Easy Tips For Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships

January 27, 2024

Personally, it feels like every time I’ve made a close friend, they eventually move away. (Ahem, you know who you are.) All the way back to high school when I laid in the road in front of my best friend’s car in hopes it would prevent her move to Wisconsin. Spoiler alert: it did not. Twenty years ago we were limited to phone calls, instant messenger, occasional visits, and who remembers Skype?! Today, we are fortunate to have more options.

Making time to nurture friendships can be hard. In the chaos of everyday life and taking care of families, keeping in touch with friends–even local friends–can sometimes feel like another item on your to-do list. With long-distance friendships, it becomes a whole new level of commitment.

These aren’t friends that you can reach out to last-minute to go grab a margarita with on Taco Tuesday. While it may feel challenging at times, let’s discuss how to show up for your long-distance friends.

Are You In or Out?

A big decision needs to be made first: are you willing to put the work in to maintaining long-distance friendships? Being the only person who puts effort into maintaining any relationship is frustrating and hurtful. Friendships are a two-way street and need to be treated as such.

Will you find the time for phone calls, texts, video chats, and planning visits? Or are you okay with letting this friendship run its course? Either way, being kind and respectful to your friend and communicating what kind of friendship you are willing to move forward with is top on the priority list.

Get Creative

We’re all guilty of letting our busy lives get the best of us. Then at the end of the day, we remember, “Shoot! I owe this person a text.” While checking in a few times a week is great, how often is it a real check-in and not just popping in to say how busy you both have been?

Instead, why not set aside some time to do something you’d both enjoy doing together from a distance? Pick a book to both read or a TV show to watch and set aside a monthly night to talk about it. Or if the stars align and you both find yourself with an hour of free time, turn on FaceTime and watch the show at the same time for real-life response times!

Go the Distance

Use your miles apart as an opportunity to plan a trip together. Swap trips to each other’s houses, meet in the middle, or pick somewhere completely different. Not only will it do you both good to spend the quality face-to-face time together, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the planning process together.

Where do you both want to go? What are some things you want to do while you’re there? Solo trip or family trip? Planning will be half the fun and only increase the excitement to spend time together.

Be There for the Hard Times

When you hear your friend going through a hard time, it is essential that you show your support. If you cannot be there in person, find another way to let them know you are with them. Think to yourself: if you were currently going through their situation, what would make you feel loved and supported?

I’ve found the best way to do this is to NOT ask your friend what you can do for them. Nine times out of 10 they’re going to say that they don’t need anything because they don’t want to feel like a burden. When my father-in-law passed away, a friend reached out and told us that she was going to deliver Chinese food for us. She gave us two options for delivery days and said to let her know our orders. What I loved about that was that she took the mental and physical load off us. During tough times, the last thing you want to do is make another decision. This way, the decision was made for us. (Thanks, Melissa!) Send flowers, a meal delivery service, mail a hand written note . . . anything, so your friend feels that you’re with them.

Whether your friend is moving across the state or the country, keeping these ideas in mind can help keep your friendship strong and looking forward to creating long-lasting memories together. What are ways you maintain your long-distance friendships? Leave your ideas in the comments!

Navigating friendships takes work for our kids, too. Renee shares how to help your kids keep friendships going after they’ve moved.

Poverty Awareness Month: Local Resources

Amanda Nihem

January 24, 2024

January is Poverty Awareness Month. We wanted to bring awareness to the topic, and also offer local resources that are available in our communities to help those in need. Whether you or someone you know is affected by poverty, or you simply want to know where you can volunteer and support locally, we hope this post is helpful for you. And, if you know of any local resources we should add, be sure to let us know.

Immediate Crisis Relief

First off, if you or someone you know is in crisis, there is immediate help. The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available by dialing 9-8-8. This is free, confidential support to those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. This is available nationally to anyone who calls and is always there, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There is also immediate help, 24/7, through United Way by dialing 2-1-1. This helpline provides connection and/or referrals to programs in your area that help with food, shelter, financial support, and more. There are over 30,000 resources just in southeast Michigan. The person on the other side of this call has been trained to provide crisis intervention and will be able to look up all available resources based on your exact location and needs. As someone who has personally worked in this exact position, know that there is no shame or judgment. You can remain anonymous, too.

Local Resources for Poverty Awareness Month

Agape Center | Romeo | (586) 336-6842

The Agape Center provides emergency food relief to those in Macomb County.

*How you can help: If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Coordinator of Programs and Volunteer, Kathy Mollon, at (586) 336-6842. The pantry is also has a list of food donations needed that can be dropped off.
*If you need support: If you are seeking emergency food relief, visit the pantry during the listed pantry hours and provide basic information to qualify. The pantry hours are:

Monday from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tuesday from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Bountiful Harvest | Brighton | (810) 360-0271

Bountiful Harvest offers a food pantry, pet pantry, evening meals Tuesday through Friday, hot breakfast on Saturday mornings, a clothing pantry, and grocery delivery. They also have seasonal assistance for families during Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and more holidays, plus employment assistance and more.

*How you can help: donate money or wish list items, or volunteer your time
*If you need support: call their 24-Hour Help Line at (810) 534-7275

CARES | Farmington Hills | (248) 882-7800

CARES provides a food pantry and CARES Market to those who are experiencing food insecurities. They are open to all who live in Farmington Hills, Farmington, Livonia, Redford Twp., Southfield, Northville, Novi, and West Bloomfield. CARES also provides resources for AA, NA, WIC, suicide prevention, and other support group settings.

*How you can help: CARES accepts donations online or via mail. You can also volunteer by completing their Volunteer Application Form.
*If you need support: The food pantry is available by appointment only. In order to schedule an appointment, call (248) 474-8231.

Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance | Detroit | (313) 397-9280

Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance provides youth development programming, neighborhood stabilization, senior support, and community events in Detroit.

*How you can help: You can donate directly here.
*If you need support: Contact directly by calling (313) 397-9280 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

COTS | Detroit | (313) 831-3777

COTS provides support to individuals and families in Detroit to break the cycle of generational poverty. They provide mentorship programming, housing, and fatherhood support through their Fatherhood Initiative Program and more.

*How you can help: COTS accepts donations on their website
*If you need support: Find an Access Point and bring your photo ID. Once there, they will complete an assessment and provide you with additional support based on your needs.

Crossroads of Michigan | Detroit | (313) 831-2000 + (313) 822-5200

This organization offers emergency assistance to those who need it. Every Sunday, they host a Soup Kitchen for a hot meal for those in the community.

*How you can help: donate money right on their website, spend time volunteering, or provide some of their most urgent needs
*If you need support: their website has links to local resources and support

D.O. It For Denny | Livonia

This kindness initiative focuses on helping those experiencing homelessness through donations from the community. They organize projects throughout the year, including a toy shop for Christmas.

*How you can help: You can send a Venmo donation to @Sami-McKay or shop their Amazon Wish List
*If you need support: Check out their Facebook page for current and updated information about Blessing Bags

Eagles Helping Hands | Redford

Run by volunteers, the Friends of Eagles Helping Hands gather food to help keep pantries and fridges stocked and ready. Any member of the community is welcome to look for what they might need. Food is passed out on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Elmwood Blessing Box | Garden City

The Elmwood Blessing Box is open 24/7 for families in need of food. It is run by a local family. They also accept donations.

*How you can help: You can check out their linktree page for more information
*If you need support: you’ll find the Blessing Box at 29878 Elmwood St., Garden City, MI, 48135

Forgotten Harvest | Oak Park | (248) 967-1500

This organization fights food insecurity and hunger through their work with local charities.

*How you can help: there are numerous volunteer opportunities on their website
*If you need support: use their “Find Food” locator to find a pantry

Freedge | Rochester Hills | (248) 651-9621

The Rochester Police host a refrigerator sharing program. This is open to anyone who is in need of fresh produce and other foods.

*How you can help: email [email protected] to donate or drop off items at your convenience
*If you need support: contact the Rochester Police at (248) 651-9621 for additional information. Freedge is also a program found throughout the world! For more locations, check the Freedge Map.

Gleaners | Multiple Locations | (866) 453-2637

Gleaners provides food to multiple locations throughout Southeast Michigan by supporting about 400 locations with food.

*If you need support: To find a location near you, use their PantryNet to see the map of all their food pantries, mobile locations, shelters, soup kitchens, and residential programs

Hospitality House Food Pantry | Commerce Twp. | (248) 960-9975

Hospitality House Food Pantry provides a “client-choice food pantry” as well as a Weekend Food Program for students in local schools.

*How you can help: Individuals are welcome to apply to volunteer or donate!
*If you need support: Call (248) 960-9975 to apply for food assistance. Check here for the hours and eligibility requirements.

Humble Design | Pontiac | (844) 486-2533

Humble Design provide custom home updates and furniture to those who are coming out of homelessness. Their designs and personal touches make house feel like a home.

*How you can help: There are many ways to support Humble Design, including donating or volunteering, or checking out their Amazon Wish List or Target Wish List.

Judson Center | Multiple Locations | (248) 549-4339

Judson Center is a community-based human service center that focuses on the whole family–children and adults.

*How you can help: you can make a donation through their website
*If you need support: fill out the contact form on their website

Lasagna Love | Metro Detroit

Volunteers are cooking up lasagna to share with neighbors in their own community in a cross-country kindness movement!

*How you can help: sign up to be a chef (or sponsor one)
*If you need support: Click here to enter your zip code and find a chef near you to coordinate with

Love Bigger | Rochester Hills

Love Bigger focuses on helping you declutter, and then connects you with organizations to donate your items to. You can use their app to find local organizations to support with your items.

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services | Statewide

The state of Michigan provides immediate assistance for utility shutoff notices, eviction notice, burial services, and home repairs.

*If you need support: Click here to see if you are eligible and to apply on MIBridges

Open Door Outreach Center | Waterford | (248) 360-2930

Open Door Outreach Center provides immediate clothing, food, and referrals to those in need in Waterford, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Commerce, Orchard Lake, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, and some of Wixom area.

*How you can help: Volunteers can sign up for positions in the food pantry and store locations on their website. Donations are accepted as well.
*If you need support: Call (248) 360-2930 to schedule an appointment

Picking Up The Pieces | Southfield | (248) 238-8587

This organization was started by a local single mother who knows what it’s like to go from homelessness to housing, but needing the basic essentials to help it feel more like home.

*How you can help: you can support this non-profit through their Target or Amazon wish lists

Yad Ezra | Berkley | (248) 548-3663

Yad Ezra provides kosher foods to those in need in the Jewish community.

*How you can help: If you are interested in volunteering, sign up here
*If you need support: Please complete the application on their website. Personal information is confidential.

Zaman International | Inkster | (313) 551-3994

Zaman International works specifically to help eradicate poverty experienced by women and families in Wayne County and Metro Detroit. They provide basic need case management that provides food, clothing, shelter, and emergency support, but also vocational training, workforce development, and more.

CNN honored the founder of Zaman International, Najah Bazzy, as a Hero in 2019 for creating the organization and the work she’s done with Zaman International. This gave Zaman national recognition for its work with women experiencing poverty in the Metro Detroit community. Watch the CNN clip here.

*How you can help: Volunteers can apply to donate their time, or donate funding here
*If you need support: For more information, email [email protected]

Wayne Metro | Wayne County | (313) 388-9799

Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Alliance (Wayne Metro) provides over 100 programs to support families in the community from food support, tax assistance, financial counseling, and housing support, to Head Start and after-school programming.

*How you can help: You can learn more here on how to donate or volunteer. You can shop their Amazon Wish List too!
*If you need support: they have options right on their website for support, including information on calling, applying online, chatting online, or sending an e-mail

County-Level Resources for Poverty Awareness Month

You can also search online for the website for the county you live in, and it should bring up local resources to assist and support you.

Churches

Many churches have food pantries that operate weekly or biweekly
His Church Anglican: food pantry every third Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
St. Edith Church: blessing box in front of the gym, by the school
Ward Church: Forgotten Harvest every Monday from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (or until food runs out) at Entry 2

Schools

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a school meal program that feeds millions of school children every day. To apply, contact your local school. Eligible households include: income of $39,000 or less for a family of four, family receives EBT, youth in foster care, or those who participate in Head Start. There is also a reduced price option for households (family of four) with an annual income less than $55,550.
Blessings in a Backpack is a national nonprofit that provides back to school supplies. Be sure to check out their list of current local school locations.
Great Start Readiness Program and Head Start provide free/low-income preschool programs to those who meet the income requirements.
Contact your local school to be connected to the school social worker.
All schools do have services for families experiencing homelessness (from the McKinney-Vento Act). Contact your school social worker for more information if you are experiencing homelessness.

According to Michigan.gov, just in Michigan there are 1.4 million people living below the poverty line, and more than 43% of working households have trouble making ends meet between food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and transportation. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Together we can support one another, through every season of life.

If you’re looking for more ways to support local organizations, check out our Local Giving Guide.

12 Spots to Check Out for A Dry January Date

danaabraham

January 23, 2024

It’s all over our social media feeds and the news this month more than ever–and we’re certainly interested. You guessed it: we’re talking about Dry January dates in this post!

Dry January is in full swing, which can throw a wrench into date night plans if you’re used to dinners out with your partner, washed down with some cocktails or wine. Detroit does food and bev so well, so what’s a girl to do if she’s practicing an ABV-free month?

Luckily, we’re right there with you here at Detroit Mom. Whether you’ve been sober for years, days, or are even just curious about it, we’re counting down some of the best ideas for a date night with your partner that don’t include alcohol. Happy dating!

Dry January Date Ideas In + Around Detroit

Channel Your Nerdy Side at Cranbrook Institute of Science | Bloomfield Hills

If you’re a museum person, this one’s a must-see. Discover the natural world around you with exciting exhibits like standing beneath a T. Rex or even the opportunity to touch a meteorite!

Climb at DYNO Detroit | Detroit

DYNO Detroit is hands-down one of the coolest climbing gyms I’ve been to. Located in Eastern Market, this one’s sure to be an adventure for your relationship. Beginners and experts alike are welcome, so don’t let experience hold you back from trying your hand!

Coffee + Pastries at Cannelle | Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Detroit, + Farmington

Cannelle offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory pastries, as well as coffee. With four locations around Metro Detroit, it’s an easy and sweet Dry January date (literally!). We suggest even grabbing a few treats to go!

Enjoy a “Snack Along” Movie Date | Your Home

Have you ever considered using Chat GPT for a date night? Same, until I heard about a “Snack Along.” Simply ask AI to pull the foods and drinks in a movie of your choice, get them, and enjoy! Lemonade, pop, and seltzer water make great subs for alcoholic drinks.

Get It All Out at Rage Room | Farmington + Madison Heights

Tough day? Rage Room is the perfect scene for you and your boo to get it all out. With the opportunity to destroy all kinds of objects with sledgehammers, you get 20 minutes just to smash as much stuff as you want. You know it sounds fun . . .

Get Messy at Splatter Room | Ann Arbor

Splatter Room in Ann Arbor allows you to make a mess (and not have to clean it up!). Their $99 date package comes with a private room, two canvases, a few beverages, and chocolates. You’re sure to remember this one for a long time, especially because you can bring the canvas home!

Ignite Your Senses at Scent Science Candle Bar | Auburn Hills

Have you ever wanted to make a candle that’s personalized to you? Scent Science Candle Bar allows you to do just that. Trying different scents that play together (in your mind, no one else’s), you’ll create a masterpiece that you get to bring home and enjoy for days to come.

Jazz + Mocktails at Cliff Bell’s | Detroit

Just when I thought Detroit couldn’t get any cooler . . . it does. Cliff Bell’s in Detroit offers a unique jazz scene with a great mocktail menu to boot. This is one Dry January date night you’ll want to live over and over again!

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum | Farmington Hills

Recommended by one of our writers, this place is also a journey back in time! With free admission, you can check out a plethora of “coin-operated animatronic dummies, mechanical games, and other curiosities.” Sounds like a blast to me!

Start Cooking with Zingerman’s Baking Classes | Your Home/Virtual

Have you always wanted to get better at baking? Try a virtual class together; this one can even be done once the kids are in bed. It can be so fun to learn new skills together. Zingerman’s Baking Classes are a great option for you to grow together–and eat sweet treats while you’re at it!

Take the Plunge at The Schvitz | Detroit

Look . . . this is on the top of my must-do list in Detroit. Our neighbors are so obsessed, they have the merch from this place! If spas and hot tubs are your thing, The Schivtz is for you. With a historic bathhouse, you can go back in time and experience a truly relaxing time together.

Try Your Hand at Top Golf | Auburn Hills

Top Golf is also one of those dates that shouldn’t scare you–even if you’ve never picked up a club. Unlike fancy golf courses, Top Golf’s first priority for you is fun. I’ve always had a great time at Top Golf, no matter how well I play! Their food and drinks are also worth a try.

According to TODAY.com, around 41% of U.S. adults are doing Dry January. So if you’re feeling like you’re the only one, you’re so not! We hope this list of unique Dry January date night ideas inspires you to get creative and build that relationship, even when you’re not drinking. There are so many fun things to do around Detroit with your partner, so quit reading and plan your next night out!

Looking for more date ideas? Check out one of these local restaurants offering igloo dining!

The Parenting Post: Sleep Tips, Part 1

Detroit Mom

January 22, 2024

Do you have a parenting hurdle you’re working through? If so, “The Parenting Post” is for you! One of our writers, Albiona, has been answering all of YOUR parenting questions over on IG, and we’ve turned her series into blog posts on our website as well. We just can’t get enough of her helpful advice, and we thought you’d appreciate it, too!

Her videos cover a wide variety of parenting questions–honestly, anything and everything! If it’s something you’re wondering, there’s a really good chance that another parent in our community is struggling with it, too. And Albiona is here to help!

This week, she’s focusing on sleep, and how to know if you should make a sleep plan for your child. Every situation and child is different, and you’ll want to make sure to set a doable goal and then build from there! Read on to learn more about how to create a sleep plan for your child.

How do I know if I need to make a sleep plan for my child?

To get started, you need to ask yourself: “Is what we’re currently doing working?” If it works for you, and everyone sleeps well, and it’s supporting good and healthy sleep, then you should keep doing what you’re already doing!

Of course, we want to create an environment where the whole family is getting the sleep that they need so that they can all continue to tackle each day with their best selves. So, if this isn’t happening–if you’re not sleeping–the compound effect of that is really detrimental both to kids and to adults. And it might be time for a sleep plan.

What if I am ready to make a change in our current sleep situation?

Maybe you want to teach your kids to sleep in their own rooms, in their own beds, independently. It’s okay to incentivize sleep. A lot of people would disagree; they feel like incentives are similar to bribes. But I don’t think they are. I define incentives and bribes very differently.

I think in some cases, we need an external motivation piece to help us–as long as it’s aligned with something that is healthy for us. In a sleep plan situation, the intrinsic motivation of developing healthy, strong kids is requiring good sleep. In order to achieve this, we might have to externally motivate them because kids don’t have the moral compass to know whether or not something is the best thing for them or not.

They’re growing, learning, and figuring this all out. We want to help them adapt behaviors that are going to be really healthy for them, and in the long run, it’s going to really set them up for success.

Sleep is one of those things that is so important.

Research tells us time and time again that when kids get chronic poor sleep (not sleeping through the night, not getting enough sleep hours, not getting good restful sleep, etc.), the detriment of that is pretty profound. We start to see learning challenges and emotional disregularity.

Think about yourself: if you have gone days and days and days with poor sleep, you’re in a fog all the time. You’re not able to put your best foot forward. You don’t feel great. You have constant fatigue. Everything feels arduous. Your sustained attention is reduced.

There are so many things that compound as a result of poor sleep. And because children’s brains are still developing, sleep is the area where it really starts to take shape. We want to make sure they’re getting that good quality sleep any which way we can, and a sleep plan can help with that.

What about those incentives?

I’m a firm believer in using incentives to get your kids to adopt healthy sleep habits and good sleep hygiene. To start, pick something that you know will motivate your child to do the thing you’re asking them to do–for example, you might want them to sleep through the night in their own bed.

For some kids this might be a feasible goal. But what if your child gets up multiple times during the night? This goal might be so big and far away and unreachable that you’re setting them up to fail right from the beginning. Therefore, you’ll want to pick a goal that is tangible, easy to access, and easy to get to.

So how does this work? You can reinforce your child with the incentive that they really want so that they feel motivated to stick with the sleep plan. This is going to take a few days, at least. But start small, and work your way up!

Ideas for Incentives

The incentive should be something that your child doesn’t get regularly, which gives it a really high value and makes it super motivating for them. It doesn’t need to be grand and big (this could actually cause them to not sleep because they’re too excited for it!), but it does need to be something they don’t have access to all the time. And, it should be given to them as soon as they wake up the next day. Here are some examples:

a treat that they rarely get
something inside of a mystery box (like a small toy that they love)
the promise of a really special activity that morning when they wake up

Once you start meeting your child at a goal that is reachable for them, and you can start to reinforce it with the incentive that they really love, you can start adding more onto your sleep plan. The best way to reinforce the sleep behaviors is to attach them to the incentive that is immediate!

It’s All About the Timing

This could happen over a few nights, a few weeks, or even a few months. It’s important to remember that if your child has been sleeping a certain way for an extended period of time, it’s going to take an extended period of time to make the change. Keeping this in mind will help you to shift your mindset and expectations throughout the sleep plan journey so that you don’t walk into it thinking right away that it’s not working. Give it time!

As a last thought here: make sure you think about how doable a sleep plan is in your home. What do you need to be able to facilitate the sleep plan? If you try to do this during a really busy time of year, it might not be the best idea. It’s really going to require a lot from you. You want to be present, you want to be engaged, and you really want to pack your patience so that you can get through some of those harder days that will eventually lead to the better days.

Do you have more parenting questions for Albiona? Leave them below so she can possibly answer them for you. To learn more, you can follow Albiona on Instagram. Or, subscribe to her weekly newsletter and download her free guide for teaching parents how to get their kids to listen.

Looking for more parenting advice? Our previous Parenting Post blog post covered navigating transitions from house to house during the holidays!

Balancing Work and Children: The Juggling Act

fotinicallis

January 21, 2024

As the alarm clock rudely interrupts my peaceful slumber, I wonder if today will be the day I master the art of being a full-time working mom with kids and hockey, and the ever-elusive pursuit of a clean house: LAUNDRY PUT AWAY!

Spoiler alert: it’s not.

Each morning feels like a chaotic scene from a sitcom, with kids missing their homework assignments, spilled cereal, the dog and cat chasing one another, and a desperate attempt to shower and look presentable for work after my 20-minute Peloton workout.

No judgment zone–20 minutes is perfect for my mental health. But hey, who needs a peaceful morning when you can have an adrenaline-pumping start to the day? Where are all those endorphins I was promised? I’ll take a coffee with a side order of chaos, please.

I can’t, my kid has practice.

As soon as the workday ends, it’s time for Hockey Mode! We moms turn into sports commentators, knowing more about our children’s sports than we ever thought possible. Cheering so loudly at games that even the players look our way. Arriving to the game decked out in full spirit wear, complete with face paint, foam fingers, and a hoarse voice. Go, team, go!

Practice ends and we head home to air dry our equipment in preparation for the next rink visit. Our garages are overflowing with hockey gear. It’s a scientific fact that hockey gear multiplies when left alone in a confined space. We’ve considered hiring an exorcist to deal with the mysterious odor that emanates from those bags.

Don’t mind the mess, we’re making memories.

Just like my sons practice for hockey, balancing work and children means that I practice having the elusive clean house. It’s like the unicorn in our lives, rumored to exist but rarely seen. Between work, hockey, and maintaining my sanity, finding the time to scrub, sweep, and mop feels like mission impossible.

But hey, I realized that it is okay to ask for help. I hired a cleaning crew to come out and do the deep cleaning. I now have more time to spend at the rink or playing games with my boys. Is my house spotless? No, it’s “lived in chic”!

What the fork is for dinner?

Picture this: mom chopping vegetables, one kid on her hip, phone in the other hand, another kid crying because they are hungry, while mentally calculating how long until she has a breakdown. You see, for moms balancing work and children, preparing dinner nightly is like starring in Iron Chef. We’ve got ingredients flying, timers beeping, and a secret weapon: smoke alarm that doubles as a timer. Cooking dinner doesn’t have to be a nightly kitchen escapade. Invest in a slow cooker, meal prep weekly, grocery shop for only the things you need for the recipes, and turn chaos into dinner.

A friend told me about the little blue Kroger refrigerated van that delivers groceries. GAME CHANGER! I find recipes on SkinnyTaste, meal prep for the week, and order groceries for Sunday morning, all while watching my son warm up for his hockey game on Saturday. Turn that culinary chaos into someone that Gordon Ramsay would be proud of!

It’s the weekend, time to relax (sort of).

After a long weekend of balancing work, hockey, and housekeeping, the weekends are our golden reward. Well, not exactly. Laundry: my arch-nemesis. It multiplies faster than rabbits in a hat!

I’ve come to accept that my laundry pile will forever resemble Mount Everest. However, when I have conquered the world’s messiest mountain, I feel like a champion . . . only to realize that the laundry basket is full the next day. I have mastered the spin cycle and revamped my folding ninja skills–but don’t ask me to iron. That’s why they added the steam cycle on the dryers, right?

Is it Monday already?

Ah, Sunday! Our exhaustion has finally caught up to us, just in time to restart all over again. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever experience true relaxation again. But then, I remember all the laughter, cuddles, and pure love that fills our house.

As a full-time working mom, hockey mom, and champion of cleanliness (even if I pay someone else to do it), I have realized that life is beautifully chaotic. My life isn’t always organized and perfect; it’s messy, laughter-filled, loud, and sometimes stinky, but it’s all mine. I am going to cherish these moments, celebrate the wins (both on and off the ice), and forgive myself for those dust bunnies hiding in the corners.

I will keep juggling those pucks and chores, because my boys are only going to be young once. Being a super mom doesn’t mean you do it all perfectly; it means you keep showing up, no matter how imperfectly things may unfold.

Balancing work and children might mean you start to look for help with house stuff, and that’s totally okay! Kelly shares how to reclaim your time + sanity by outsourcing tasks.

Where to Find Igloo Dining In + Around Detroit

LaurenDalton

January 19, 2024

*updated 1/6/23

If you’re looking for something to do this week, head for a restaurant with outdoor dining. Yes, it’s winter in Michigan, and that phrase is mind-boggling to say the least. But there are so many benefits to getting out of the house and heading for one of these great establishments:

You’re supporting a local business.
It’s great for your mental health.
Fresh air is always a good idea.
You don’t have to cook!

So bundle up, grab a blanket, and enjoy a meal with your family or a best gal pal at some of our favorite local places this winter.

Ale Mary’s | Royal Oak

Outdoor igloos. Accommodates 6 guests. No reservation required.

Blake’s Tasting Room | Armada

Heated outdoor igloos. Reservation and deposit required. Accommodates up to 10 guests.

Bobcat Bonnie’s | Various Locations

Igloos for up to 6 guests. Reservations required but they have no deposit.

Buck Shots Bar and Grill | Clarkston

$25 rental fee for heated igloos that seat up to 6 people.

Camp Ticonderoga | Troy

Heated outdoor igloos. $5 non-refundable booking fee and reservations required. Accommodates up to 10 guests. $250 minimum food and drink.

Deadwood Bar + Grill | Northville

Outdoor heated igloos. There is a $10 non-refundable booking fee and a $250 minimum food and drink requirement. Accommodates up to 10 guests.

Decked Out Detroit | Detroit

Multiple downtown restaurants are offering cozy and safe outdoor dining areas! Click the link above to see participating eateries and plan your al fresco experience!

Detroit Fleat | Ferndale

Heated outdoor igloos. Reservations required and $10 booking fee. Accommodates up to 8 guests.

Detroit Shipping Company | Detroit

Heated outdoor seating with space heaters.

Downtown Northville Social District | Northville

Many restaurants have heated outdoor seating. The downtown areas between Main and Center Streets are closed and will have new pods and stands with overhead heating.

Four Star Grille | Marysville

Call the restaurant at 810.364.6950 to reserve your igloo.

Honcho | Clarkston

Heated outdoor tents. Reservations required. Accommodates up to 6 guests.

Homegrown Brew Co | Oxford

Heated outdoor igloos that hold 8. $50 required for reservation which will be deducted from final bill.

Lumen | Detroit

Private chalets. Reservations required. Accommodates up to 10 guests.

Moose Preserve | Bloomfield Hills

Heated outdoor igloos. Reservations required. Accommodates up to 10 guests.

On the Bay | New Baltimore

Heated gazebos, fully enclosed. Reservations required.

TAQ | Ann Arbor

Outdoor cabins available beginning the week of January 11th.

The Tavern at Tina’s Country House | Macomb

Outdoor igloos. Accommodates 6-10 guests. Reservation recommended.

The White Horse Inn | Metamora

Themed outdoor igloos that hold up to 10 guests. Reservations are required.

Watermark Bar and Grill | St. Clair Shores

Outdoor waterfront igloos. Accommodates 2-6 guests. Reservations required. $250 minimum food and drink requirement.

While you’re doing some outdoor dining, perhaps you’d like to do some shopping at one of our favorite local businesses, too!

*This post was originally written by Katie Purcell and was updated in 2024 by Lauren Dalton.

Indoor Winter Activities to Help Beat Those Michigan Snow Days

RanaMakki

January 17, 2024

We Michiganders definitely know a thing or two about winter weather. Once January hits and I can no longer hear sleigh bells, falling snow loses its allure. It’s because I know that with that falling snow comes more opportunities to be inside our homes, waiting for it to thaw outside. Which means more opportunities for cabin fever (and the need for indoor winter activities) to set in.

Throughout the years, I’ve found it’s best to try and prevent cabin fever and those winter blues before they hit. This is especially true with repeated snow days in a row sometimes, or when the roads are too slippery to drive around on weekends.

But if there’s one thing we all learned well during the pandemic, it’s that we can have just as much fun cooped up inside as we can going out. And as we also discovered during the pandemic, sometimes those cozy days and nights inside can actually be a gift in the form of more time spent together as a family.

Here are my favorite tips to make the most of the gift of a cozy winter season, and maximize family fun time indoors!

Schedule a Weekly Family Movie Night

If you were to ask my kids what their favorite day of the week is, they’d tell you Friday in a heartbeat. This is because Friday is our family movie night!

We treat this night like an actual event. The whole family looks forward to it all week long. I make a special yummy dinner because in our house calories don’t count for us on Fridays. Then we end the evening with a special dessert that’s only reserved for Friday night while watching our movie.

Explore Each Other’s Interests

Each family member gets their turn to pick a movie we all watch together. Through this aspect, we’ve been introduced to each other’s interests.

For example, my kids learned about my husband’s childhood trends when he insisted we watch E.T. He described seeing it as a child and the resulting social trends the movie created. My husband and children also became avid Star Wars fans after I introduced them to the series—carried on from my own childhood and parents. This then sparked more Star Wars activities and concurrent travels.

When my kids pick the movie I’m always amazed at how I think I absolutely know what they’re currently interested in. But then I learn something new through their movie choice!

For example my daughter recently asked us to watch the new Spider Man series, which I’d never heard her express interest in prior. It turned out to be an excellent movie! It also prompted me to buy the Marvel and Spider Man graphic novels and comics for my kids which they currently adore!

Enjoy the Peace + Cuddle Time

Another aspect I love about family movie night is finally being able to relax, put my feet up, and cuddle with my kids after a busy week. So pick a night that works for your family—and stick to it. Schedule in a weekly family movie night!

It’ll not only help you pass those winter nights more easily as you munch on popcorn cuddled next to your kiddo with snow falling outside the window, but it will also instill in your kids that spending time as a family is valuable.

Set the Mood

Yes, this goes for whole family events too. When I think of winter days and nights, I think of heavy blankets, fuzzy socks, a fire crackling off in the distance, and a warm mug of something in my hand. Since we spend so much time inside the house during the winter season here in Michigan, it’s worth investing in making it to your family’s cozy liking.

Now I’m not saying to go out and hire a contractor to build you a fireplace and stick a chimney in your roof. But it might be worth splurging on those items that give you all the cozy vibes. Especially since we’re using them for so many months!

Cozy Up Your Existing Space

Some ways you can set the cozy mood in your home are purchasing warm throw blankets, lots of pillows, and fuzzy socks and lounge wear for the whole family. Set up a tea and cocoa station on the counter. Buy a smokeless fireplace for cheap online if you don’t have one (these can actually be placed anywhere you want around your house!). Or simply light some candles–either with a flame, or flameless if you have young kids.

Do whatever you need to set the mood in your house so that you and your family want to be there. And we’re all too familiar with the fact that in winter—we’ll be there for a while. So we better like the space.

Set Up “Fun Stations” Around Your House

One of my favorite indoor mom hacks I learned from other moms early on in my parenting years? Set up all their toys and games in designated stations. Their stuff stays better organized and they’re independently playing with different items that all have a home. Plus I don’t have to be the one to constantly entertain them. Win-win-win for mama!

“Fun Stations” go beyond just setting up a playroom for your kids. This is about setting up their play area so they can not only play without you, but organizing it in a way that they can put it back themselves without your help.

In our home, I found the easiest place to do this was the basement. But my mantra truly is “work with your existing space.” Keep your kids’ ages and dependency levels in mind. For example, this is not the time to set up a puzzle station with a 2,000 piece puzzle for your four-year-old. They might need some help putting it together and cleaning it up afterwards.

In our home, I have set up a cozy book area, a media game spot for Nintendo games, a table for crafts/puzzles, a dollhouse area with doll items next to it, and an empty rug so they can carry play over onto the floor if necessary. But . . . what do you do if they get bored of this stuff that’s already out?

Have a Hidden Storage Area of Extra Toys/Games at the Ready

After a few days of playing with the same things over and over during a snowy week, my kids eventually get bored. This is when I pull out my arsenal of secret games and toys I have stored away. (Shhh . . . don’t tell them I have this!) These toys and games are my secret weapon for preventing boredom. I collect them over time, and they’re not expensive at all.

They’ve been purchased at the dollar store. I look around in the dollar spot at Target. They can be found at garage sales and second-hand shops. They’ve been donated through family and friends. I find them on sale during the holidays. And sometimes I splurge a little on items I know they’d absolutely adore.

I keep them all in a secret stash for a boring rainy (or in this case snowy) day. I can’t even count how many times doing this has saved me from hearing “Moooom we’re borrrred!” over and over on a snow day or weekend winter afternoon.

Get Creative With Indoor Activities

If there’s one thing we all know well by now due to the pandemic, it’s how to get creative with indoor fun. We also know how to bring the outdoor fun indoors. One winter tradition my family started during the pandemic when we were bored one night and needed to shake the fun up a little was a living-room sleepover. This is a night where we literally sleep in the living room.

We bake something yummy together, make a special dinner, and do some type of family activity such as a game and/or movie night. Then we all get cozy in sleeping bags on the living room floor and quite literally have a sleepover in the living room! Because we added in a special indoor activity we don’t normally do, that same family movie night just got kicked up five extra notches!

Another fun idea my family started during the pandemic? Cooking shows together! We love watching kids cooking and baking shows together and then recreating the recipes in our own kitchen!

One of our favorite outdoor-brought-indoor activities is a BBQ inside. You can broil steaks in the oven if you don’t have a wood-burning fireplace. Roast s’mores on the stove top with a skewer. Get creative using your space and your family’s interests!

I hope that after reading this, the task of entertaining your kids all winter feels a little less daunting. Instead, I hope you see it as a chance to spend some more cozy uninterrupted time indoors. Because if there are two things Michigan winters give us, it’s lots of snowy days . . . and more family time together.

Looking for more family movie night inspiration? Amanda shares the family movie night essentials for a perfect evening in!

Celebrate Being a Michigander on National Michigan Day

Elizabeth Ireland

January 16, 2024

January 18 is National Michigan Day, a day to celebrate all that makes Michigan great (including, and beyond, the lakes). As any Michigander knows, there’s so much to love about the Mitten State!

My own love for Michigan runs deep. I was born and raised here and, by choice, have lived here my entire life. In fact, my college advisor once exclaimed, “We can’t get this girl out of this state!” That’s because I believe Michigan is more than just pleasant, as our state motto proclaims; it’s the ideal place to call home.

Here are a few of the top reasons to love living in Michigan.

The Educational Opportunities

With numerous well-performing public school districts and more than 90 colleges and universities, Michigan has abundant educational opportunities. When considering higher education, Michiganders have opportunities available within our state to meet a variety of needs, interests, and preferences.

Notably, two of those universities are consistently ranked within the top 30 public universities in the United States according to US News and World Report (University of Michigan and Michigan State University are number three and number 28, respectively). And who can talk about universities without mentioning that Michigan is home to not one, but two, Big Ten football teams, making for fun football Saturdays and even more fun rivalry teasing!

The Four Seasons

Don’t like the weather, wait an hour and it will change, as the joke goes. Some days that proves to be true! But its four distinct seasons are part of what makes our state a wonderful place to live.

The seasons show us the cyclical nature of life and remind us that change is constant. They provide beautiful backdrops for different activities and traditions like swimming in the summer, visiting cider mills in the fall, and skiing in the winter. The fact that things don’t remain the same year-round make it that much sweeter when each season comes around again.

The Great Lakes

Michigan is fondly called “The Great Lakes State” because it is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes including Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Superior. What’s more, Michigan has 11,000 inland lakes and more freshwater shoreline than any state in the nation.

Most residents appreciate being so close to these beautiful bodies of water, whether they love them for the water sports, fishing, or boating. Nothing can beat a beautiful summer day spent on a lake or the joy of finally finding a Petoskey stone along the coast of Lake Michigan!

Michigan’s natural beauty extends beyond the lakes as well. Its many parks, nature preserves, and gardens make the Great Lakes State an amazing place to camp, hike, and generally explore the outdoors. Visiting one of those parks or nature centers would be a great way to celebrate today.

The History + Culture

Michigan’s rich history and cultural diversity are an important part of what makes it exceptional. For starters, we have a knack for producing famous musicians, from Motown greats like Aretha Franklin and The Supremes to modern ones like Madonna and Eminem. Michigan was also home to president Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States, as well as the innovator and creator of the Model T car, Henry Ford. The history of the automobile industry is inexplicably tied to our state, and gave Detroit its nickname: “The Motor City.”

Exploring this history with my children by visiting places like the Motown Museum, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, and Greenfield Village make me proud to count myself among those who have called Michigan home.

It’s also important for me to teach my children to appreciate diversity. And Michigan (especially the Metro Detroit area) provides abundant opportunities to do so. Whether it’s by eating at a black-owned restaurant in Detroit, touring Nelis’ Dutch Village in Holland, visiting the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, or attending the Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, there are a wide variety of ways to experience different cultures in Michigan.

The Vacation Destinations

Michigan is the only state to encompass two peninsulas, and both are full to the brim with stunning vacation destinations. Michigan is home to Isle Royale National Park, the bustling downtowns of Detroit and Grand Rapids, both the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, an entire island without cars called Mackinac Island, and numerous picturesque “Up North” towns such as Traverse City, Saugatuck, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, to name a few.

No matter what type of vacation you desire, you can likely find it here. Looking for a beach trip, casino night, off-the-grid camping, wine-tasting tour, or visiting museums in a big city? Michigan has it all! For tips on a variety of Pure Michigan vacation destinations, check out Detroit Mom’s Travel Series.

And, Lastly: The Quirks

We call it pop. We like our pizza square and our ice cream superman flavored. We play Euchre by the real rules. Our roads require you to turn right in order to head left. We prescribe Vernors for an upset stomach. We buy our cars from The Big Three. And most importantly, we show where we live by using our hand as a map. Michigan has its own character. As a lifelong resident of the state, these quirks are some of the things I love most about living here.

With all this, Michigan sure is worth celebrating! Whether you’re a life-long Michigander, are a new resident of the Great Lakes State, or are just here for a visit, Detroit Mom hopes you celebrate all that makes Michigan wonderful today and every day.

For more of what makes Michigan amazing, check out our list of where to go for a Michigan day trip and our favorite Michigan-made items!

Detroit Mom Connect: Social Mom

Whitney Cornelli

January 15, 2024

We are so excited to announce a group designed specifically for moms who are also motivated to take the next step in their business or career:

Detroit Mom Connect!

Detroit Mom Connect is where moms can come together to build community and network with other women in the Detroit area. Community and connection are the foundation of everything we do here at Detroit Mom. We want to nurture relationships between women, be their cheerleaders, and lift them up. In a world where competition and comparison are the norm, we want to shatter those ideas with compassion, encouragement, and sisterhood.

Networking

The vision behind Detroit Mom Connect is to connect women together. This is a networking group unlike any other because we are focused on supporting moms who are also working towards their career goals every day. We know working moms face a lot of unique challenges in the balance between career success and motherhood. That’s why we want to help you create relationships with other women who are experiencing the same things you are–so that you can feel supported not only in business, but in motherhood as well.

Detroit Mom Connect is for…

Moms who are entrepreneurs or own their own business.
Moms who work for an employer either at an office or from home.
Moms who have been raising their children and are looking to reenter the workforce either with employment through someone else or by starting their own business.

DM Connect January Event

Our next Detroit Mom Connect event will take place on Monday, January 22 in Royal Oak. We would love to see you for an evening of food, learning, and networking with other women. Detroit Mom founder, Elizabeth Lewis, and the Social Rebels, Cat + Shelby, will be focusing on all things showing up + standing out on SOCIAL! ✨ You’re going to want to make sure to get there right on time because they have some epic goodness in store for you!

Your ticket includes:

Nacho bar from The Channeled Baker 😋
Surprise fun drinks 🍹
KB Event Co. will be joining us with another truly magical setup 🌟
Gluten free and vegan sweet treats from The Channeled Baker 🍪
Photo booth from Modern Social 📸 🙌
And so many more surprises on the way . . .

Tickets are limited and will sell out quickly! Oh, and they’re only on sale until January 18th. 🤩 To buy your tickets, click the button below!

Buy Your Ticket Here!

We can’t wait to see you there!

1...212223...265 Page 22 of 265