough assessment of your desired treatment area during your free consultation to ensure you are a great candidate!

What is a typical laser hair removal appointment like?

We get to the root of the problem, literally. Laser hair removal destroys the hair at the root, therefore permanently destroying the hair follicle from continued growth. There are three phases of hair growth; the laser will effectively destroy the hair follicle when the hair is in it’s anagen (active) growth phase. Hence, we provide a series of sessions to get you maximum results.

The laser light sees the melanin in the hair shaft and the subsequent heat travels down to permanently destroy the hair follicle by separating it from its blood supply. The surrounding tissue is protected throughout the service, and you are left with smooth skin.

We start with a quick medical intake, cleanse the treatment area, and then begin! The average treatment takes just 20 minutes.

What does it feel like? Is it painful?

At Plush Laser, our device delivers a precisely engineered cooling spray with each laser pulse adding to increased guest comfort. Most guests describe the sensation similar to the feeling of a heating sensation, with a cooling spray that touches the skin simultaneously. Your Registered Nurse definitely makes sure you are as comfortable as possible! It’s very common to hear, “Oh, it’s not that bad!” after the first laser pulse you experience. Often times, it’s the buildup of anticipation about the first service that makes people nervous. But rest assured, we put you right at ease!

How long does it take to see results?

You’ll begin to see reduction right away after your first treatment. The hairs will become lesser and finer until towards the end of your sessions (approximately a year around the calendar), where we are just spot treating those last few hairs.

How many treatments/touch-ups will I need, and how much does it cost?

We provide a luxury experience at an affordable rate and offer personalized treatment plans to accommodate all of our guests. Most guests come for an average of nine sessions, six weeks apart for optimal results. Each plan is customized, and we will provide you with the best pricing possible during your free consultation.

You can take advantage of our $0 down, 0% interest-free option and get started same-day. You’ll also receive our Forever Smooth Guarantee with every Plush Laser Treatment Package–so you’re protected, for life!

Is there any downtime or post-treatment care required?

There’s no downtime and the after-care is easy! Here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind, though:

Avoid extreme heat (like hot tubs or saunas) for 24 hours after your treatment as well as any excessive exercise, as this can irritate your skin.
Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and use proper SPF protection (SPF 50+ with zinc/titanium oxide).
Keep the treatment area clean for the next 24 hours (especially the face–avoid touching, applying products, or applying makeup).
Redness/swelling around the hair follicles is a normal response to treatment and should resolve within 24 hours. If any skin irritation remains after 24 hours, please contact us and we will provide further instructions!
Treatable hairs will gradually shed between 7 to 21 days after the treatment, which will mimic growing hair–these hairs can be shaved, just refrain from plucking or tweezing them (gentle exfoliation during this time frame is helpful!).

Will it help my ingrown hairs go away?

Shaving and waxing can exacerbate the occurrence of ingrown hairs, leading to increased discomfort and unsightly bumps. So yes, 110%! Laser hair removal is THE only cure for ingrown hairs. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, you’ll continue to struggle with them until you remove the hairs permanently–then, you’ve solved the problem, for good!

Does the hair eventually grow back?

When treatments are done appropriately (with the correct device, medical provider, experience, and proper settings), we have permanently destroyed the hair follicles in the treatment area throughout your course of treatment. In the event a hormone fluctuation or imbalance plays a role in the future and may stimulate new hair follicles, at Plush Laser you have a Forever Smooth Guarantee and can receive a touch-up on any area you’ve treated for a very small copay–as low as $25.

If these hairs appear, it should not be a scenario where all of the coarse and dark hairs reappear to the area. However, this could look like a few hairs presenting themselves in the area and you may want a touch-up to remain totally smooth.

Approximately 20% of people may need a touch-up at some point once they have completed their sessions, and we’ve seen guests go through multiple rounds of IVF and never grow a new hair–so it really just depends on the person. And the Forever Smooth Guarantee is there to protect you–just in case!

Is laser hair removal good for all complexions/hair colors? Or are there complexions/hair colors it might not work as well for?

With the Candela Gentlemax Pro (dual wavelength Alexandrite 755nm + YAG 1064 nm), we can safely and effectively treat all Fitzpatrick Skin Types. Non-treatable hairs include white, gray, some blonde, and red–we’ll let you know for sure if your hairs are treatable during your free consultation!

Is there anything specific I can’t do after laser hair removal? Is it something I can have done on my lunch break?

There is zero downtime and you can absolutely have this done on your lunch break as the average treatment time is just 20 minutes!

Okay, I’m totally in for this. How do I get started?!

Every guest begins with a totally free consultation–come in and receive the full plush experience, learn everything you’ll need to know about your laser treatments, and receive an assessment by a registered nurse. Most guests opt for same-day treatment and are on their way to smooth skin forever!

Ready to take the next step with laser hair removal at Plush Laser? Book your free consultation today by visiting their website!

How + Why You Should Be Waking Up Early as a Mom

RanaMakki

June 10, 2024

They say the early bird gets the worm. I say the early mom gets the tranquility. And the worm too. But we’re getting to that. Years ago I made one of the best decisions of my mom career. I started waking up earlier than my children.

Waking up early as a mom might seem like such a simple thing, maybe not even worth writing about. Maybe you think you’re already doing this when your kids wake you up super early? But there’s a difference between being jarred awake by a screaming toddler and waking up with intention and purpose to tackle your mama to-do-list.

But I promise you, the journey here wasn’t an easy one that does warrant explanation. Nor were the cascading benefits afterwards. Ironically, waking up earlier as a mom helped me feel more well-rested and productive. In fact, I found that once I started waking up earlier than my kids, many of my motherhood time-management woes got solved.

So mama, I invite you to join me in the early-bird-mama-club. Tiptoe through your bedroom halls quietly over to your (much-needed at this hour) coffee pot, as I walk you through how I started waking up earlier than my kids, and the tremendous benefits it had!

I was craving time alone.

My need to wake up earlier than my kids all started during a summer break when my kids were home from school. I wanted some time to myself. Because they were home for the summer, their bedtime was later than normal (or quite honestly, nonexistent some nights as tends to happen during summer break), and often we would all go to sleep at the same time at night.

I adore my kids. But I needed daily time to myself. I was craving time to myself. I also knew that I felt my most productive in the mornings. Therefore during the school year my greatest workload is usually tackled in the mornings, and it’s easy to do this when it’s just me in the house.

I was also craving the daily exercise I was used to getting on their school days, that I was now missing out on with them home. (Have you ever tried to exercise with young kids around? Let’s just say I’ve almost sprained my ankle one too many times getting my foot stuck in the Peloton Bike pedal hurriedly trying to get to my kids before they harm each other.)

I could see that this time to myself was not going to happen in the evenings. I couldn’t simply send my summer vacationing kids to bed early so that I could be alone. And I also didn’t want to sacrifice our valuable family time in the evenings. I could find only one window of time I could make this alone time happen: early mornings.

One morning, I ripped the band-aid off the 6:00 a.m. alarm.

One night I decided the next morning that I was going to set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. For summer break that was early for me, since I didn’t officially have anywhere to go in the morning until my kids woke up. It was hard. I was not looking forward to it. I even questioned my sanity.

What kind of mother wakes up at the crack of dawn on summer break when she doesn’t have school drop-off, lunch packing duty, and/or a super early morning workout out of necessity? But I told myself I would try this for a week and see what happens. Worst case scenario, I’ll have called it a failed experiment and go back to my normal 8:00 a.m. routine.

It was just the kick out of bed I needed.

Driven with the idea of solitude and the possibility of being productive while alone, I tried this and set my alarm for 6:00 for a week. I’ll be honest, the first morning was hard. I had to talk myself into getting out of bed, and although I didn’t hit the snooze button, I was about 10 minutes behind getting out of bed than I had originally planned. Looking out the window I questioned my sanity even more, as the sun was barely out.

But then sitting there on my couch with the light of a dimly lit lamp, feeling cozy underneath my light summer blanket, mug of steaming coffee in hand, as I peacefully scrolled through my phone, had me grateful for this time to myself. I could hear the birds outside. I saw the sun rising. It was beautiful and serene. I could feel myself smiling peacefully.

The second morning was much easier. Not only did I not stay in bed for more than a few minutes after my alarm rang, but I got up excitedly. I was looking forward to that cozy time to myself, and couldn’t wait to get there.

By day four I was converted. I knew there was no way I could go back to sleeping in at almost the same time as my kids. I couldn’t function that way productively, efficiently, and mentally anymore.

A few things happened when I started waking up earlier than my kids that were profound.

I had more time to complete tasks, therefore I was more efficient as a mom. I was happier because I put myself first, therefore I was happier as a mom. And I don’t just mean that I put myself before my kids, as all mothers know we should do but rarely actually do. I mean that I actually put myself first: I made MYSELF the very first priority of my busy day.

6:00 a.m.–first thing in the morning–I was my first priority because nobody else was around. Especially since May was Mental Health Awareness Month, I think this is a very important thing to note. I realized that by choosing to wake up earlier than my children, I wasn’t just adding more hours to my work day because scrolling through social media at 6:30 a.m. isn’t exactly going to get me ahead in my job. But it was better for my mental health, and mindset.

I had time to not only sit and scroll through social media like I wanted, but I could read, exercise, plan my day, sip my coffee peacefully, fill up my water cup before anyone else’s, and do anything else I wanted without children (and spouse) hands and words calling at me. And when everyone else woke up, I was ready for them.

It’s still ongoing.

Since that summer, I haven’t stopped waking up earlier than my family. I wake up at 6:00 a.m. every single day. And on the days I don’t, I do feel a lack in my productivity, mental health, and mindset.

It’s a priority for me in order to be the best mom I can. This is still the time I do all of the above, and it’s almost like giving myself a gift of time back to myself, as all of us moms know that extra hours in the day are hard to find.

Tips For Waking Up Early As a Mom

I don’t like when I add in a new habit and never keep it going. I believe that in order for any habit to be sustainable, it has to realistically fit into my lifestyle. Waking up early is one of them. So I developed some criteria to make it manageable and sustainable for myself that I’ll share with you as well.

Pick a wake-up time that is manageable for you.

Just because I wake up at 6:00 a.m. doesn’t mean that’s the right time for you. If that’s too early, choose 6:30. If you have younger kids who wake up at 9:00, choose 7:00. I’ve seen tons of moms who wake up at 5:00 a.m., but I know that simply won’t work for me so I won’t attempt it yet and set myself up for failure.

Start in small time increments.

Start by moving your alarm back by 15 or 20 minutes for two weeks, and then move it back further as needed.

Don’t jump into your work right away.

This is just a suggestion, but I do believe we’re more likely to stick with this if we’re doing something fun for ourselves. For me that’s watching YouTube or reading something entertaining—something that makes me happy. After that, I jump into my work because I’m ready to.

Get ready for the morning right when you wake up.

No matter how early it is and how tired I might be, once I get up and wash my face, brush my teeth, and get my workout clothes on, I automatically feel like I’m ready to start the day. That tired feeling melts away once that water splashes my face.

Give yourself grace.

There are some mornings I’m simply too tired to wake up at 6:00 a.m. I might have had a long night before that, or I need extra rest, or I simply just don’t feel like it. All of these are valid reasons to give myself grace for that morning and try again the next day.

The day might be long, but it will be a better one.

This season of life where we have to add more hours in the day in order to find time for ourselves is just that: a season. I know that eventually when my days are fully mine again because my kids are off at college or moved out I’ll look back on these days fondly, remembering how I used to sit in the semi-darkness before dawn drinking my coffee in silence while my kids slept in their rooms next to me.

Remember this mama—the days might be long but the years are short. However, the earlier mornings make the days just a little bit longer with tranquility.

You can also find more time for yourself by setting firm boundaries. Faten shares examples of how to set boundaries and why it’s so important to do so!

9 Ways to Spice up Your Zoo Visit This Summer!

Lindsay Gizicki

June 9, 2024

The kids are out of school, and you’re looking for an excuse to get everyone out of the house. Visiting your local zoo and aquarium is a great summer activity for the entire family–but it doesn’t have to be just a plain, ordinary visit. There are many different ways to make the most of your time there.

The Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo.

Here are a few simple examples of how to spice up your zoo visit during summer break!

Bring a Picnic

Food on the property can get pricey quickly. To save money, my family and I enjoy packing a lunch to go. Most zoos and aquariums have picnic benches, pavilions, or areas where you can stop to eat your homemade lunch. Of course, the kids are still going to want various treats while they’re there (who doesn’t love Dippin’ Dots??).

Educational Presentations

Most locations offer educational programming on specific dates. Be sure to plan ahead and do your research! Make the most of your planned days by seeing what special events they have going on during the summer.

Get Your Exercise In

This one is for all the moms and dads out there! I know, walking around all day in the heat is exercise enough. BUT—if you’re looking to get some extra exercise in, consider wearing ankle weights. A simple trick to add a little more workout to your visit.

Meet the Zookeeper

Contact the aquarium or zoo ahead of time to see if they offer any tours. Some zookeepers will agree to meet with you briefly. How cool would it be to chat with a real zookeeper who can tell you all about the animals they take care of?!

Scavenger Hunt

Grab a map from the aquarium or zoo and start crossing off each animal that you learn about! This is a fun way to help identify and understand what each animal looks like, what their name is, and maybe some fun facts about them.

Snackle Boxes

My new favorite way to take snacks on-the-go! Popping all your various snacks for the day in these containers makes snacking easy. No garbage from a million wrappers—all snacks in one place. My kids love eating out of them.

Sketch Pads

Let kids show their creative side while you’re there. Last summer, I had my kids bring a sketch pad to the zoo and it was a big hit. My daughter loved sketching the animals she saw as I carted her around. She treasured it long after we got home.

Zoo Bingo

Enhance their experience and increase their letter and word skills! The easiest way to do zoo bingo is to use a bingo card—it can be homemade—with various letters on it. As you walk, the kids mark off the letter that each animal starts with. A very fun and easy learning game!

Have an Engaging Experience!

For me, the best thing that I can do to make my family’s zoo and aquarium trips engaging and memorable is to make it a learning experience. As we walk, I love to ask them questions.

What do you think that animal eats?
Do you think its fur is soft or rough?
What was the biggest animal you saw?
What was your favorite animal and why?

Heading to the zoo and aquarium can be a great way to spend a nice summer day! Make it extra special by incorporating some of the above tips!

Want to find a new zoo or aquarium to check out? Lindsay also shares all of the unique zoos and aquariums around Metro Detroit in one informative post!

Detroit Mom is an Amazon affiliate and may earn a small fee for qualifying items.

Sanity-Saving Tips from a SAHM of Young Kids

Laura Herr

June 8, 2024

Before becoming a mom, I worked full time as a dental hygienist. While I wouldn’t trade being a SAHM, I do miss a few things about being in the work force. One of the things I miss is a feeling of structure and routine to my days. As a SAHM of two young kids (ages 3 and almost 5), I often feel the days are chaotic and unstructured.

To offset that, I implement some things to make our days go more smoothly at home and help me maintain my sanity. It is a work in progress, and I am learning as I go!

Below, I share some of my sanity-saving tips as a SAHM of young kids. Most of these can be used by any parent, whether stay-at-home, or otherwise!

Don’t be a referee.

One of the things that causes me the most stress as a parent is my kids fighting. When we’re home all day, and the girls are with each other all day, it definitely becomes more of an issue. In the past, I found it difficult not to get involved in their squabbles by playing the referee. I am trying to get away from this, because it leaves me frazzled.

I back off when I can and let them work it out, which they often do. However, my kids are still young, so I intervene if there is a safety issue or someone is starting to get physical. But jumping in and micromanaging every time they start bickering is something I’ve let go, for the sake of my sanity.

Embrace a little screen time.

When my oldest was very young, I was big on the whole no screen time thing. I’m not sure why; I think mom guilt made me feel guilty for putting on the TV so I could get something done. Now my girls are a bit older and I’ve let go of that idea, at least somewhat.

When they’re watching a show in the morning is when I can take a shower. Afternoon TV time is when I get dinner prepped or made. Or sometimes I just have a snack and sit down while they’re occupied with a show. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break when you need it!

Get yourself some Loop earplugs.

Let’s be honest, kids are loud. If you are like me, and find yourself overstimulated by noise, a pair of Loop earplugs may be the solution you’re looking for. I’ve had mine for a couple months and use them often. They don’t completely block out sound, but they definitely take the edge off. When the symphony of whining or general chaos get to be too much, I pop them in. I can still hear my kids talk to me and can respond to them, but the volume is turned down, which keeps me feeling more calm.

Keep a tote bag in the car.

My kids have outgrown needing a diaper bag. But as a SAHM of young kids, I keep an empty tote bag in the car to carry things into the house: their water bottles we brought with us, empty snack containers, jackets that have been shed, sunglasses, etc. This is something I just started doing and I’ve found it so helpful. Once we get home and unload our things, the now- empty bag goes right back into the car for our next outing. This prevents me from having to carry armloads of stuff out of the car!

Leave the house on most days.

When my kids were really young, getting out of the house felt impossible. But these days, I find that leaving the house on most days, even just for an hour or two, is necessary for our well-being. They love an outing, whether it’s the playground, the library, or even just the grocery store.

It gives us something different and fun to do, which keeps them happy and cooperative (for the most part). It also reduces fighting (at least during the outing!). For me, getting out of the house means I’m not stuck in the cycle of trying to keep up with never-ending housework.

Make sure you have a snack bin for the car.

I’m embarrassed how long it took me to figure this out. Instead of grabbing everyone a snack on our way out the door, I keep a plastic bin in the car stocked with portable snacks. Our favorites are granola bars, raisins, and individual bags of crackers or pretzels. It definitely saves us a lot of hunger-related meltdowns. Best of all, it gives me one less thing to worry about when heading out of the house! Definitely a sanity-saver!

Prep, prep, and prep some more.

Prepping for things ahead of time has been one of the biggest sanity savers for me as a SAHM of young kids. It’s taken me some time to get out of survival mode and to be able to actually plan ahead, but now that I’m (mostly) there, it’s easier to maintain.

The things I prep ahead of time are usually meals, but any little thing I can do ahead of time usually works out to my advantage. I don’t always have the bandwidth to do prepping every day, but I do what I can! Prepping is one of my biggest sanity-saving tips for stay-at-home parents.

Morning Prep

I have discovered that my girls will occupy themselves for longer stretches in the morning than they will other times of the day. To take advantage of this, I prep their lunches after we eat breakfast and they’re playing. This might be cutting up fruit or veggies, or assembling a sandwich or an English muffin pizza to stick in the toaster oven later. The less I have to do at actual lunchtime, when everyone is hangry, the better. This is especially helpful if we’ve been out in the morning and are just getting home at lunchtime.

Afternoon Prep

By afternoon, my energy and motivation are usually fading. But I may get some dinner prep done while my kids are watching a show in the afternoon. That makes a bit less to do at dinner time.

Nighttime Prep

I get out the girls’ refillable water bottles for the next day and set them on the counter. We love these–they’re the only kid water bottles I’ve found to be truly leak-proof. (Another sanity-saver!) If anything for breakfast can be done ahead of time, such as scooping dry oatmeal into bowls, I do that. If it’s a preschool day for my oldest, I get her backpack ready for the next day and her lunch box out.

I hope these tips from a a SAHM of young kids are helpful for you–whether you’re a SAHM or not. Even if you just implement one or two tips, it’s a start! And remember, each day is a new day to start fresh once again.

Looking for more ideas to keep your kiddos having fun? Renee shares activities to promote kindness that your kids are sure to love!

Detroit Mom is an Amazon affiliate and may earn a small fee for qualifying items.

Detroit Mom’s Local Love Spotlight: Michigan Family Doulas

Whitney Cornelli

June 5, 2024

Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Jodi Graves, owner of Michigan Family Doulas.

To start, we asked Jodi to share a few fun facts about herself with us!

She is a long-time doula who started this work in 1999.
She owns the largest birth and postpartum doula agency in Michigan.
She is a clinical nutritionist and a huge fitness buff so in her free time, you can find her at the gym, lifting heavy weights with her honey!

We asked Jodi to share a little bit more about her business with us, too. Get to know Jodi and her business, Michigan Family Doulas, below!

How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?

“I have been a doula for a long, long time and only started this work after a horrific birth and postpartum experience, personally. I knew what I went through wasn’t okay and felt called to help others have a better outcome.

“I started as a birth doula way back in the day (some might say I am an OG doula!) and as time passed and postpartum care became a more normal thing, I added this support service to my roster too.”

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

“I would have started an agency back in 1999 so that I could have had other doulas to build a community with!”

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Don’t get hung up on the small stuff . . . and it’s literally all small stuff!”

Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?

“I have absolutely faced adversity in business as a woman, but I have a circle of amazing mentors and friends who are where I want to be, so they have helped me navigate some of the more difficult things that have come my way. I am so grateful to know these women (and one man!).”

How do you persevere in challenging times?

“I take a breath and a moment to acknowledge how I ‘feel’ about what’s happening if needed. Then, I roll [up] my sleeves and dive in. The best way to handle a challenge is to get to work. Thank goodness for my mentors to help me along the way.”

What impact do you want your business to have?

“I want to be the owner of the largest doula agency in Michigan and serve the entire state! (check!) Then, we have the opportunity to reach as many birthing people and their families as possible and we can have a huge impact on birth and postpartum outcomes in our state. Birth and postpartum services in the US have so many things wrong with them and we have so many horrible outcomes, change is imperative!

“Plus–and this is a really sensitive subject for women and some will look down on me for this–I want to be successful and make a really good living so that I can help my children as they start their lives too.”

What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2024?

“The pros are that there are so many amazing women that have come before me (not just in the birth world but successful women in business) that I have people to look up to and utilize as mentors.

“The cons include the fact that this is still a bit of an old-fashioned society in that women aren’t ‘supposed’ to be successful business people. Society looks at women as though our purpose is to have children and families and that men are supposed to own businesses. To some extent, this will never change. However, because others have blazed a trail before me, I have so many mentors to help me overcome the stereotypes and feel more confident in the trail I am blazing.”

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

“Gather your resources and dive in. Don’t wait. The time is now! And . . . find your mentors and have conversations with them about where you are and where you want to be and let them offer you advice for your goals.”

What do you do for personal and professional development?

“I do have a couple of mentors–both female and male–that I call regularly. I take continuing education seminars and courses so that I am always improving. I don’t have much time for professional development podcasts . . . I mean, I am too busy listening to true crime podcasts. Isn’t that why podcasts were created? (haha)”

What mantra or quote do you live by?

“Let go of the small stuff . . . and it’s all small stuff!”

What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?

“I have so many favorite places that change seasonally. We have the most amazing restaurants here so I try to explore new ones all the time. In the summer I love The Eastern Market in Detroit or to drive up north to experience all Northern Michigan has to offer. I do love the change of seasons here!”

Where can our readers find you on social media?

You can follow Michigan Family Doulas on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!

We hope you loved getting to know more about Jodi + Michigan Family Doulas. Be sure to check out our previous Local Love Spotlight featuring Tamara + A Life You Love Now, LLC!

The BEST Donut Shops In + Around Detroit

Amanda Nihem

June 4, 2024

This Friday, June 7th, is National Donut Day! A whole day dedicated to the delicious, yummy, tasty treat that’s great for breakfast and perfect for any time of the day. If you are looking for something fun to do to celebrate, why not hop in the car with your kids and check out one (or a few!) of our favorite local donut shops?

Each unique shop has its own specialty, and that is something to be celebrated. Whether you prefer family recipe donuts or the ones that are made-to-order, you’re definitely going to love our list. I think the only question is, which local donut shop will you go to first?

Here are some of the best donut shops in + around Detroit:

Apple Fritter Donut Shop | Ferndale

Whether you’re a donut purist or love trying on new foodie fashions, this Ferndale family-owned donut diner has something for everyone, from traditional to funky and everything in between.

Avon Donuts | Pontiac

This beloved Pontiac destination has a traditional donut diner feel, but the donuts showcase all the latest confectionary trends, such as Maple Bacon and Caramel Apple.

Bake Station | Farmington Hills

The perfect spot to grab nut- and dairy-free donuts. You’ll definitely want to try the cinnamon roll and chocolate frosted donuts!

Daily Dozen Doughnuts | Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, + Warren

For over 35 years, Daily Dozen has offered a wide and colorful variety of delicious donuts, plus coffee and tea. Your kids will love the donut art in the Woodward Avenue location.

Delightful Donuts + Cupcakes | Mt. Clemens

We recommend trying the cookies and cream or maple and bacon donuts. Grab a few cupcakes for your kids while you’re there, too!

Detroit Mini Donut | Detroit

These donuts are made fresh by a women- and minority-owned business! They started with their donut trailer and have experienced tremendous growth since then.

Dom Bakeries | Ypsilanti

This classic shop offers all the flavors to fill your belly. Here, you can find everything from traditional donuts to danishes, turnovers, bagels, and more.

Donut Bar | Livonia + Southfield

The Donut Bar takes donuts from average to gourmet. With offerings ranging from candy- and cereal-topped to more grown-up flavors like Tres Leches, Cranberry Pistachio, and Piña Colada, there is something for everyone. They also cater!

Donut Castle | Warren

This family-owned Warren favorite has all of your old familiars (the apple fritters are a favorite), plus fresh sandwiches made-to-order.

Donut Chef | Roseville

With both special and simple donuts, you’ll fall in love with all of their options. Their peanut butter and chocolate donut looks amazing!

The Donut Cutter | Berkley

This well-loved donut shop has all of the charm of an old-time shop, with traditional counter seating. They offer many mouth-watering options—many people swear their apple fritters are the best in the area!

The Donut Shoppe | Dearborn Heights

A newer donut shop that you must check out! Be sure to try their fancy donut flavors like m&m, oreo, and fruity pebble.

Donutville U.S.A. | Dearborn

This donut joint is hard to miss with its triangular vaulted ceilings and larger-than-life donut-topped sign. They’ve got the full range of traditional favorites from sugar raised and buttermilk to seasonal favorites like pumpkin.

Dooped Donuts | Detroit

Looking for all vegan donuts that are creative in flavor and decor? This is for you!

Dutch Girl Donuts | Detroit

This is a local favorite and it just reopened in May 2024! Get there early as they sell out and there tends to be a line outside.

Elias Donuts | Detroit

Elias Donuts has an array of donuts as well as other sweet treats and more filling eats in one location. Their giant glazed donut can be shared by the entire family!

Golden Donuts | Clinton Township

Open every day until 6:00 p.m., you could grab some dessert donuts for after dinner!

Knapp’s Donuts | Rochester + Troy

Knapp’s has been a favorite in downtown Rochester since it opened in 1996. Stop by for some classic donutty indulgence with traditional offerings ranging from the yeast-raised Golden Glazed to the crowd favorite Boston Cream.

The Looney Baker | Livonia

With an apple cider donut to rival many cider mills, the Looney Baker is a must-stop in Livonia. Give the Looney Bread a try, or grab soup or chili on a cool fall day.

Petey’s Donuts | Farmington Farmer’s Market

Located in Brooklyn, Petey’s comes to the Farmington Farmer’s Market, so plan to grab some of their delicious donuts the next time you’re out for the market. Their sugared apple cider donuts are the best!

Sugarr Donuts | Woodhaven + Wyandotte

Located in the Downriver area, Sugarr Donuts takes donuts to the next level with heaps of toppings and fun flavor combos. Check out some of their choices like Cannoli Creamed and Oreo Cookies and Cream. They also offer catering!

Washtenaw Dairy | Ann Arbor

Order your donuts online before heading out, pick them up to enjoy, and spend the day in AA! Their donuts are made fresh every single day and they also offer custom donut options.

Willie’s Donuts | Macomb

We’ve been told these donuts are DELICIOUS! They offer fresh-made donuts and hot coffee.

Yellow Light | Detroit

Drive-thru donuts? Yes, please! Make sure to grab yourself a fresh-roasted coffee and ask about their special flavor of the day.

Looking for more sweet spots in + around Detroit? Carm put together a list of the best spots for sweet treats!

This post was originally written by Jessica Lukenbill and was updated by Amanda Nihem in 2024.

Summer Family Fun: Berry Picking In + Around Detroit

LaurenDalton

June 3, 2024

last updated May 31, 2024

We all know that Metro Detroit has some pretty stellar apple orchards. But, did you know that many of the apple orchards offer other produce to pick . . . and some of them even have cider and donuts available!? There are also many great u-pick farms that you can take the kids to to enjoy a day of berry picking. As crops can sometimes be unpredictable due to our crazy Michigan weather, please be sure to call before going to ensure they have crops to pick.

GENESEE COUNTY BERRY PICKING

Spicer Orchards | Fenton

Come be a part of six generations of farming at Spicer Orchards. Aside from the u-pick, you can also enjoy a playground ($2), bounce houses (operated by outside vendors), and a wagon ride ($5).

June: hoping to have strawberry picking starting June 1st and continue throughout the month
July: cherries will be ready the first half of July, followed by raspberries and blueberries
August: Paula red apples will be ready around August 15th along with fall red raspberries

MACOMB COUNTY BERRY PICKING

Blake’s Apple Orchard | Armada

Blakes now offers four locations, with each one being a bit different. At the main orchard and mill location be sure to enjoy the restaurant and tasting room along with the Funland, which is open Thursday-Sunday. The Big Apple location is a bit smaller but still offers u-pick with less of the crowds. Blake’s Backyard offers a taproom along with a market to be able to buy their fresh produce. Lastly, Blake’s newest location in Lyon Twp offers u-pick and many fun options offered at the other locations.

June: Strawberries, asparagus, pea pods
July: Cherries, raspberries, apples, cucumbers, summer squash, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, green beans
August: Sweet corn, peaches, plums, raspberries, apples, tomatoes

Verellen Orchards | Romeo

A quaint family orchard that has been operating for over 100 years offering the best high quality products for berry picking.

June: strawberries, cherries, nectarines
July: peaches, plums, Paula red apples
August: pears, McIntosh apples

Westview Orchard | Washington Twp.

A wonderful family-friendly option due to its playground and petting farms. Also be sure to check out their sunflower fest in August!

June: asparagus, strawberries, sweet cherries
July: sweet/tart cherries, raspberries, sweet corn, summer veggies, u-cut flowers, u-cut sunflowers
August: u-cut flowers, summer vegetables, sweet corn, u-cut sunflowers, peaches, early fall apples

OAKLAND COUNTY BERRY PICKING

Middleton Berry Farm | Ortonville

Middleton is focused on sustainability and creating healthy food for its customers and the environment. They have much of their land left untouched to allow for native plants to bloom to create a wonderful habitat for its wildlife. Please note, they only accept cash and check.

June: strawberries
August: red raspberries, flowers

WASHTENAW COUNTY BERRY PICKING

Berry Hill Farm | Chelsea

A small berry farm specializing in . . . you guessed it, BERRIES! Be sure to check out their Facebook page for their daily updates.

July: black raspberries begin in early July
August: red raspberries begin mid-August

Dexter Blueberry Farm | Dexter

A quaint farm offering blueberry picking. Be sure to check their website for peak picking. They also greatly encourage cash payment.

July: blueberries are anticipated to be ready in mid-July; be sure to call ahead!

Rowe’s Produce Farm | Ypsilanti

There is nothing quite like the sweet smell of fresh strawberries wafting in the summer air. Be sure to join their “LIST” to receive an email when peak picking begins!

June: strawberries for now, with sugar snap peas and English peas soon; make sure to call before you go!

Slow Farm | Ann Arbor

Slow farm is a certified organic farm offering both u-pick and pre-harvested produce. They encourage you to bring your own u-pick containers to prevent waste. Be sure to join their Facebook page or subscribe to their newsletter for the latest crop updates!

June: strawberry season begins soon; they also have seasonal produce available for u-pick

Wasem Fruit Farm | Milan

Check their Facebook page for seasonal updates. Cherry season is coming soon! They encourage cash and they are one of few dog-friendly fruit farms. You can also find them at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.

WAYNE COUNTY BERRY PICKING

Blueville Acres Blueberry Farm | Belleville

A husband and wife duo who purchased the property in 2017 and helped the over 700 blueberry bushes flourish. They offer adults only u-pick nights . . . what a cute date night!

Mid-July through mid-August: blueberries are expected to be ready; be sure to call ahead or check their Facebook page for updates!

Donahee Farms | Plymouth

Some produce is available throughout the season so check out their page or call to see what’s in season. You can also find them at farmers markets in Northville and Ann Arbor.

As the weather warms up, we’re spending more time outdoors. Check out our mom’s guide to ticks so that you’re prepared for any situation!

This post was originally written by Elizabeth Lewis and updated in 2024 by Lauren Dalton.

Amazon Shopping Guide: Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Whitney Cornelli

June 3, 2024

If you’re still looking for Father’s Day gift ideas for the father figures in your life, you’re not alone. It can be so hard to find just the thing you’re looking for. You want to find something that speaks to their personality, their interests, their lifestyle. You want to make sure it’s exactly what they’d want.

We are all about shopping small and supporting local businesses here at Detroit Mom. However, we also know that sometimes, making that trip to the store just isn’t going to happen. With the convenience of online shopping and quick delivery, Amazon has become the place to take care of everyone on your list for every situation.

If you’re still searching for Father’s Day gift ideas and don’t have time to run out and grab something, we’ve put together a great list of items, all found on Amazon. Click, add to cart, and check out!

For the Dad Who Loves Being Outdoors

Whether it’s going for a run, working in the backyard, camping, or something else entirely, nothing compares to a day spent outdoors. We have some ideas that we think the father figures in your life will love and appreciate!

Bluetooth speaker: so he can have his favorite music with him wherever he goes, whether it’s golfing, at the beach, or doing yard work.
Hammock: all he needs are two trees and the bluetooth speaker linked above for an afternoon of relaxation, whether he’s at the campsite or in the front yard.
Portable power station: perfect for using/charging electronics while outdoors and it’s not very heavy, which makes it convenient for throwing in the trunk as he heads out to spend the day in nature (or, carrying it to the backyard).
Stanley flask: the water bottles are all the rage right now, and this flask can easily fit in his pocket when he is at a BBQ, camping, tailgating for his favorite team, and more.

For the Dad Who Loves Grilling

Some dads just love being in front of the grill. Why not make sure his clothes and grill stay clean with an apron and grill cleaner? Or, if he’s new to grilling, get him a set of grill utensils that he can use for years to come.

Customized apron: you’ll need to do the customizing, but how cute would it be for the kids to leave hand prints on an apron for him to wear all summer long while grilling?!
Bluetooth meat thermometer: it’s wireless and perfect for the grill, and the app works on both iPhone and Android devices!
Grill utensils set: whether his old set needs replacing or he doesn’t have a set of tools yet, this set has everything he could possibly need for the grill.
Scraper cleaning head: this grill cleaning head actually just uses water to work its magic!
WiFi meat thermometer: because you can never have too many thermometers.

For the Dad Who Has Endless Hobbies

Free time for hobbies? What free time? Well, even though parenting keeps us busy, it’s still good to take a little time for yourself. We have some great ideas for fun things to get for the dad in your life who takes a little time to himself every once in a while.

Hands-free light: this would be great for anything he does that might need a little extra light to see better!
Geek Dad activity book: it’s full of activities that Dad or Granpda can do with the kids.
Golf tees: complete with puns and ready for a day at the golf course.
Leather notebooks: these are perfect for writing out lists, to-do items, and dreams.

For the Dad Who Loves Fitness

Whether it’s at the gym, in the basement, or out in the garage, nothing beats taking time for yourself to get a workout in. Get him just the things he needs to truly enjoy his time in–and after–the gym!

BlenderBottle: for that after-workout protein shake.
Massage gun: perfect for sore muscles after a work out!
Quick dry gym towel: it’s lightweight and has a strap so that he can carry it with him wherever he works out.

For the Dad Who Is Into Tools

One can never have enough tools and accessories. Because you know things always go missing!

Carhartt tool bag: a high-quality tool bag that he can easily grab and take with him, wherever he and his tools are needed.
Magnetic tool holder strip: he can save space in his workshop by installing these on the back of a cabinet door.
Multi-purpose marking and leveling tool: perfect for woodworking or any type of work around the house.
Personalized measuring tape: this one has a sweet message on it that he’s sure to cherish forever.

Oh, and some miscellaneous gifts . . .

For those gifts that simply don’t fit in any of the above categories–but are still incredibly meaningful and sure to bring a smile to his face!

“Best Dad Ever Hands Down” sign: this one is a little DIY but you only need paint for the kids’ hand prints!
Custom coin tray: the message on this one is so sweet.
Insulated lunch box: perfect for work, a weekend trip, or traveling!
Wooden hat holder: perfect for baseball hats

We know not everyone purchases Father’s Day gifts. Sometimes, a handmade card and a sweet note are all that dad might want. And that’s perfect! If you’re shopping small, we thank you for supporting local businesses. If you’re shopping on short notice, Amazon can help you get your gifts ordered in time. Happy Father’s Day!

Thinking of spending Father’s Day at the farmers market? Check out our updated farmers market guide so you know exactly where to go!

Detroit Mom is an Amazon affiliate and may earn a small fee for qualifying items.

Host Your Child’s Next Birthday Party at Stemville!

Katie

June 1, 2024

Detroit Mom partnered with the amazing people from Stemville to bring you this post. All opinions are our own.

Looking for a birthday experience that your kiddo will remember for years to come? One that’s filled with fun and learning? One that encourages your kids to experiment and play? We’ve got you covered! As a mom of three, I get it–hosting birthday parties can be hard. I’m someone who LOVES a party; no matter the occasion, I love the celebration and want everyone to feel special. Which is why I was SO EXCITED to host a party with our partners at Stemville to get an inside look at how they make parties super special for kids.

My family has been enjoying Stemville since 2020. I have three kids ages 7, 6, and 3, and each one of them finds something to get their brain working every time we go. When I heard that Stemville offers birthday parties, I knew they were going to be top notch. They put so much attention, care, and details into every space; I knew a celebration would be no different!

Dive on in as we share the inside scoop on what a party at Stemville looks like. I promise you’re going to want to save this one!

Getting Started with a Party at Stemville

Stemville offers two different packages for parties: Silver and Gold. The Silver Package includes 90 minutes of open play and 30 minutes of celebration, and you can invite up to 16 guests, with all decorations and pizza included. The pizza was absolutely delicious and the kids could not get enough. The Gold Package includes 90 minutes of open play and 30 minutes of celebration, and you can invite up to 20 guests. It also includes four pizzas, decorations, your choice of theme, and your choice of experiment!

We participated in the Gold Package and got to choose our theme and experiment. This option is super cool for parents who don’t have time to grab all the decorations. Their theme options include dinosaurs, space, tie dye, donuts, or a custom theme. We chose the donut theme because who doesn’t love a donut?!

Their experiment options include the lava lamp, spin art, volcano, or slime bar. We went with the volcano!

Once you’ve got your package and your choices picked outyou can submit a form on the Stemville website in order to start booking your party!

The Day of the Party

One thing I loved about coordinating a party at Stemville was that I didn’t have to do much. Between three kids, going in three different directions, it was amazing to know that the celebrations were going to be taken care of and mostly, I just needed to show up!

When we arrived it was so sweet that the birthday girl was celebrated with her name on the chalk wall on the way in and on the big lite brite board! The kids had a little bit of time to play and then the Stemville team gave us instructions on how to enjoy our time, be safe, and have fun.

The kids had tons of time for open play and then the Stemville team walked us through our volcano experiment. We loved each component of the experiment from the creative part of decorating the volcano, to the steps of getting the lava ready. No detail was left out.

Pizza + Dessert

After the experiment, the kids were ready for pizza and cake! The Stemville team orders the pizza and they have plates, utensils, and napkins ready. You truly don’t have to worry about a thing. The kids devoured some pizza and we got ready to sing happy birthday with a cake made by our amazing friend. You’ll need to bring candles and a special treat for your little one, but they have everything you need beyond that!

Things to Know About Hosting a Party at Stemville

We know you might have some questions, so we’ve rounded up some things we think you might want to know!

You can arrive 15 minutes prior to party time to set up.
No outside food is allowed except for cake/cupcakes, and you’ll need to bring your own candles.
Parties are great for ages 3 and older!
Don’t forget socks, because Stemville is shoe-free!

Need a great spot for your next birthday party? We know you’ll love hosting at Stemville–find out more by visiting their website!

What Happens During IVF and IUI?

Whitney Cornelli

May 29, 2024

DISCLAIMER: The following post is not intended to act as medical advice. As always, please consult your doctor with any questions about IVF and IUI.

Navigating the world of infertility can lead to more questions than answers. If you’re struggling to start your family, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are two processes you may be introduced to. And if you’re finding you have questions about what IVF and IUI entail, you’re not alone.

Our friends from Michigan Center for Fertility and Women’s Health are here to support you. You might have caught their Fertility Friday series over on our IG page–quick videos to answer common questions and provide information. Below, you’ll find some common questions they’ve answered for our community about the IVF and IUI processes.

What exactly is IVF?

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. The IVF process is generally where we create an embryo in the laboratory. We extract the eggs during an egg retrieval, and then we have our sperm sample (from either a partner or a donor). The embryologist takes that sperm, joins them with the eggs in the lab, and creates the embryos.

As embryos develop, we can decide on next steps, depending on the patient’s preference, their history, etc.

When does the IVF process start?

The IVF process typically begins when you start a menstrual cycle. You’re given a very detailed calendar, which includes some important dates–one of the first being when you start your stimulation. In the most common situations, IVF does require injectable medications that are administered in the belly area. Our staff assists in ordering and teaching our patients how to use these medications. The dose and protocol is determined by you individually as a patient–your factors and your characteristics. You receive a specific designated treatment plan just for you.

What happens with medications and monitoring?

When we start the medication for that stimulation, we’re then monitoring you with bloodwork and ultrasound for an average of 12 days. The first stretch is usually three to four days, and your next visit and any protocol changes are then determined after your results from that day are reviewed with the physician.

Once you start stimulation, we advise you to stay locally–as in, no traveling. This is suggested due to the frequency of appointments and plans being adjusted daily.

When does the egg retrieval take place?

There’s one final injection that gets the eggs ready to release. This is determined by the size of the follicles and blood work results, and is when we would be setting up your egg retrieval. You’re under sedation, so there’s no pain or discomfort. The eggs retrieved go to the laboratory with the embryologist, where he then combines them with the sperm sample and creates our embryos!

Why would IVF be recommended?

IVF may be recommended for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, male factor, age, tubal occlusion, unexplained infertility, and recurrent miscarriage. Our detailed work-up and follow up discussion helps us determine what treatment options are best for you and your overall fertility goals.

Okay, and what exactly is IUI?

IUI stands for intrauterine insemination (it’s sometimes referred to as artificial insemination). The IUI process entails collecting a sample from your partner or donor, and then having it processed in a laboratory. We essentially wash the ejaculate to rid it of things that we would not need, and to hopefully get our “best swimmers” (or our best samples).

Once we have the sample washed and prepared, there are some calculations that we review with you on the day of the procedure. This tells us how many sperm are actually present, how many are moving, and a number called the total motile which is important as it helps determine if the IUI is a reasonable option to proceed with. We review all of these values the day of the procedure.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

After that sample is processed, you’ll come into the office. We’ll review all the identifying factors as well as the numbers. Then, we’ll place a speculum, and with a very small catheter, we’ll take that sample and pass the catheter through the opening of the cervix to hopefully get the sample to the top of the uterus. Once the catheter is placed, we’ll distribute the sample into the uterus. It’s usually a relatively quick procedure.

Everyone is different and can vary depending on the shape of the uterus. Sometimes we will recommend a full bladder. Or, we may use ultrasound guidance if we feel that the catheter is not in our ideal placement.

What happens after the procedure?

Once that sample is deposited, we typically would have you rest in our office for 10 or 15 minutes. And then from there, you are welcome to proceed with your day as normal! We also would schedule you for some follow up blood work to confirm ovulation, and then also to set up your pregnancy test.

Why would IUI be recommended?

IUI can be indicated for a variety of different reasons. To name a few:

The sperm sample overall looks pretty good, but we’ve tried timed intercourse without success and we’re wanting to add on an extra step that may boost us by 3-5%.
It may be used in cases of known mild to moderate male factor. In more severe cases of male factor, IUI is not typically our top-recommended choice. IVF would likely be recommended in those situations.
If the sperm is borderline or one parameter is suboptimal but the others look good, we may implement it.

We also implement IUI for people in situations of added stress or anxiety when given an intercourse schedule. There can be performance anxiety or difficulty with ejaculation, for example, when given a schedule to follow. That is one of the really nice added benefits of IUI: it’s not always just for medical purposes. It can also be for stress or anxiety purposes, given the fact that sometimes it can be really overwhelming to be given a very structured intercourse schedule to follow.

IVF and IUI are both wonderful options for treatment for certain patients based on their history, work-up, and overall goals. We are here to help you figure out if either one is something that would benefit you and if you’re a candidate for the process.

Infertility can be so stressful. Dr. K shares about the three parts of the fertility workup to help you find treatment options.

1...111213...265 Page 12 of 265