Introducing Chrissie: A Plymouth Mom

By

-

March 2, 2017

Introducing Chrissie!

:: Down With Detroit ::

Hi! A little bit about me! I grew up in Brighton with three sisters: Katie, Allie, and Andie. We were all born in a 6-year period so we are close in age. Yes, my parents survived having four daughters, a fact that haunts my partner Rob (more on him later) today. Except for a 6-month stint on the west side of the state, I have always lived in Metro Detroit. I love living in Michigan and specifically in the Detroit area. Our area has everything we could need it to offer – sports, culture, diversity, food, family-friendly, water, good schools . . . I could go on and on about how much I love it here! I am so excited to be able to raise my girls in this atmosphere and share with them my love of the City.

:: My Life ::

Growing up with built in friends was pretty much the best. I can’t imagine a life without siblings, and my sisters are my best friends to this day. We no longer live as close as we used to, but technology enables us to stay in each other’s business. Oh, did I mention that my sisters have also given me three nieces so far? In the words of Beyoncé, “Who runs the world? Girls.”

I worked all through my undergrad and Master’s degrees from U of M in Flint and Wayne State, respectively, except a period of what I fondly refer to as funemployment during the Great Recession. Now, I am a full-time working mom. It’s tough, so to all of you other working mommas out there, I get it. I work at a traditional 9-5 job in the automotive industry (Someone who works in automotive in this area? Shocking!) with a long commute so when I am home, I cherish my time with my gals.

You know what’s weird? Calling a grown man with whom you have two children your “boyfriend,” but since the alternatives include “baby daddy,” I guess I shall use “partner.” Anyway, I digress . . . I met my significant other, Rob, when we worked at the same company. After a few years of great friendship, we both arrived at the realization that we should probably date. He may tell this story slightly differently than I do, but you know what they say . . . to-may-to, to-mah-to. Rob also grew up in Metro Detroit, and among other things, we share passion for the Tigers, heartbreak for the Lions, and love of food. Rob has two daughters, Brynn and Maya, from his first marriage. Since we aren’t ones to go it slow, we jammed quite a bit into our first year of being a couple: a job change, buying a house, and oh you know, a baby.

:: Babies and Beyond ::

Our Family: (clockwise from top right) Eve, Brynn & Maya, Caroline, Me, Rob, Caroline & Eve

It’s been a whirlwind couple of years. I went from being a single cat owner (true story – Big Lou now lives with my parents) to a mom of two little girls and a co-parent to Rob’s older daughters too. Yes, that’s right – Rob also has four daughters. Our families welcomed Caroline in 2015 and Eve in 2016. Being a Mom is something I always dreamed of and during long periods of unsuccessful online dating, occasionally cried to my cat about. Outside of work and my gals, I volunteer with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy so I can spend time in my favorite place in the City. I also run slowly for long distances. I have completed a handful of marathons although pregnancy and babies caused a two-year hiatus for long races. I am excited to get back on my running game because apparently, we mothers are supposed to make time for ourselves too.

I am looking forward to sharing my experience with you and hope that you bear with me through my foibles and successes of motherhood.

Some of my favs: Riverfront, Running & Tigers

10 Tips to Encourage Reading in Your Home

By

Kelly L

-

March 1, 2017

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

In honor of Dr. Seuss, March has been named National Reading Month and is a perfect time to focus on reading and literacy in your home. Detroit Moms Blog is passionate about building a community of lifelong readers here in Detroit. Studies indicate that families who read together have stronger family connections, increased academic success of our children in school, and helps kids develop a lifelong love of books and reading.

How can you celebrate National Reading Month with your kids? Here are 10 ideas to help encourage reading for every family member!

Visit your local library

Our local libraries are a valuable resource for kids of every age. Our libraries provide current, high-quality books of every genre, free internet access, and audiobook, CD, and DVD rentals. In addition, they also reach out to the community with free and low-cost literacy programs such as story-time circles, how-to workshops, crafting sessions, and themed parties.

Visit a bookstore

Much like a library, our local bookstores offer many great programs and opportunities for the community. From author visits to themed events, bookstores immerse our children in a culture of literacy. Also, buying a book can show your children that there is value in books. However, bookstores are also great for browsing!

Browse, Browse, Browse

Speaking of browsing, In the world of books, it is okay to browse. Books don’t need to be read cover to cover to create a meaningful learning experience. Stock up on a variety of non-fiction books filled with captivating images, unique content, and fast-facts. Leaving these books strategically around your home will increase the opportunities for kids to pick up books and spend time looking at pictures, reading captions, and learning new information.

Read Aloud Together

There is so much value in listening to a book being read aloud. Young children who are read aloud to begin to associate books with love, affection, and comfort. As children grow older, reading aloud can be a time to turn off technology and help family members wind down together in the evening. Read alouds are also a great way to help kids of all ages learn new vocabulary and increase their ability to tackle more difficult texts.

Listen to an Audio Book

No time for read alouds? No problem. Audio books are perfect for families on-the-go. Decide on a book that you can all listen to on those car rides to and from school, soccer practice, or piano lessons. Audio books are available for checkout at your local library, or through apps such as Kindle, Hoopla, and Audible.

Read a Book and Watch the Movie

One way to encourage a love of books in your home is to read a book title that has been made into a movie. There are hundreds of popular book titles that have been made into movies suitable for every age. For younger children consider picture books such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs or Horton Hears a Who. Middle grade children might enjoy chapter books such as Diary of A Wimpy Kid or James and The Giant Peach. For a comprehensive list, visit Youth Lit Reviews here.

Play a Board Game

Board games have a lot of educational value. Many popular board games encourage reading, spelling, memory, communication, and vocabulary development. In addition they promote math skills, critical thinking, following directions, taking turns, and the list goes on! The benefits are endless. Consider playing a classic such as Clue, Monopoly, Scrabble, or Candy Land. As a bonus, it’s an opportunity to spend more time together as a family.

Make a Special Reading Space in Your Home

Readers are motivated when they have a special spot to read, one that is away from distractions such as the TV, computer, or video games. Find a place in your home that is cozy and inviting for curling up with a good book. For younger children, consider throwing pillows and blankets on the floor next to a bookshelf or even setting up a reading tent!

Read a Cookbook and Choose a Recipe to Make

A cookbook is a great literacy resource. Not only is there reading involved but also an opportunity for math! Find a recipe for your child to make and spend time together reading the recipe, gathering the ingredients, and creating something delicious.

Over the next few weeks, DMB will be posting book recommendations for all ages. Please share with us some of your favorite book titles as well. In addition, we’d love to see pictures of your family reading together this month. Tag us in your photos! Happy Reading!

Introducing Chel Bell Guild: A Southfield Mama

By

chelguild

-

March 1, 2017

Introducing Chel Bell Guild!

:: Down with Detroit ::

As a relative newbie to Metro Detroit, I’m excited to be a part of this community! My husband and I moved to Southfield from Cape Coral, Florida, along with our toddler son and senior Chihuahua, back in February of 2016. We’ve spent nearly all of our free time exploring the area and have found so much to love! A few of our favorite things so far have been the Heidelberg Project, Campus Martius, the DIA, Detroit Kid City, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the Heritage Park splash pad, and Mount Brighton…though we still have many bucket list adventures ahead of us in The Mitten!

Relocating to a new area without a support system can be tough even under the best circumstances, though. We’ve found there’s no shortage of groups for moms to make new friends here, but we found a gap in the market for dads. So, my husband started the Facebook group Detroit Dads That Drink Beer. If your spouse needs to make some friends who can relate to life as a father (and also needs a break from PAW Patrol) encourage him to join!

As for me, I’m always ready to discover the next best place to grab a glass of wine and have a few laughs. Who’s with me?

:: My Life ::

It became clear by the time I was three that I was an eccentric artist and a performer. One of my earliest memories is of my mother shining a flashlight on me in our darkened living room, as I crooned Sade’s Smooth Operator into a microphone for my adoring fans (or captive audience of sisters). I thought nothing of wearing strange wigs out in public, speaking in a faux-Swedish accent and telling the neighborhood kids I was from Europe, or making VHS tapes of myself dressed as a brash, old lady, book reviewer from New York City . . . and this was all before high school!

Because of constant indecision over whether or not it would be wise to go into the arts, I had a hard time choosing a career path. I studied film in Boca Raton, Florida before moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico to study fine art, acting, and psychology. I always knew, however, that I wanted to be a mother. That happened sooner than expected when I married a single father in my early 20’s. I didn’t think twice about making his daughter my own, so after we were wed, I legally adopted her. The marriage didn’t last, but I’m still a mother to my now 18-year-old daughter.

As that marriage was ending, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University. The first job I landed was as the web editor for WINK News, the CBS affiliate for Southwest Florida, where, after a series of post-divorce dating disasters, I met the man of my dreams: my husband, Dan. (I know, gag, but I seriously made a list of every quality I wanted in a partner and almost a year later, he showed up in the flesh.)

Knowing what an NPR and PBS-loving, memoir-devouring nerd I am, he proposed to me in the Fort Myers Public Library by giving me a book he’d compiled of all of our adventures together up to that point. We were married in 2014.

After I gave birth to our son, I left my job to become a stay-at-home mom. That first year was tough (my son was not then and is not now a solid sleeper), but I slowly regained a sense of independence and my business as a virtual assistant and freelance writer started to take off. You can read about the lessons I’ve learned as a late bloomer on my own website: chelbellguild.com. I hope to inspire and encourage women who are going through any number of life’s transitions.

Oh, and I still make those embarrassing videos, but instead of recording on VHS tapes, I now upload them to YouTube. It helps that I married an awesome video editor, photographer and collaborator who is always down to bring my ridiculous ideas into fruition.

:: Babies & Beyond ::

I first became a mother when I adopted my stepdaughter, Jenika, during marriage numero uno. I actually credit her with making me a better person. I started paying more attention to what I put in and on my body, to what I said and did, and used every opportunity I could to help shape her into a well-rounded, intelligent and caring human being. As with most stepparent relationships though, ours was strained. That marriage has long since dissolved and Jenika is now an adult, but I am still grappling with how to have the best relationship with her. I want to be a source of support for other women who may be in the stepparent or adoptive parent role, as I know it’s a complicated, often isolating one to be in.

The second time I became a mother presented me with a whole new set of adventures with pregnancy and babyhood. My 2-year-old son, Angelo, is a constant source of comedic relief and a reminder to live in the present moment.

Anxiously awaiting Angelo’s arrival in 2014

I hope to find a few kindred souls in this endeavor with Detroit Moms Blog, and more importantly, to help others to feel a sense of solidarity.

I Won’t Apologize for Raising a Spoiled Only Child

By

Kim C.

-

February 28, 2017

My only child is spoiled. It’s true. Do I feel badly about it? Not a chance. To tell you how we got here, I have to tell you how we started. We never planned to make an only child. Truth be told, I’m shocked we only have one. I always thought that I would have at least two kids, probably more if my husband agreed. However, life makes other plans. We started a family late in life; I was 38 when my daughter was born. After almost a year of getting settled into our routines and feeling comfortable that we had this kid thing down we started trying for another. Three years later with “undetermined” fertility issues, we remain a family of three.

In those 4 years since she was born I have slowly come to terms with not having more children. I say that nonchalantly but it has been no easy realization for me. Somewhere along the way between soul searching and fertility treatments I also made an unconscious decision to absolutely do every single thing we wanted to do, see every show, buy every toy and every pretty dress we liked because this may be our only chance. I didn’t realize I was doing it until about a year ago when we were planning our family vacation and my husband mentioned that he and I never did these things as kids. He did not say it as an accusation, just an off handed comment. He was right. Maybe we are financially more able to do these things with one child than our parents who had three kids each. Maybe these things weren’t available when we were kids. Maybe it just never occurred to our parents that we would enjoy going to see Sesame Street Live. In that moment I realized that we were probably overdoing it. I mean she is very likely not going to remember her first plane ride, her first time in the ocean or a trip to an amusement park.

I pondered that a while. I thought maybe we should wait until she’s older. Maybe we should scale back on vacations, birthdays, Christmas? It hit me. Nope. What we should do is stop overthinking it and have fun. We are responsible adults. Our bills are paid and obligations met. We are actively planning for our future and hers so why can’t we over-do it a little? It doesn’t just spoil her, it spoils us. The absolute, unadulterated joy we get from these experiences; from making her laugh when we are playing on a beach vacation or from watching her face when she sees Daniel Tiger in person for the first time is unsurpassed. The memories we are making are not just for her, they are for us. It makes us happier. It makes us hopeful. It makes our lives better. We look forward to those moments and start planning our next adventure as we drive home from the one we are on.

Of course, we do all the things we need to do so we are not raising an entitled child. Make no mistake that there is a difference between a spoiled and an entitled child. We stress manners such as please and thank you and the importance of treating other people how you would like to be treated. We explain that money doesn’t grow on trees and that we go to work all day long to be able to pay for things like our house and food and yes, toys. We fix broken things instead of throwing them away and mend torn clothes when we can. We show her charity and let her be a part of selecting things she wants to share with other kids that don’t have all the things she does. We utilize a chore chart to help her earn items and teach her the values of working for something special. We start every school day by saying, “Be kind, be smart, be brave” and she is. Our family has been blessed with this singular smart, imaginative, kind-hearted child and I unapologetically plan to keep on making the most of every minute we get together.

A Detroit Mom’s Guide to March

By

Amber Cross

-

February 27, 2017

We’re almost to Spring, mamas! It’s been an interesting winter, that’s for sure. The weather has been so unpredictable! Here’s one thing you can count on – our guide to the month of March! We added events that promise to be fun for the whole family! If we missed an event that you’d like to see added please let us know! We want to hear from you!

March 1st - 5th

March 1, 2017

Families and Jammies

Location :: Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park, Sterling Heights
Time :: 6:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Spend time as a family with stories, rhymes, activities, and crafts. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas, but it’s not required. This program is designed for ages 1-7.

2017 Yoga at the Joe

Location :: Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Drive, Detroit
Time :: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost :: $27 per person

Be a part of history as we say Farewell to The Joe and join us for Yoga on the Horizon League Basketball Court. Registration includes a free tank top, the yoga class and a raffle entry for a Red Wings-signed yoga mat and more!

March 2, 2017

Family Game Night

Location :: Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, 14680 Dix Toledo Rd., Southgate
Time :: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Come with the whole family and find age-appropriate board games to play together!

March 3, 2017

Family Game Night

Location :: Ann Arbor Public Library Westgate Branch, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
Time :: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend but registration might be necessary

Come play some fun board games with your whole family! Intended for kindergartners up to adults!

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky

Location :: The Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit
Time :: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission information

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky features the constellations, stars and planets in the current sky along with information on the impact of light pollution on our view of the night sky and our place in the Milky Way.

Free First Friday at Cranbrook

Location :: Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
Time :: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free

Courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation, admission to the Institute of Science is free after 5 pm the first Friday of each month through June 2017. Join us for a free evening of science fun! The Café and Observatory are open, and planetarium shows are offered at an additional charge.

Princesses & Heroes

Location :: Costick Center, 28600 Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills
Time :: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost :: Residents $10 per person, non-residents $15 per person

Dress up your favorite little princess or super hero for a night of fun and adventure for the whole family. Activities include dancing, crafts, bouncer, music and more. The Busch’s Fresh Food Market dinner includes: hot dogs, mac & cheese, snacks, and drinks. You will have a chance to meet a real princess and superhero! Register early – this event sells out!

MJ Live – Michael Jackson Tribute

Location :: Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Time :: 7:30 p.m.
Cost :: See website for details

Fans will relive the energy, excitement, spectacle and pure joy of Michael Jackson and his music while they sing along to some of the legendary superstar’s biggest hits including “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Dangerous,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Black & White,” “I Want You Back” and many others backed by the MJ Live band and mega talented dancers.

STOMP

Location :: Macomb Community College Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township
Time :: 8:00 p.m.
Cost :: $25 – $55 per person, see website for details

STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding, electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

March 4, 2017

Moana Storytime and Craft

Location :: Ann Arbor Public Library Downtown Branch, 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Time :: 1:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend but registration might be necessary

Celebrate the newest Disney princess with Polynesian-themed stories and a craft to match! Intended for preschoolers through grade 3!

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday!

Location :: Farmington Public Library, 32737 W. Twelve Mile Rd., Farmington Hills
Time :: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Our special guest reader, Mr. Josh Schu, Adult Librarian, will read his favorite Dr. Seuss books. Afterwards, we will have games, crafts and birthday cake! Fun for all ages! No registration needed.

March is Reading Month: Meet Local Author Jamie Ruthenberg

Location :: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., Detroit
Time :: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission details

Teen Game Time (Grades 7-12)

Location :: Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Time :: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Zumba Party in the Park

Location :: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Pkwy, Canton
Time :: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Cost :: $5 per person

Join your favorite instructors for our Fall Zumba Party! This high-energy format infuses Latin and International music into a dynamic fitness workout. This special 90-minute party will include some of your favorite dances, as well as some new beats.

Zehnder’s Fairytale Princess Lunch & Show

Location :: Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, 730 S Main St., Frankenmuth
Time :: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost :: $37 per child, $42 per adult – which includes tax, tip and entertainment

Join us for Zehnder’s popular Fairytale Princess Lunch and Show! Starting at 11 am, Meet and greet Cinderella with an individual photo opportunity with a photo souvenir to take home, enjoy a Chicken Luncheon with a special dessert and gift and enjoy a 45 minute show where Cinderella takes you on a magical journey that features some of Disney’s best loved songs and includes audience participation. Includes door prizes.

Sink or Float? Titanic STEM Thursdays

Location :: Sloan Museum, 1221 E Kearsley St., Flint
Time :: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Cost :: $9 – $10 per person

Have fun with density and buoyancy! Make predictions and find out which types of objects will sink or float. Learn how to stack a rainbow of liquids while investigating density. Ages 7+

STOMP

Location :: Macomb Community College Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township
Time :: 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Cost :: $25 – $55 per person, see website for details

STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding, electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

March 6th - 12th

March 6, 2017

Dance Your Fanny Off!

Location :: Canton Public Library, 1200 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton
Time :: 10:00 a.m.
Cost :: Free to attend but registration might be necessary

Enjoy a half hour of tunes that will make you want to grab a dance partner and get on your feet. Intended particularly for new walkers up to 5 years old, dancing is a great way to have some fun and build gross motor skills.

Pizza and Pages: Teen Book Club

Location :: Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Rd., Sterling Heights
Time :: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Are you a teen that loves to read? Join our Teen Librarian and your fellow book-lovers for our brand new Teen Book Club: Pizza & Pages! Come hang out, talk about books, and eat pizza with your friends! We will be discussing Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Contact the library to reserve a copy of the book!

March 7, 2017

Make Your Own Play Dough

Location :: Ferndale Public Library, 222 E. West Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale
Time :: 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend but space is limited and registration is required

All ages can attend!

March 9, 2017

Stress Reducing Relaxation Stations

Location :: Ann Arbor Public Library Downtown Branch, 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Time :: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend but registration might be required

Adults only! Perfect for moms who need time away!!Looking for ways to self-sooth and relax away your troubles?

Join us for a mellow time coloring, connecting dots, doing jigsaw puzzles, and playing with new Play-Doh that’s not dried out. Enjoy having time to yourself.

We’ll have mellow music and a series of activities to drop in and try. Spend the entire time coloring or move from station to station.

Soapmaking Workshop

Location :: Mimi LaRou Designs, 28063 Gratiot, Roseville
Time :: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost :: $40 per person

Introduction to Cold Process Soapmaking will teach participants how to make handmade soap with simple ingredients and little equipment. During this three-hour class we will make a batch of soap and cover:

• A brief history of soapmaking
• Safety gear and precautions
• Basic cold process chemistry
• Ingredient selection and storage
• How to create your own recipes
• How to cut, cure and store soaps

Each participant will leave with a bar of soap and a resource guide to help continue the adventure at home! Wear a long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes.

March 10, 2017

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky

Location :: The Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit
Time :: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission information

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky features the constellations, stars and planets in the current sky along with information on the impact of light pollution on our view of the night sky and our place in the Milky Way.

Sports Card & Collectible Show

Location :: Gibraltar Trade Center, 237 N River Rd., Mount Clemens
Time :: 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost :: Pay for parking, admission free

The Sports Cards Antiques & Collectibles Show has a variety of vendors that buy and sell sports cards, non-sports cards, autographed memorabilia, lithographs, action figures, racing collectibles, old & rare books, pattern glass, reference books, porcelain, toys, movie items, china, pottery, silver, jewelry and much more. The shows take place indoors in our 60,000 sq. ft. show area.

March 11, 2017

2017 Free Children’s Spring Film Festival: Trolls!

Location :: MJR Theaters – check the website for your local MJR theater’s participation
Time :: Showtimes will be announced on March 7
Cost :: Free for children!

Come see the movie Trolls! Free for children under 12 up to theater capacity. Adult tickets $1 and are available the day of the show only.

2017 Oakland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Location :: Downtown Royal Oak
Time :: 11:30 a.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

The 2017 Oakland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade rolls down Washington Avenue on Saturday, March 11 beginning at 11:30 a.m. The parade is a great family event and one of the largest parades in Oakland County.

Maple Tapping and Pancake Feast 2017

Location :: MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi
Time :: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost :: $15 per adult, $12 per child 3-12, Free for children 2 and under

Identify and tap a maple tree, tour the sugar shack and watch sap turn to syrup, take a wagon ride, taste maple syrup, and tackle historical tools! Prior to the 2-hour program, enjoy a pancake celebration in the historic, 19th-century barn. Pancakes, coffee, cocoa, sausages, hash browns and of course, real maple syrup will be provided!

Eat your fill of yummy food and grab a cup of coffee 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. before your 2-hour program. Enjoy entertainment in the 19th century barn while you eat and relax.

Need to sleep in? Join us at 12 p.m. for a pancake lunch before heading out to the sugar bush at 1 p.m.

Sports Card & Collectible Show

Location :: Gibraltar Trade Center, 237 N River Rd., Mount Clemens
Time :: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost :: Pay for parking, admission free

The Sports Cards Antiques & Collectibles Show has a variety of vendors that buy and sell sports cards, non-sports cards, autographed memorabilia, lithographs, action figures, racing collectibles, old & rare books, pattern glass, reference books, porcelain, toys, movie items, china, pottery, silver, jewelry and much more. The shows take place indoors in our 60,000 sq. ft. show area.

March 12, 2017

2017 Free Children’s Spring Film Festival: Trolls!

Location :: MJR Theaters – check the website for your local MJR theater’s participation
Time :: Showtimes will be announced on March 7
Cost :: Free for children!

Come see the movie Trolls! Free for children under 12 up to theater capacity. Adult tickets $1 and are available the day of the show only.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and 5K/races

Location :: Corktown, 2000 Michigan Ave., Detroit
Time :: Beginning at 7:00 a.m.
Cost :: Free to attend but check website for race registration information

Perhaps one of Michigan’s most renowned St. Patrick’s Day events is Detroit’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This family-friendly event is sure to entertain all who attend with the various floats. The parade route is on Michigan Avenue through historic Corktown. If you’re planning to go, it may be a good idea to arrive a bit early for the best vantage point.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K run/walk and Kids Walk

Location :: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub, 318 S Main St., Ann Arbor
Time :: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for details

A fun run around downtown Ann Arbor with GREAT swag to support an AWESOME cause. Shamrocks and Shenanigans benefits Save A Heart, an organization that raises funds to benefit patients and their families at the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. All entries include custom t-shirt and finisher medal! Overall awards for top male & female in the 5k, based on gun time. Age group awards 3 deep in all 5 year age groups for the 5k, based on chip time! Kids’ 1K Dash also receives a custom t-shirt, medal and ice cream at the finish!

Pete the Cat

Location :: The Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Time :: 1:30 p.m.
Cost :: Tickets start at $12 per person

When Pete the Cat gets caught rocking out after bedtime, the cat-catcher sends him to live with the Biddle family to learn his manners – and boy are they square! But for the groovy blue cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up.

43rd Annual Maple Festival

Location :: Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
Time :: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for details

One of the Institute’s most popular annual events, Maple Festival immerses the visitor in all things related to the maple sugaring process, what Native Americans called sinzibukwud. In addition to maple-themed snacks, guests are invited to learn about the science of maple syrup production, listen to the story of sugaring in Colonial North America, and taste the pure sweetness of homemade maple candy. Craft stations and hands-on table top activities, timed planetarium shows, and self-guided walks to the Sugarin’ Hut will be available. The Science Shop will feature Michigan made maple products to celebrate the day.

Maple Tapping and Pancake Feast 2017

Location :: MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi
Time :: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost :: $15 per adult, $12 per child 3-12, Free for children 2 and under

Identify and tap a maple tree, tour the sugar shack and watch sap turn to syrup, take a wagon ride, taste maple syrup, and tackle historical tools! Prior to the 2-hour program, enjoy a pancake celebration in the historic, 19th-century barn. Pancakes, coffee, cocoa, sausages, hash browns and of course, real maple syrup will be provided!

Eat your fill of yummy food and grab a cup of coffee 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. before your 2-hour program. Enjoy entertainment in the 19th century barn while you eat and relax.

Need to sleep in? Join us at 12 p.m. for a pancake lunch before heading out to the sugar bush at 1 p.m.

Sports Card & Collectible Show

Location :: Gibraltar Trade Center, 237 N River Rd., Mount Clemens
Time :: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost :: Pay for parking, admission free

The Sports Cards Antiques & Collectibles Show has a variety of vendors that buy and sell sports cards, non-sports cards, autographed memorabilia, lithographs, action figures, racing collectibles, old & rare books, pattern glass, reference books, porcelain, toys, movie items, china, pottery, silver, jewelry and much more. The shows take place indoors in our 60,000 sq. ft. show area.

March 13th - 19th

March 15, 2017

Raising a Bilingual Child – A Parent Workshop

Location :: Farmington Public Library, 23500 Farmington
Time :: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

In this program for adults only, Julie Ogg will discuss the benefits of raising a bilingual child, talk about challenges, and answer questions. Registration is required.

March 16, 2017

Family Game Night

Location :: Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, 14680 Dix Toledo Rd., Southgate
Time :: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Come with the whole family and find age-appropriate games to play together!

Third Thursday Crafts for all ages

Location :: Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Time :: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Make a windsock to hang in the spring breeze. Younger children may need assistance. Craft available while supplies last. No registration.

March 17, 2017

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky

Location :: The Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit
Time :: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission information

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky features the constellations, stars and planets in the current sky along with information on the impact of light pollution on our view of the night sky and our place in the Milky Way.

March 18, 2017

2017 Free Children’s Spring Film Festival: Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

Location :: MJR Theaters – check the website for your local MJR theater’s participation
Time :: Showtimes will be announced on March 14
Cost :: Free for children!

Come see the movie Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life! Free for children under 12 up to theater capacity. Adult tickets $1 and are available the day of the show only.

March is Reading Month: Meet Local Author and Illustrator Gerry Wykes

Location :: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., Detroit
Time :: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission details

Local author Gerry Wykes will be here with his recently published children’s book, “A Beaver Tale: The Castors of Conners Creek.” Mr. Wykes will give a lively and informative presentation about the first beaver family to return to the Detroit River in over 100 years, an incredible comeback! Afterwards, Mr. Wykes will be available for book sales and signing.

A Beauty & the Beast Celebration: Part 1

Location :: Barnes & Noble, 2800 S Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills
Time :: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Part 1 of 2 two events we will host in honor of Beauty and the Beast. Before you see the new live-action movie, stop by and celebrate the magic of Beauty & the Beast with us! This wonderful and magical event is perfect for all ages.

– Coloring
– Storytime with Beauty
– Costume Contest and Parade with Belle
– Other fun activities!

Maple Syrup Festival

Location :: Wolcott Mills Metropark Historic Center, 64162 Kuntsman Rd., Ray Township
Time :: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost :: $5 per adult, $3 per child

Visit stations throughout the park and learn how maple syrup is made. Make a craft, taste test syrup and warm up by the bonfire. The blacksmith shop will be open and working. Maple products and tree tapping kits will be available for purchase. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and real maple syrup throughout the day for an additional $5.

March 19, 2017

2017 Free Children’s Spring Film Festival: Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

Location :: MJR Theaters – check the website for your local MJR theater’s participation
Time :: Showtimes will be announced on March 14
Cost :: Free for children!

Come see the movie Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life! Free for children under 12 up to theater capacity. Adult tickets $1 and are available the day of the show only.

Mother Daughter Tea

Location :: West Bloomfield Family Aquatic Center, 6200 Farmington Rd., West Bloomfield
Time :: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost :: $12 per person, $17 per non-resident

Maple Syrup Festival

Location :: Wolcott Mills Metropark Historic Center, 64162 Kuntsman Rd., Ray Township
Time :: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost :: $5 per adult, $3 per child

Visit stations throughout the park and learn how maple syrup is made. Make a craft, taste test syrup and warm up by the bonfire. The blacksmith shop will be open and working. Maple products and tree tapping kits will be available for purchase. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and real maple syrup throughout the day for an additional $5.

Storytime Adventure – Chester’s Colorful Easter Eggs

Location :: The Painted Pot, 421 Walnut Blvd., Rochester
Time :: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Cost :: $20 per project

Join us for a Storytime Adventure! After we read a fun Easter tale, we will create a unique ceramic project. This class is great for all ages! Parents stay with their young artist. Our Story Time Adventure is a story featuring Chester the Easter Bunny who decorates six Easter eggs. He chooses the colors of the rainbow: red, green, yellow, orange, purple, and blue. He then hides them for all his friends to find. On Easter, his friends discover his beautiful eggs and they all celebrate the special day together. Join us as we paint an Easter basket and a colorful Easter egg.

March 20th - 26th

March 22, 2017

Learn to Meditate

Location :: Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Time :: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

The Heartfulness Meditation Program offers a simple set of relaxation and meditation exercises, which when practiced daily, will help restore balance in life, manage stress, better your health, and most of all will lead you to inner calm and peace.

March 23, 2017

Disney on Ice Presents Follow Your Heart

Location :: The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills
Time :: 7:30 p.m.
Cost :: $18 – $78

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Fantasia to Toy Story and Frozen, Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart opens up the thrilling world of live entertainment by immersing families in an array of treasured stories. The athleticism of the performers shines through as they embody Rapunzel, Ariel, Tiana and the rest of the Disney Princesses, inspiring children around the world to dream big. The wintery world of Arendelle sets the stage as Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. Audiences will celebrate friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and more pals from Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse leading the way, this new Disney On Ice production will entertain fans of all ages.

March 24, 2017

Disney on Ice Presents Follow Your Heart

Location :: The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills
Time :: 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Cost :: $18 – $78

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Fantasia to Toy Story and Frozen, Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart opens up the thrilling world of live entertainment by immersing families in an array of treasured stories. The athleticism of the performers shines through as they embody Rapunzel, Ariel, Tiana and the rest of the Disney Princesses, inspiring children around the world to dream big. The wintery world of Arendelle sets the stage as Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. Audiences will celebrate friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and more pals from Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse leading the way, this new Disney On Ice production will entertain fans of all ages.

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky

Location :: The Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit
Time :: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission information

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky features the constellations, stars and planets in the current sky along with information on the impact of light pollution on our view of the night sky and our place in the Milky Way.

American Girl Slumber Party

Location :: Costick Center, 28600 Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills
Time :: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost :: $12 per resident, $17 per non-resident

American Girl Rain Forest Movie and Dance Party! Bring your favorite doll, and join us for the best movie/ party ever! We will create a craft, then
dance. We’ll watch the movie An American Girl: Lea to the Rescue. The snack will be popcorn and a drink. Registration deadline March 20.

March 25, 2017

2017 Free Children’s Spring Film Festival: STORKS

Location :: MJR Theaters – check the website for your local MJR theater’s participation
Time :: Showtimes will be announced on March 21
Cost :: Free for children!

Come see the movie STORKS! Free for children under 12 up to theater capacity. Adult tickets $1 and are available the day of the show only.

Story Time with Wong Herbert Yee: A 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration

Location :: Farmington Public Library, 32737 W Twelve Mile Rd., Farmington Hills
Time :: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

Join us for a story time with special guest Wong Herbert Yee, author of Fireman Small. Stay for playtime, crafts and CAKE! Celebrate how many books you have read or sign up to participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.

Disney on Ice Presents Follow Your Heart

Location :: The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills
Time :: 11:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Cost :: $18 – $78

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Fantasia to Toy Story and Frozen, Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart opens up the thrilling world of live entertainment by immersing families in an array of treasured stories. The athleticism of the performers shines through as they embody Rapunzel, Ariel, Tiana and the rest of the Disney Princesses, inspiring children around the world to dream big. The wintery world of Arendelle sets the stage as Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. Audiences will celebrate friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and more pals from Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse leading the way, this new Disney On Ice production will entertain fans of all ages.

Yoga with Your Doll, Stuffed Animal or Action Figure!

Location :: Born Yoga, 2121 Cole St., Birmingham
Time :: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Cost :: $35 per child

At Born Yoga, we believe in the power of PLAY! This workshop will begin with each child decorating their very own doll-sized yoga mat so that we can all practice together. We will play fun yoga games, sing, and teach our dolls yoga poses! Take your newly decorated mat home so that you and your doll can continue to practice.
Ages 3-7. This is a DROP-OFF CLASS.
Dolls are not included. Registration is required.

Motor City Hot Rod and Racing Expo

Location :: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
Time :: 10:00 a.m.
Cost :: $10 per person

Celebrating the Motor Cities Hot Rod, Racing and Classic Car Culture.

Beauty & the Beast Celebration: Part 2

Location :: Barnes & Noble, 2800 S Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills
Time :: 11:00 a.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

This is part two of our Beauty & the Beast Celebration. Part One, which will be a larger event with a Beauty Storytime, will take place on March 18th.
Details for Part One: https://www.facebook.com/events/1625368171105804/ DETAILS FOR PART TWO: Storytime at 11AM followed by crafts and activities

March 26, 2017

2017 Free Children’s Spring Film Festival: STORKS

Location :: MJR Theaters – check the website for your local MJR theater’s participation
Time :: Showtimes will be announced on March 21
Cost :: Free for children!

Come see the movie STORKS! Free for children under 12 up to theater capacity. Adult tickets $1 and are available the day of the show only.

16th Annual Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade

Location :: Greektown, 555 E. Lafayette, Detroit
Time :: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend

If you need a healthy dose of all things Greek, please make sure you markdown this date on your calendars! “Having this parade is a way to have fun and to preserve and further the very proud Hellenic heritage.” George Reganis, a founding member and the Chairman of the Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade.

Once again, the Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade Weekend will have the philanthropic side of supporting and raising funds for the Hellenic Museum of Michigan (www.hellenicmi.org)

Disney on Ice Presents Follow Your Heart

Location :: The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills
Time :: 11:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Cost :: $18 – $78

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Fantasia to Toy Story and Frozen, Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart opens up the thrilling world of live entertainment by immersing families in an array of treasured stories. The athleticism of the performers shines through as they embody Rapunzel, Ariel, Tiana and the rest of the Disney Princesses, inspiring children around the world to dream big. The wintery world of Arendelle sets the stage as Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. Audiences will celebrate friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and more pals from Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse leading the way, this new Disney On Ice production will entertain fans of all ages.

Motor City Hot Rod and Racing Expo

Location :: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
Time :: 10:00 a.m.
Cost :: $10 per person

Celebrating the Motor Cities Hot Rod, Racing and Classic Car Culture.

All Things Detroit & Food Truck Rally

Location :: Easter Market Corporation, 2934 Russell St., Detroit
Time :: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost :: $5 per person, children under 12 are FREE

All Things Detroit is the special event happening multiple times a year that brings together hundreds of entrepreneurs across Michigan with their unique items, exclusive offerings and treasures ready for your purchase and made as your prize to take home.

One Sunday, March 26th attendees will have the opportunity to dine on Detroit delectables and sample savory sweet treats, as well as acquire acclaimed products and services from in and around Detroit. Most importantly, patrons and participants are also supporting small businesses.

Beat the Crowd Package $15 includes:

• Full hour of shopping before open to the public.

• Complimentary food truck voucher (Only valid with the following food trucks Marconi’s Pizza or Matt & Mo)

• Complimentary beverage voucher (TBD)

• All Things Detroit tote bag

Children 12 and under are ineligible for the Beat the Crowd package unless ticket is purchased.

March 27th - 31st

March 29, 2017

Dance Your Fanny Off!

Location :: Canton Public Library, 1200 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton
Time :: 7:00 p.m.
Cost :: Free to attend but registration might be necessary

Enjoy a half hour of tunes that will make you want to grab a dance partner and get on your feet. Intended particularly for new walkers up to 5 years old, dancing is a great way to have some fun and build gross motor skills.

WOW Wild.Over.Wednesdays – All About Weather

Location :: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., Detroit
Time :: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission details

Here in the mitten state, we rarely believe what the weather will be. Our state is known for snowing one day and being 75 and sunny the next. Come join us for WOW and learn some weather 101! We will have educational tables on various weather actions as well as a Detroit meteorologist, WDIV’s Andrew Humphrey!

March 31, 2017

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky

Location :: The Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit
Time :: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost :: See website for admission information

What’s Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky features the constellations, stars and planets in the current sky along with information on the impact of light pollution on our view of the night sky and our place in the Milky Way.

The Simply Organized Playroom: It’s Not A Myth

By

Meghan Simonie

-

February 26, 2017

When it comes to organization my husband and I have magically always been on the same page. Our house stays extremely tidy and we actually enjoy keeping things in a certain order. We have the coordinated red and green bins for our Christmas decorations, bins for wrapping paper, bins birthday decorations, and bins for Halloween décor, not to mention loads of bins for the baby clothes that I can’t seem to part with just yet, all stacked neatly on metal racks in our basement. It was quite entertaining to see the excitement on my husband’s face when we finally bought a label maker to really step up our organization game (ugh, man we are dorks).
It wasn’t until this past holiday season that we realized we needed to start teaching our ways to our 3 year old daughter. It was high panic alert at the Simonie household just days after Christmas this year. You see my daughter’s birthday happens to be the day after Christmas. So, our living room looked like Toys’R’Us dropped off its missing holiday shipment. Oh, and by the way, my son’s 1^st birthday was coming up just three weeks later. Needless to say, we were overwhelmed. As self-proclaimed neat freaks and organize-a-holics, we were not ready to just throw in the towel and pile all the new toys in the playroom and shut the door. We found it can be done in some pretty basic steps and then it can be easily kept nice even after play dates when it looks like a toy explosion happened.

Step 1: Wait for children to be asleep to clean out old toys to donate/sell. This step must be followed exactly. If said children happen to see any such toy that they haven’t cared about or touched in over 2-3 years they suddenly become tear-jerkingly attached to that toy and cannot part with it whatsoever. Magically, if the toys disappear while the child is sleeping, those toys seem to blissfully remain forgotten and all is peaceful in the playroom toy replacement and organization realm. (FYI – I don’t have a heart of stone. I do save some toys that seem to have sentimental value for my kids to decide when they are older if they want to pass on to their children.)

Step 2: Bins, bins, bins. They are your friend. We have a cube organizer that sits along one wall, a large bin for stuffed animals, a large bin for all things baby doll, one for puzzles, and one for Legos.

Step 3: Even as the kids wake up, incorporate them! We put on some fun jams and danced around the playroom like goofballs and would ask our daughter where she thought each item should go based on which category it looked like it belonged to. Kitchen stuff? Stuffed animal? Barbie doll? Lego? Musical?

Step 4: Label with words and pictures. This is a lesson I stole from my daughter’s nursery school. In order for her to start recognizing her name, they put her picture on everything at school (along with her name); her coat hook, her take home bin, etc. So, we used our fancy label maker to label the item and then either cut out part of the box it came in or a picture that looked like the item so she would start to recognize what went with what.

Step 5: Not everything has to be super organized. As crazy as my husband and I can be about organization, we still know our kids need room to just be kids. We let our daughter decorate the walls in the playroom with her “friends”, aka the characters from Sesame Street and Frozen. In addition, we replaced the closet doors with curtains, and filled the floor in the closet with pillows and blankets. It is probably my favorite thing to hear her in there reading to her animals and dolls, seemingly in her own little world using her wonderful imagination, just as a 3 year old should.

What are your tips and tricks for organizing toys and kids’ spaces? We’d love to hear how you manage the ever growing toy clutter and how you get your little ones involved!

Frugal Friday :: A Step-by-Step Guide to Saving on Groceries

By

Lauren Cadorin

-

February 23, 2017

Happy Frugal Friday! Today I’m sharing with you my foolproof method to saving big at the grocery store.

On average, I spend about $75 a week on groceries. That’s for a family of 4! Want to spend even less than that $75? Eating more vegetarian meals significantly lowers the price of our groceries, making the weekly total about $60. Is my method guaranteed to feed your family for under $75. No. However, try it once and it will change the way you shop forever.

Step 1 :: Inventory

So many of us are guilty of skipping this essential step when planning our grocery lists. Chances are, your cupboards, fridge, and freezer are full of neglected food. Before doing anything else, make a list of what you have on hand.

Step 2 :: Clip Coupons

Scan through the weekly coupon inserts, cutting only the coupons you think you can use this week. At this point, I also go through my collection of paper coupons from previous weeks to see if there’s anything I can use.

Step 3 :: Look Up Weekly Ads

You can do this right from you phone. Most major grocery stores have apps that makes it easy to scroll through the weekly sales. Be on the lookout for major sales (i.e. Buy 10 Save 10) where you buy a specific number of participating items, to increase your savings. While scrolling through the ad, make sure to write down the participating items that interest you. Use this as an opportunity to compare sale items to your coupon collection – you never know when you’ll be able to double up on your savings. At this point, you should also start making connections between what you have on hand, what coupons you’ve clipped, and what’s on start the meal planning process.

Step 4 :: Create Meals

Create a weekly meal plan: breaking it up into 4 categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and other. Using what you’ve discovered in steps 1-3, you should be able to put together some meals pretty easily. I like to plan for 4 dinners, knowing that we will have leftovers from at least one of them. With spending so little money during the week, you should have a little extra cash to do fun things on the weekend like go out to eat or order a pizza.

Step 5 :: Search for Digital Savings

If your grocery store has an app, they probably have a way to download coupons right to your store card. Kroger and Meijer are two of my favorite stores with downloadable coupons. Use the app to search for the extras on your list that you don’t have paper coupons for. This is a great way to find deals on items that are hard to find coupons for, such as meat or organic items.

Step 6 :: Make Your Grocery List

To simplify your shopping, categorize your list by different sections of the store. This will keep you on track, and prevent you from wandering off, to let’s say the bakery, and tossing extra treats into the cart.

Final Step :: Celebrate Your Savings!

This is the best part – watching the savings at the register. It’s worth it to put a little extra work into planning when you save so much money!

Tell Us: What are your penny-saving methods when it comes to the weekly grocery store trip?

Screen Time Didn’t Ruin Me + It Won’t Hurt My Kids

By

Megan G.

-

February 22, 2017

To this day anytime I am home alone, the people, movement, and voices of the TV comfort me. It makes the house feel less empty. My mom cooks and reads while “watching” Law & Order. Rosie colors and does puzzles while her “toon toons” are on. There is no binge watching, no ignoring real life conversation to catch fictional dialogue, or branching off into separate rooms so we can control our own remotes. The TV is background, inconsequential, a treat. And I am ok with this.

During one of my earlier memories in life an episode of 20/20 featured a controversy where a woman was trying to use her deceased husband’s sperm to have a baby. I don’t remember the intricacies of the episode because just like any other evening we were all doing something else while the TV was on. But I heard a few key words and BAM! “Mom, what’s sperm?” and “How can she have a baby if her husband is dead? Don’t you need to kiss at your wedding to have a baby?”

Yes, an episode of 20/20 and dear old Barbara Walters inspired “the talk” for me and my sister. We are a TV family and PROUD of it! Growing up the TV was always on but we were rarely sitting and watching it. Think of it like how most people use a radio, for background noise or entertainment while doing something else like cleaning. It was something that made us feel safe and at home.

While pregnant with my first child I read the book “Brain Rules for Baby.” It was the only parenting book I read and feel it’s the only one I needed. The advice was science based, easy to absorb, and anchored on a few key points creating a foundation for all parenting situations. Scientist and author Dr. John Medina, among other experts, suggest zero screen time until the age of two. I immediately knew my first “parenting fail” would be the TV. I had no idea how lax I’d become on that and other devices.

My daughter began her love affair with my iPhone during dinner at restaurants. One night we were experiencing a long wait at our favorite fish and chips place and she was getting squirrely. Nothing was fun or entertaining any more, but we were going to get a table any minute. I downloaded some free Fisher Price apps on my phone and handed it to her. She loved it! She played with shapes and colors and practiced some fine motor skills. We ate and conversed in peace in between engaging with our daughter and the game.

After a long day at work I love to have the TV on to unwind and as she’s gotten older I have to be more and more aware of what I have on. The Dr. Phil days of maternity leave are over. She’s two years old now so I have to go for more neutral, happy things, like lots of HGTV. Can we just say reruns of Fixer Upper over and over?! And sometimes NickJr is on just for Rosie while we get dinner and dishes done. If we have a long car ride she gets to watch Peppa Pig on the iPad as she’s graduated from the free app games. For Christmas this year she got a LeapPad Platinum tablet with a few learning games, and some day I’m sure we’ll have an ABC Mouse subscription.

None of this totally relieves the “mom guilt,” since I know according to the experts she’s not supposed to have any screen time lest she be a wild, ill-adjusted, non-sleeping, lacking empathy, friendless tyrant. I know I speak for many moms when I say the American Academy of Pediatrics new guidelines on screen time, released fall of 2016, were a bit of relief. But it didn’t absolve the ever present judging looks we get at restaurants when crayons and milk lose their appeal. And I am quickly learning to be ok with this. That others judgement shouldn’t impact the decisions I may for my daughter.

What I wish I could tell those judging eyes is that Rosie usually only gets 20-30 minutes of cartoons right before bed to help wind down. We turn down the lights and volume and snuggle up with a snack. We talk about what’s on the show, the characters, colors, how silly they are. We’ve completely kid-proofed the iPad for her watching and playing safety. On the rare occasion she gets more TV or iPad time on a Saturday morning more often than not she gets bored and gets up to play all on her own.

But I shouldn’t have to tell anyone anything about the decisions we make for our daughter. I am ok with the choices we make. We are a TV family and I am proud of it! I am proud of the person I am and who my daughter is becoming. Allowing her to watch TV doesn’t make her make her less intelligent than children who don’t watch TV. She’s not glued to the TV, nor is it ever her “babysitter.” And all those terrible scary consequences? She’s an amazing sleeper, loves vegetables, makes friends easily, displays empathy, and is brilliant. She has an amazing attitude about life and is a great listener and helper. Screen time has not ruined her.

I guess Dr. Phil is right; children learn what they live.

What are the screen time rules in your house? Are you screen-free or are there limits set in place? Was there a time in your parenting that you felt you really had to discuss screen time with your kids?

The Plunge Into Pink

By

Meredith Weston-Backaitis

-

February 21, 2017

I thought I was meant to be a boy-mom. Three years and two boys. So, in August when I found out my husband and I were expecting our third, I just assumed it would be another boy. Guess what?? We are expecting a girl in April! Holy smokes. What am I supposed to do with this news? I am an expert in monster trucks and fart jokes. Not bows and barbie dolls. I love my guys. They are loud, funny and cannot sit still. They keep me on my toes. And while I fantasize about dressing my little girl up in pink dresses and going on shopping dates as she grows older, I realize that might not be the case. She might be more into baseball and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And I’m totally okay with that.

I might be new at raising girls, but I’ve been a girl for 35 years. I have learned a thing or two. I am going to try to keep my expectations in check, but here are a few things that I know I want to instill in her:

It’s okay to be girly, we can paint your nails, wear dresses and braid your hair, but only if you want to.
Being a girl is not an excuse for anything. Your muscles might not be as big as your brother’s, but you can be just as strong in so many ways.
Don’t attempt to be the best girl or the first girl at anything. Just attempt to be the best and first.
Concentrate on being strong, not skinny.
If anyone ever calls you ugly you can punch them in the face. **THIS IS JUST A JOKE**
Your daddy will be the first man who truly loves you. Everyone else will pale in comparison.
Your mom knows a lot about make up. Trust her advice. A strong red lip might not be right for history class.
Being a strong woman can encompass so many things. Intelligence, courage, passion or even physical strength. Find what works for you.
Don’t worry about what size your pantyhose are. Go up a size if you want to be comfortable. Too small pantyhose are the WORST.

Wow! And that is just the beginning of my thoughts. I thought I knew what having a full heart was like, but I’ve been told it is just getting good!

And, just to warm my heart a little more . . . it is amazing to see how sweet my boys already are about ‘baby sissy’. Charlie, my oldest wants to give her kisses, talks to her through my belly and tells her how she is his ‘best princess ever’. Although I’m not sure my little guy, Henry, knows exactly what’s going on, he follows his brother and gives my belly hugs and kisses. So sweet!

Like I said, I know how to be a boy-mom but maybe being a girl-mom isn’t so different. I’ll still love as much, support as much, and give the same amount of hugs and kisses. So I’ll continue to make my mistakes and hopefully learn from them with out screwing them up too much in the process.

Were you Team Boy until suddenly a girl was thrown in the mix, what did you find to be different? What about Team Girl mom’s who suddenly find themselves parenting a boy? We’d love to hear your experiences!

A Letter to My Pre-Mommy Friends

By

Danielle S

-

February 20, 2017

Dear Friend,

Hello, is it me you’re looking for?

When I added kid number two to our lives, I knew it wouldn’t be a cake walk. Sure, motherhood is full of wonder, but it’s also full of long hard days. Even the simplest things (like taking a shower, or going to the bathroom) can be a challenge once you are in charge of another life. I understood that. I knew the family dynamic would change once we added kid #2.

Something I wasn’t planning it to take a toll on?

Our friendship.

With Annabelle, I feel I still did a pretty good job maintaining our friendship. We were able to visit with you at play dates, we FaceTimed with one another, maybe we even went out for dinner (or drinks) sans kids. Sure it was tough for me at times (you can read about my struggles with postpartum depression), but I don’t think our friendship suffered. In fact it was our friendship that helped me in those dark days of parenting.

But then Autumn came, and things changed.

Like I said before I knew things would be different with two. I mean, you can’t add another member to family without changes occurring. We spent time preparing the house, and prepping Annabelle. I felt confident that we would transition to a family of four smoothly. And in all honesty for the most part we did.

But figuring out life with two was still challenging. Specifically trying to leave the house. With one, it was easy to work around the nap schedule, but with two things became tricky. Until she was about four months Autumn didn’t really have a “set” schedule, and would easily take a snooze in a carrier. Going out then was easy (well easier). Then four months hit, and the carrier wasn’t cutting it, so I had to be home (I’m a little bit anal/crazy insane/strict of a stickler when it comes to naps and sleep). The fact that she refused a bottle didn’t help the situation. All of this left me feeling trapped, and had a major affect maintaining friendships.

So, I wanted to say please, please, please, understand, it’s not that I don’t want to see you. I do want to see you. And it’s not just that I want to see you, I need to see you. I crave our time together. It keeps me out of the dark corners of my mind. It helps me to see the joy in life. That time is precious to me. Not just that, I love hearing about your life. Being there for the ups is great, and I want to be able to support you in the downs. But the reality is, getting two kids out the door between naps is hard. I love having you over, but I feel guilty that you are always making the trek to my place. It’s not fair to you. So then I don’t call, time passes much too quickly, and before I know it, it’s been months since we’ve talked. And I hate it.

But, do you know what I don’t hate? It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, when we get together we can just pick right up from where we left off.

I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for coming to my house all of the time. Thank you for putting up with my scatterbrain-ness when I don’t reply to texts or calls in a timely fashion (this is something I am working on). Thank you for being there for me when I need it. Thank you for remaining my friend, when it seems like I am never there. I value you and am forever thankful to call you a friend.

From the trenches of motherhood,

Danielle

Introducing Chrissie!

:: Down With Detroit ::

:: My Life ::

:: Babies and Beyond ::

Introducing Chel Bell Guild!

:: Down with Detroit ::

:: My Life ::

:: Babies & Beyond ::

March 1, 2017

March 2, 2017

March 3, 2017

March 4, 2017

March 6, 2017

March 7, 2017

March 9, 2017

March 10, 2017

March 11, 2017

March 12, 2017

March 15, 2017

March 16, 2017

March 17, 2017

March 18, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 22, 2017

March 23, 2017

March 24, 2017

March 25, 2017

March 26, 2017

March 29, 2017

March 31, 2017

In + Around Detroit