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OPEN CALL: Join Our Event Team!

 

EventTeamOpenCall

 

Do you love attending our events (or events in general) and sharing the excitement with your friends? WE WANT YOU! We are looking for dedicated readers who will help promote and work behind-the-scenes to create events that moms won’t want to miss! Fill out the form below and if you are chosen we will contact you with more details! Ready, set, & go!

 

Time Commitment: Each event will vary due to complexity and will be clearly communicated prior to planning.

Compensation: While this role is not paid in the form of money we will provide swag (when possible) and free admission to each event. Perks will vary by each event and your hard work and enthusiasm will not be overlooked!

Summary of Role:

  • Be available to help with one event every one to two months
  • Be available for Event Team video chats (or in-person if schedules allow) to discuss event ideas, event promotion, etc.
  • Share our events within your social media circle to help generate buzz and excitement
  • Be available the week before the event to help with any final event preparations 
  • Respond to emails in a timely manner (within 48 hours)
  • Represent Detroit Moms Blog in a positive and professional manner at all times including social media presence

Mornings with Kids: Like Evenings, Only Worse?

At our house, there are two times of day you’re likely to see me break a sweat: Bedtime and Mornings!

Bedtime (what parent LOVES bedtime? Not the actual sleeping part; the carrying a kid to bed for the fifth time part) and the morning scramble to get out the door to work.

Mornings usually look something like this at our house:

  • Beg husband to take baby when she wakes up. Make any number of promises in exchange for for “just ten more minutes” of sleep. Usually, he concedes.
  • Begrudgingly wake up as husband feeds daughter breakfast and hop in the shower.
  • Get out of shower and holler at husband about why our slower-than-molasses son isn’t up yet, usually to be met with “Because he takes after his mother!”
  • Tag team effort to drag our three year old out of bed and, if we’re lucky, get him to eat three bites of yogurt over the course of fifteen minutes.
  • Pretend like “I’m in charge” when I’m really doing my best to think of any possible way to quickly get my son to get dressed in one of the three shirts (all featuring Lightning McQueen) he’ll actually wear, and demand he change his dirty socks even though they’re his “favorite Cars socks.” My husband is usually on toddler duty, trying to get himself ready, while making sure she doesn’t stuff her face with dog food, electrical cords, or random bits of paper she pulls out of goodness-knows-where.
  • Finish getting ready while at least one kid is crying or whining. At least every other day, throw in the toddler taking a spill on the hardwood floor.
  • Wonder what in the world is wrong that it takes my son a good ten minutes to put his velcro shoes on and zip up his jacket.
  • Load up two kids, my work bag, along with the world’s heaviest bag of daycare crap (sheets, blankets, lunches, any cold weather accessories for two kids, etc), and finally get moving!

IMG_3660Nothing like leaving the house 30 minutes later than you hoped!

Are your mornings this awful? I have found few solutions! Here are my ONLY tips:

  • Lower your beauty standards or find a way to get ready faster. A cute headband makes a messy ponytail seem a teensy bit less sloppy, and wearing a nicer top instead of a sloppy sweatshirt (assuming you have flexibility to wear what you want!) helps me feel at least a little bit more put together.
  • Simplify breakfast. In an ideal world, I’d cook a hot breakfast with eggs, fruit, and some kind of healthy whole grain for my kids every day. In reality, it looks like frozen waffles or yogurt (not both!). I don’t love this, but I’ve come to terms with it. I buy brands that I feel are healthy enough (low in sugar, and include protein or fiber) and that my son will actually eat (my daughter will eat just about anything). And sometimes, it’s a doughnut from Tim Horton’s en route to daycare. I know, not great, but I’m trying to keep it real.
  • Try to anticipate wardrobe meltdowns. I’ve researched enough to learn that some kids are just picky, picky dressers and it’s not a battle I really care to fight. There are plenty of areas where I think I need to toughen up as a parent, but for the most part, I try to understand that my son has his own idea about what looks and feels good, and love that he actually takes pride in how he looks when he gets to choose what he wears. This means he doesn’t wear a lot of the hand me downs he has, or that have been bought from relatives that I would far prefer to the handful of character inspired t-shirts (and even socks!) he likes. It’s a bummer, but I’d rather skip the drama.
  • Pack lunches entirely the night before. The exception to this is that I have to heat some leftovers and throw in a thermos for my kids, but otherwise, there is ZERO chance I can pack lunches and make it out the door on time.
  • Keep daycare/work bags by the door and packed in advance. This one is pretty self explanatory!

Screen Shot 2016-03-18 at 8.18.47 PMHow do I know this picture wasn’t taken on a work day? Easy: everyone is happy! Smiles like this are a rarity during weekday mornings!

Are mornings crazy at your house? What are your tips? We certainly haven’t perfected the art of the morning rush at our house, so I’d love to hear them!

 

5 {HOT} Tips for Swimsuit Season

Does your post-pregnancy body have you dreading spring break and the upcoming swimsuit season like never before? As I write this post, the forecast for the entire week calls for rain, and I couldn’t be more glad. The snow is gone! Getting my 12-month-old in the car without getting soaked from the rain is a new challenge, but I am just so glad to be done with the bulk of blankets and coats, that I don’t care! Instead what I care about is the image that I see in all the magazines as I wait to check out at the grocery store, or rather what the models are wearing.

I could be wrong, but I am willing to bet that you are not looking forward to stepping into your swimsuit for this first time this year. Whether it is the ghostly pallor that Michigan winters leave your skin, or some other physical attribute, we all tend to spend too much time focusing on the negative.

5 {hot} broke don't fix it. (1)

Instead of stressing about extra skin, or hairs, or squishiness, here is my plan to combat negativity with opportunity:

  1. Stop looking at those magazines! We all know that the models are chosen to fit a standard of beauty that is not realistic for most women– and then enhanced. When I was 17 I realized that watching reality shows about beautiful wealthy people actually made me feel worse about myself, so I quit and never turned back. If you can watch the Bachelor with a grain of salt, good for you! It doesn’t work for me. Instead, I try to notice the beauty in real people I see out and about. That young girl with fluffy hair and a hooked nose– she looks bohemian and cool. That older woman with bright coral lipstick and a scarf and shoes to match– she’s got great style. 
  2. Go shopping! I will not be trying on what was good for me in my teen years, but instead I’m going to be realistic about what will look good on my now. I am feeling extra pear-shaped this year so I’m going for looks that hide the muffin-top and focus attention up! I’m thinking a one-piece or a high waisted 2-piece with a dark bottom and bold top. Whatever your shape, and whatever your budget, there is a swimsuit out there that is made for you. 
  3. Try something new. Don’t feel great in a swimsuit? Find a cover-up that makes you feel powerful, sassy, classy, or hot. Maximize on your assets and let a new sun hat or pair of shades do the talking.
  4. Focus on FUN. This is the first year I will have a child that is able to enjoy the great splash pads I read about in the DMB guide! I want to be wearing something that won’t make me second guess playing in the sand on the shores of the lake up North.
  5. Listen to music that pumps you up and dance! Remember a time before kids when you would get ready for a night out with your girlfriends– curling iron on, all your makeup spread out, your bestie at your side and music that would pump you up. That is the kind of music I am talking about. Grab a hairbrush to sing into and jump around with the kids. Let the endorphins remind you of your inner power, beauty and worth. 

You deserve to enjoy the summer sun. Don’t let swimsuit season get you down. Spend a little energy on  finding the best in you and enjoy!

Oh, These Transitions!

2015 historical day (121 of 126)Kids get older. It’s just a phase. Time flies by. Enjoy this moment. They’ll be in full-time school before you know it. Take. It. All. In. blah blah blah. Right?! Raise of hands (by liking this post), who has heard all this (and more) since having kids?
 
I figured I had at least 18 years before this feeling of “what is my purpose” set in. Who knows, I am sure I’ll have another 1000 transitions between now and sending them off to college and beyond. I say “beyond”, because, a mothers work is never done, as my dear mom has delicately reminded me, often, whether she knows it or not. (thanks mom, keep doing what you do!)  
 
My kids are 5 and 8 – still little, still innocent, still small – but SO big. Their needs over the last 8 years (speaking with the oldest in mind and the younger coasting on his tail winds) have progressed at times so fast (when did you learn to <insert item>??), and other times TAKING FOREVER.  (Would you PLEASE pick up the <insert item> or figure out how to buckle your own carseat).
 
From thnjb instructionse first moments of mommy life of ‘oh my gosh, no instructions?!’ to a recent winter morning as I thanked my 8 year old for shoveling the driveway (again) and really doing a solid job at it, I find myself in this strange place of peace and unease.
 
I’m at peace because I know he’ll be strong enough to take on what mother nature throws at him. He’ll handle the task with grace and courtesy (most of the time). He’ll be aware of the situation and take it on. (hello, I didn’t notice the ice and he had already salted it…thanks, buddy).  I am at unease because he is EIGHT and eagerly outside working after scarfing a quick breakfast, packing his school things, getting dressed, making his bed, (etc.) to make sure we had a clear path to leave for school. All before 7:30 am. He’s 8; I still want my jammies and a coffee. And I classify myself as a morning person, just my own morning time, not a shared time.
 
My 8 no longer needs me to prepare his lunch (I totally peek still) or have clothing options for him or help him get his winter gear on. (FYI: this is true for my 5 year old too, but he is healing from a broken leg and his needs are different in my mind as I compose this post).
njbclimg
 
These Transitional Times happen constantly, some we are aware of (yay, go you) and some happen without even noticing.  I encourage you mom, ask yourself, are things in transition in your home? Are you kids ready for more responsibility? Are YOU ready for taking care of YOU a little more/better?
 
Even the little littles, the ones hitting major milestones, like SITTING; parents and kids are traveling a similar path, parallel at times, sometimes with hills sometimes smooth – while we are aware of our kids transitions, it’s important to recognize our own too.
 
In your next transition, what you do is your choice. Perhaps it’s finding more time with your partner, or a few extra moments for you, whatever it may be, embrace the change, savor the moment, take it all in…because these kids will keep growing, keep blowing our minds, and becoming more and more independent. High five momma, this transition is normal and ok!

Introducing New DMB Contributor Lauren, a Dearborn Mom

Hello!  I’m Lauren.  I’m a new mom navigating through this whole motherhood thing with the help of Pinterest and my own mama’s advice.  Although, along the way, I’ve learned that trusting my natural instincts is usually the right choice.  I have a spunky two-year-old boy (Jackson), and Baby #2 (a girl!) is expected to arrive any day now.  I’m also mama to my fur baby Charlie, a four-year-old Pug, and wife to my husband Ben.  

Lauren's Family Charlie the Pug 

I grew up in Allen Park, and after high school, I moved to Chicago where I attended Columbia College.  After 5 years of city living, my husband and I decided to return to Michigan to start our family.  After much consideration, we decided to buy a house in Dearborn.  We feel so at home in Dearborn – it has the suburban feel we both grew up with, with the historic and cultural appeal that we became accustomed to in Chicago.  I am currently a stay-at-home mom, but one day I hope to have a career in fashion.  I received a B.A. in Fashion Business from Columbia College, and am now in the process of obtaining a Master’s in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising at EMU.  In addition to my full-time job taking care of my family, and my part-time job as a graduate student, I also teach a weekly class at the Dearborn Early Learning Center, called ‘My Baby and Me’.

Did I mention how much I love Dearborn?  I’m always discovering new restaurants or neighborhoods that make me fall in love all over again.  Here are a few of my favorite spots around my city:

Ford Field Park
I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to spend money to have fun and this park proves it.  We love to have family picnics at Ford Field.  There are numerous playscapes for kids of all ages, plenty of picnic tables, and even a large hill perfect for sledding in the winter.  My toddler’s favorite part?  The ducks!  The Rouge River runs through this park, turning into a pond at one point.  There are usually a lot of ducks that we love to watch and feed after we picnic.  

Ford Field Park  Ford Field Park

Greenfield Village
For anyone from the area, when asked about attractions in the Detroit-area, Greenfield Village is a no-brainer.  I feel so fortunate to have this American treasure in my city.  If you are within a 20 mile radius, I highly suggest purchasing a membership to The Henry Ford (this includes both Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum).  With our family membership, we can access the village free of charge.  We usually pack a wagon and cooler with our own food to save money.  One of the newer amenities at Greenfield Village is the Children’s Playground.  My son’s excitement for this unique park make the yearly membership fees worth it for the playground in itself.  

Greenfield Village Greenfield Village

Brera Pizza and Salad Co.
By far my favorite place to eat in Dearborn is Brera Pizza and Salad Co.  They serve healthy non-GMO pizza, pasta, salads, and wraps.  It’s a casual dining experience, which is perfect for families like ours with young kids.  My favorite thing on the menu is the Smoked Mac & Cheese; it’s been a craving of mine throughout this pregnancy.  I can’t get enough of Brera!  I can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can try out their outdoor patio seating.  

Brera Pizza and Salad Co Brera Pizza and Salad Co

Goodwill
I’m a self-proclaimed professional thrifter.  That being said, this is probably my favorite thrift store ever.  I’ve been to thrift stores in some very affluent areas, and I’ll tell you this location has the best selection of luxury items, hands down.  From Melissa and Doug puzzles for my son, to Tory Burch sweaters for me, I rarely leave the Dearborn Goodwill empty-handed.  The best part of this store is that it doesn’t feel like a thrift store.  It’s clean and well-organized – feeling more like a small department store than a resale shop.

Goodwill Dearborn

I love my city and am a proud Detroit mom all around.  I can’t wait to share more of my favorites on my journey as a contributor at DMB!

Detroit Swim Lesson Guide

We’ve got you’re covered with our Detroit Swim Lesson Guide. If your kids are anything like mine, they’re wearing their floaties around the house in the middle of winter, trying to pretend they’re on vacation. While Detroit may not have a tropical climate in March, your kids can still get their swimming fix at a host of pools in and around Detroit! 

Use the extensive guide below to register your little ones for swim lessons nearest you!

SwimLessonGuide

 

ANN ARBOR

 

BEVERLY HILLS

 

BIRMINGHAM

 

BLOOMFIELD/BLOOMFIELD HILLS/WEST BLOOMFIELD

 

CANTON

 

COMMERCE TWP.

 

DEARBORN

 

DETROIT

 

DOWNRIVER

 

FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON HILLS

 

GROSSE POINTE

 

LIVONIA

 

MACOMB/SHELBY TWP./STERLING HEIGHTS

 

MILFORD

 

NOVI

 

OXFORD/CLARKSTON

 

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/AUBURN HILLS

 

ROYAL OAK

 

SOUTHFIELD

 

ST. CLAIR SHORES

 

TROY

 

WARREN

*Don’t forget to check with your local high schools and/or community centers for their availability and rates*

 

Have your children taken swimming lessons from any of the locations listed above?

Recommend your favorite spot to other Detroit moms in the comments below!

Mom 2 Mom Sales {March 19th+ 20th}

Saturday, March 19

Addams Elementary PTA

Location: 2222 W. Webster, Royal Oak (East of Woodward/South of 13 Mile)

Time: 9AM – 1PM

Strollers: Ok after 10AM

Cost: $1
Sold out 90 tables

 

Groves High School DECA

Location: 20500 W. 13 Mile, Beverly Hills (West of Evergreen)

Time: 10AM – 2PM

Strollers: Ok after 12PM

Cost: $2

 

Lake Orion Community Ed

Location: 455 E. Scripps, Lake Orion (At M-24 & Lapeer Rd.)

Time: 9AM – 1PM

Strollers: YES!

Cost: $1
Sold out 98 tables

 

L’Anse Creuse Foundation

Location: L’Anse Creuse High School North – 23700 21 Mile, Macomb (At North Avenue)

Time: 9AM – 1PM (8:30AM Early Bird)

Strollers: Ok after 10AM

Cost: $1 Early Bird/$2
Sold out 236 tables

 

Mohawk Elementary PTA

Location: 48101 Romeo Plank, Macomb (North of 21 Mile)

Time: 9AM – 1PM (8:30AM Early Bird)

Strollers: Yes!

Cost: $1 Early Bird/$2

 

MOPS & MOMS Next at Trinity UMC

Location: 1310 N. Main, Lapeer (M-24 north of Oregon)

Time: 9AM – 1PM (8:30AM Early Bird)

Strollers: Yes!

Cost: $1 Early Bird/$2

North Street UMC Woman’s Life Club 702 

Location: 4580 North Rd., Port Huron (North at Keewahdin)

Time: 9AM – 1PM

Strollers: Yes!

Cost: $1

 

Rochester Hills Christian School

Location: 3300 S. Livernois, Rochester Hills (At Auburn & Livernois)

Time: 9AM – 1PM (8:30AM Early Bird)

Strollers: Yes!

Cost: $1 Early Bird/$2

 

St. Joan of Arc PTG 

Location: 22415 Overlake, St. Clair Shores (South of 9 Mile at Greater Mack)

Time: 9AM – 1PM (8:30AM Early Bird)

Strollers: No

Cost: $1 Early Bird/$2

 

St. Paul Lutheran School

Location: 90 Millville Rd., Lapeer

Time: 9AM – 1PM (8:30AM Early Bird)

Strollers: Yes!

Cost: $1 Early Bird/$2

 

Sunday, March 20

Jewish Community Center

Location: 6600 W. Maple, West Bloomfield (At Drake Rd.)

Time: 9AM – 1PM

Strollers: Yes!

Cost: $2

 

 

 

 

Am I Really a Grown-up?

It’s not often I think about my age. Even when I do, I still don’t really FEEL it. I am 41. In my head I am still 21, playing house and mom. I just assumed when I got to my forties my life would feel… different. When my mother was my age she was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a caregiver and a full time employee. My parents were the people who paid the bills, drove us around and enforced bedtimes. Back then it all seemed so grown up, which I equated with seriousness and responsibility. I have waited for that feeling of adultness with dread. However, despite my ever growing list of responsibilities; most of the time I haven’t felt very serious or very adult. So am I really a grown-up?

The last few months have me thinking I am. See, serious stuff has been happening and quietly, discreetly, that dreaded adultness has begun to envelope me. From the mundane (I have started referring to the millennial people in my office as “kids”) to the truly prolific life experiences: marriages ending, families in transition, aging and ill parents, illnesses of our own. It’s become very serious. None of these events were more jolting than the sudden death of my old school friend and one time roommate at 41. Though we haven’t seen each other in some time and hadn’t been close in much longer, it took my breath away. It broke my childhood spirit. It made me feel very much like an adult.

In one fell swoop, the sorrow for the loss and for her family, the realization of our aging, the brush with mortality, the adultness of it all made me feel so sad and nostalgic for so many things and people. It made me confused and afraid. It made me re-evaluate where I am and where I am going. It made me realize that I am half-way through this journey – if I am lucky – and so much is behind me. It made me feel old. So yes, I am finally an adult. I am an adult with seriousness and responsibility; with hard decisions and grown up problems; a crazy schedule and a hurried life. I pay the bills and taxi my kid and enforce the bedtime.

But…. perspective is two-way street and with some time and reflection on these recent events, I see now that adultness is not all or nothing. Along with the gravity of these situations and the weight of my duties; along with the sadness life brings and nostalgia for simpler days, I am also incredibly grateful and infinitely blessed. I AM still young and I’m fairly sure I’m still fun too!

Andrew%20Smith

So instead of letting the dreaded adultness envelopme, I choose to focus on the wonders this life has brought and vow to stay as immature and carefree as I can. I will focus only on the amazing people who have passed through my life; we have laughed and cried and been silly and weird together. I will be grateful for knowing the ones who are not in my life anymore. Everyone has taught me something. I choose to remember all the ridiculous fun I have had in these 41 years. I choose to be excited about the ridiculous fun that is yet to be had. I vow to continue to take weekends away with my husband; to watch Frozen on the floor in my living room wearing a crown with my daughter; to drink wine on a beach every chance I get; to giggle like school girls with my girlfriends at our monthly dinner and to occasionally blow off all my responsibilities and play hookie just for fun.

Adulting isn’t easy. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it doesn’t have to be all seriousness and responsibility. After all, if I’m lucky, I’m only halfway through this journey and there is a so much joy to be found!

Detroit Easter Egg Hunts

 

Detroit Easter Egg Hunts

Easter EggHunt-2

Whether they are carefully camouflaged or left out in plain sight, there is something so egg-citing (see what I did there?) about an Easter Egg Hunt! Here is your guide to the sometimes muddy, sometimes snowy spring fun that is an Egg Hunt in Metro Detroit!

Oakland County

Friday, March 18th

 

**Farmington HillsADULT Flashlight Hunt, Longacre House**                 

Friday, March 18 7:00p – 9:00p                                                                                                   

Bring your own flashlight and enjoy a fun-filled evening searching for eggs, and also winning
prizes for golf outings, dinner at local restaurants, and more. Enjoy salad, pizza,
and breadsticks for dinner, with a cash bar offering beer and wine. The fee is $12
residents/$17 non-residents. Register by March 16 or until sold out.                       

**Ages 21+ ONLY

West Bloomfield: Spring Fling Egg Hunt, Drake Sports Park           


Friday,March18 6:30p&;7:30p                                                                                                

Hunt for eggs and turn them in for treats!  Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will be there, so bring your camera and a basket to carry your goodies.  A petting farm and cookie decorating will round out the event.  Check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to each heat.  Each session will be divided into two groups by age. This event typically sells out so early registration is highly recommended.  Fees are $5 per child for residents and $7 per child for nonresidents.  If the event is not sold out, on-site registration will be available for $10 per child.

Ages 1-7 yrs.

West Bloomfield: Spring Fling Flashlight Egg Hunt, Drake Sports Park       

Friday, March 18 8:30p                                                                                                          

An “egg-citing” twist on one of our most popular events, designed for our slightly older egg hunters.  Bring your flashlight and be prepared to “really hunt” down those hidden treasures. Bring a basket to carry away all your goodies. Check in between 7:45 and 8:15 pm  Event will begin when it is dark (approximately 8:30.) This event will go rain or shine, so dress for the weather – Don’t forget boots! We will only allow on-site registrations if openings exist. On site registration fee is $10.  Pre-registration is $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. 

Ages 5-12 yrs

 

Saturday, March 19th

Clawson: Easter Egg Hunt, Clawson City Park

Saturday, March 19 10:00a

Join the Easter Bunny looking for eggs! Bring a camera and basket. Arrive on time because the Easter Bunny’s job is done in a blink of an eye.

Ages 1-12.

FerndaleEgg-stravaganza Community Egg Hunt, Various Parks – See link

Saturday, March 19 1:00p – 3:00p                                                                                                     

Come on out and enjoy an Egg Hunt at one of our local Ferndale parks!  Each hunt will feature two separate areas for toddlers ages 0-3 and children 4-12.  If a child finds a golden egg, his or her parents get a special prize!  Everyone is welcome to each scheduled hunt, but we encourage you to walk to your nearest scheduled location as to avoid parking issues. After all hunts are complete, meet back up at Martin Road Park for light refreshments and pictures with the Easter bunny!                                                                                                                        

Ages: 12 & Under

HighlandHuron Valley Egg Hunt, Duck Lake Pines Park                                           

Saturday, March 19 10:00a                                                                                                                

Easter Bunny arrives at 10 am.  Goody Bags distributed beginning at 10 to the first 500 children.  FREE face painting, FREE bounce house (weather permitting) and FREE egg hunt
Bring your own camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny
Egg Hunt times as follows:
11 am ~ 2 – 4 year olds
11:10 am~ 5 – 7 year olds
11:20 am ~ 8 – 10 year olds

HollySpring Egg Hunt, Holly Twp Beach                                                                    

Saturday, March 19 11:00a                                                                                                                    

Plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes will be hidden around the beach. There will be different age categories to make sure the hunt is fair for everyone. Children should bring their own basket or bag to collect their eggs.  Donations will be accepted to help cover programming and supply costs. The beach is located at 501 Thomas St. in Holly.                

Ages: 12 & Under

Pontiac: Easter Event, First Presbyterian Church

Saturday, March 19 10:00a

Join us for a pancake brunch, children’s Easter Egg Hunt, activities with the Easter Bunny and a special storytime where all will hear about the power of Easter.

Rochester: Easter Egg Hunt, Rochester Play

Saturday, March 19 8:45a

Join us for a morning of egg hunting fun followed by open play and a visit with the Easter bunny on Sat, March 19.  Doors opening at 8:45am and hunt starts at 9am!

Rochester: Easter at the Village, The Village of Rochester Hills

Saturday, March 19 10:00a

An interactive, family scavenger egg hunt will take you all around the Village to gather goodies! We are suggesting a donation of $5 per child or $10 a family for this event and 100% will go to The Rainbow Connection.

Rochester: Easter Egg Hunt, Rochester Park Kiwanis Shelter

Saturday, March 19 10:15a 4 & Under; 11:30a 11 & Under

This event will be held at Rochester Park.  Pre-registration is a must.  Dress for the weather because the entire event is held outdoors. 

Ages: 11 & Under

Troy: Easter Egg Hunt, Community Center

Saturday, March 19 5:00p – 8:30p

Grab your basket and hop over to this egg hunt, kids can hunt for treat-filled plastic eggs on the gymnasium floor. After the hunt, the gym will feature a moon bounce and games. Swim in the indoor pool and find the gold eggs for prizes. Bring your phone to take a photo with the Easter Bunny. There will be three classes of egg hunters: Sunny Bunnies kids up to age 3: 6 pm, $5; Cotton Tails kids ages 4-7: 6:30 pm, $8; Hip Hoppers ages 8-12: 7 pm, $8.

Ages: 12 & Under

Wolverine LakeEaster Bunny Luncheon & Egg Hunt, Richardson Center – Commerce 

Saturday, March 19 1:00p – 3:00p Egg Hunt at 2:00 pm

Eat lunch and visit with the Easter Bunny! Includes – Pizza, dessert, crafts and egg hunt.  Child – $5.00 in advance, $7.00 at the door; Adult – $2.00 in advance, $3.00 at the door
*Limited number of walk-ins will be allowed as space and supplies permit 

 

Sunday, March 20th

Farmington HillsPizza & Eggs, Costick Center                                  

Sunday, March 20 12:30p – 2:00p                                                                             

A pizza lunch will be followed by a trip to the “egg patch” to search for eggs. A bag will be provided for the search and every child will receive a goody bag. All children must be
accompanied by a paid adult. The fee is $7 residents/$12 non-residents. Register
by March 16 or until full. 

Novi: Eggstravaganza, Fuerst Park                                                  

Sunday, March 20 2:00p – 4:00p                                                                                         

Let’s go on an egg hunt!  Crafts, bunny visits, multiple age egg hunts.  $5 per child.        

Ages 2 and up

Wixom: Easter Egg Hunt, Gilbert Willis Park

Sunday, March 20 1:00p

Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. and the Hunt begins at 1:00 p.m.  Cost is $3 per child.

 

Thursday, March 24th

MilfordFun on the Farm Egg Hunt, Kensington Metropark Farm Center              

Thursday, March 24 10:00a                                                                                                                   

It’s Easter at the Farm! Time to have an egg scramble and meet the Easter Bunny. This event is smaller than the park’s large egg hunt and is meant for ages 4 and younger.  It starts at 10 a.m. sharp! (Early arrival is highly recommended!) $5 (cash only) per child; Babies 12 months and under free. No registration necessary. For more information contact the Farm Center at 248-684-8632. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark       

Ages: 4 & Under

Oxford: Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt, Powell Lake Township Park

Thursday, March 24 7:45p

An egg hunt with a twist – you’ll need your flashlights to hunt in the dark! Don’t forget to check your batteries and a basket to collect the eggs.  Turn eggs in for prizes and find the special egg to win the grand prize. Cost: $10 (Oxford Residents: $8)

Ages: 10 – 17

Springfield TwpTeen Flashlight Egg Hunt, Mill Pond Park – Davisburg                 

Thursday, March 24 8:00p – 9:30p                                                                                                      

Egg hunt meets awesomeness when teens hunt in the dark with flashlights for Easter eggs chucked full of candy. Participants are required to bring a flashlight and something to put their eggs in.  Door prizes, pizza and a beverage will be provided.  Awards will also be given.  Egg hunt will be held rain or shine, so please dress weather appropriate.  A minimum number of participants are required to hold the hunt.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged but will be accepted at the door if minimum is met and tickets are still available! Limited number of tickets available.                                                                                                                                    

Ages: 10 – 17, $10/person

 

Friday, March 25th

Royal OakBunnyville, Detroit Zoo                                                                                      

Friday, March 25 & Saturday, March 26 10:00a – 4:00p                                                                  

Hop on over to Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo! An “egg-stravaganza” of family fun is planned for the Detroit Zoo’s annual Bunnyville celebration, featuring games, live entertainment, zookeeper talks and much more! Activities will feature a golden egg hunt, the Jelly Bean Jamboree, Funny Bunny Games, whisker painting and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny (available for purchase). New this year is an additional egg hunt for children ages 2 to 5. The Off Broadway Productions musical “The Bunny Follies” will be performed at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Discounted Admission Available: Bunnyville visitors are encouraged to bring a canned or other non-perishable food item to be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank. Each guest with a food donation will receive a reduced admission price of $9, parking not included. Admission for Detroit Zoological Society Members is free, but Members are encouraged to bring food donations.

Springfield TwpEaster Egg Hunt, Mill Pond Park – Davisburg                                

Friday, March 25 Ages 4 & Under: 11:00a – 1:00p; Ages 5 – 12 2:00p – 4:00p                             

Hop on out to Mill Pond Park for our eggcellent 18th Annual Easter Egg Hunt!  Our colorful Easter eggs will be filled with candy, toys, or prizes. The Easter Bunny will also be there so parents please bring your camera to capture the memories. Prize eggs may be found during the hunt. Children must bring their own Easter basket. Egg hunt will be held rain or shine, so please dress weather appropriate. Parking is limited. Egg hunts will begin promptly at 11am and 2pm. Registration is required by 5pm on Thursday, March 24th.                                          

Ages: Up to 12

 

Saturday, March 26th

Auburn HillsEaster Egg Hunt & Bonnet Contest, Civic Center Park         

Saturday, March 26 12:00p – 2:00p                                                                                   

Children of all ages are invited to hunt for Easter treats, enter the Annual Easter Bonnet Contest and have their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny! Adults, don’t forget to enter the traditional egg toss! There will be a $2 per child fee for attending the event collected from  your car as you enter the park.

Royal OakBunnyville, Detroit Zoo                                                                                      

Friday, March 25 & Saturday, March 26 10:00a – 4:00p                                                                  

Hop on over to Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo! An “egg-stravaganza” of family fun is planned for the Detroit Zoo’s annual Bunnyville celebration, featuring games, live entertainment, zookeeper talks and much more! Activities will feature a golden egg hunt, the Jelly Bean Jamboree, Funny Bunny Games, whisker painting and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny (available for purchase). New this year is an additional egg hunt for children ages 2 to 5. The Off Broadway Productions musical “The Bunny Follies” will be performed at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Discounted Admission Available: Bunnyville visitors are encouraged to bring a canned or other non-perishable food item to be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank. Each guest with a food donation will receive a reduced admission price of $9, parking not included. Admission for Detroit Zoological Society Members is free, but Members are encouraged to bring food donations.

Lake Orion: Easter Egg Hunt, Bald Mountain Recreation Center

Saturday, March 26 11:00a – 12:00p

Over 3,000 candy-filled eggs will be available for the hunt, as well as a variety of games and activities. The egg hunt will be divided into two different divisions; 1-4 year old division and 5-12 year old division. The child to find the golden egg will receive the grand prize! Enter in the park off of East Greenshield Road, approximately one mile east of M-24.

Ages: 12 & Under

Lake Orion: Easter Egg Hunt, Canterbury Village King’s Court Castle

Saturday, March 26 3:00p

Easter Bunny, clowns, egg hunt and magic show!

MilfordThe Great Egg Hunt at Maple Beach, Kensington Metropark Farm Center                                                                                                                                               

Saturday, March 26 11:00a                                                                                                                 

Bring the kids for an Easter egg scramble and enjoy an animal show presented by Farmer John and The Barnyard Express. (Show times 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.) And of course, kids will get an opportunity to pose for your pictures with the Easter Bunny. 11 a.m. SHARP! Early arrival is highly recommended! $5 (cash only) per child; Babies 12 months & under free.       

All Ages

Novi: Egg Hunt, Paradise Park                                                                      

Saturday, March 26 10:30a                                                                                                

Doors open at 10:15, Hunt begins at 10:30 Thousands of Eggs with Candy, Toys, Arcade Tokens & More Only $7.00 per person. After the hunt stay for our Lunch Buffett

Oxford: Easter Bunny Bonanza, Seymour Lake Township Park

Saturday, March 26 1:00p

Welcome the Easter Bunny with an Easter Egg Hunt and Ping-pong ball drop!  The bunny chopper will fly over and shower the kids with thousands of white ping-pong balls.  Each child will receive a bag of candy and special treat. Cost: $10 (Oxford Residents: $8) Advance tickets required.

Southfield: Eggstravaganza, Southfield Pavilion

Saturday, March 26 11:00a – 1:30p

Activities include: an obstacle course, themed games and various activities, moonwalk, face painting, Miniature Motorways and prize station! Food and some craft activities will be available for an additional cost.

Ages: 14 & Under

Sylvan Lake: Annual Glow Egg Hunt, Community Center

Saturday, March 26, 8:00p

Annual egg hunt on the front lawn at the Community Center

White Lake: Egg Scramble with Roscoe the Clown, Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center

Saturday, March 26 10:00a & 1:00p

It’s time for Indian Springs’ annual Egg Scramble. Rosco the Clown will entertain families with his fabulous show. Try your hand at some cute crafts while you wait for your age group’s Egg Scramble to begin. Of course the Easter Bunny will be here to visit with the children and have photos taken. We will provide bags for egg collecting–please do not bring a basket. Fee: $5 per child.  Please preregister. A vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark.

 

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Wayne County

Saturday, March 19th

Canton: Easter Eggstravaganza, Heritage Park                                                                      

Saturday, March 19 10:30a – 12:30p                                                                                                      

Bring the kids out to enjoy a variety of Easter and spring-themed activities! We will run continuous egg hunts between 10:30am-12:30pm in two age categories to help keep the “hunting” fair for even our littlest participants. Please allow some extra time for parking, as historically this is a well-attended event. The grounds tend to be very wet in early spring so please DRESS ACCORDINGLY. Please check out cantonfun.org prior to the event for a complete schedule of events. Fee: $3 per child R/ $4 per child NR, on-site registration            

Ages: Up to 11 yrs 

Grosse IleAnnual Easter Event, Centennial Farm                                                    

Saturday, March 19 9:30a – 11:00a or 12:00p – 1:30p                                                              

Activities Include: Brunch,  Easter Egg Hunt by Age Division,  Visit and Photo with Easter Bunny, Prizes.  Advanced Tickets Only! $8.00 Per Child– Advanced Registration Required,  Adults can purchase a meal ticket for $4

Grosse Pointe Farms: Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 19 10:00a

Join us at this free event in Rain, Shine or Snow, and bring your Easter basket or bag to hunt for candy filled eggs.  Don’t forget your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny!!  Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. as the hunt begins at 10:00 a.m. sharp!

New Boston: Egg Scramble, Willow Metropark

Saturday, March 19 10:00a & 1:00p

Join us at the Willow Metropark Food Bar for crafts, games, candy and an Easter Egg Scramble.  We might even get a visit from the Easter Pig!  Advanced Ticket Purchase Only. $6 per child

 

Tuesday, March 22nd

DetroitTeen Aqua Egg Hunt, Williams Community Center Pool                      

Tuesday, March 22 5:00p – 7:00p                                                                                                           

Hunt for eggs in the pool and retrieve eggs for prizes. Proper swim attire required (swimsuit, trunks, jammers, etc.) T-shirts are not allowed.                                                                                   

Ages: 13 – 17

 

Wednesday, March 23rd

Detroit: Hop Along Eggstravaganza, Williams Community Center

Wednesday, March 23 5:00p

Egg Hunt, Egg Races, Face Painting, Craft & Prizes. All activities will be outside weather permitting. Free!

Ages: 12 & Under

 

Saturday, March 26th

Brownstown, Easter Egg Scramble, Lake Erie Metropark Marshlands Museum & Nature Center

Saturday, March 26 10:00a; 1:00p & 4:00p

It’s Easter and you know what that means!  Egg hunts, crafts, games, and a petting zoo.  What are you waiting for? Sign up in advance and get ready for some fun! Advanced Ticket Purchase Only. $6.00 per child

Detroit: Easter Fun Fest, Historic Fort Wayne

Saturday, March 26 10:00a – 2:00p

Easter Fun for Everyone! Easter Egg Hunts for All Ages, Egg-Mazing Race (2 person team  to 1 youth and 1 adult)), Fairy Garden Craft, Face Painting, Candy, Food Demonstration & much more! FREE! Dress for the weather.

All Ages

LivoniaEgg Hunt, Rotary Park                                                                                                

Saturday, March 26 12:00p                                                                                                                       

Register the day of the event from 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at Rotary Park (6 mile and Hubbard): FREE! Ages 10 and under are welcome (with parent participation) to search for eggs from the Easter Bunny!                                                                                                                   

Ages: 10 & Under

Northville: Egg-Stravaganza, Maybury State Park                                                

Saturday, March 26 10:30a – 12:00p                                                                                                 

Meet at the Trailhead Shelter. Join us for games, crafts, seed planting, and, of course, meet The Easter Bunny and Smokey-The-Bear! Egg Hunts for 4 & under and 5 & over starting at 11:40a.  Recreation Passport required for entry.

Plymouth: Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt, Township Park                                        

Saturday, March 26 10:00a                                                                                                                      

The Plymouth Lions Club will host an Easter Egg Hunt for children up to age 10 on Saturday, March 26 at the Township Park on Ann Arbor Trail beginning at 10 a.m. Children will be divided into age groups of 0-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-10. Parents and kids are encouraged to bring baskets for the eggs. Collection boxes will also be available as the Lions collect used or unwanted eye glasses, cellphones and hearing aids. The hunt is free, but donations are always welcome.                                                                                                                                                 

Ages: 10 & Under

 

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Macomb County

Saturday, March 19th

Ray: Toddler Egg Scramble, Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm and Nature Centers

Saturday, March 19 10:00a, 1:00p & 3:00p

A mini version of our Farm egg Scramble especially geared for the 4 year old and under age group. The toddlers can visit the Easter Bunny, make a craft and scramble for eggs. A snack and drink will be included for the children. Visitors may also purchase a horse drawn wagon ride. Preregistration required. Space will be limited to 50 children per session. Please dress for the weather. Call 586-752-5932 to preregister. $5 per child. Preregistration only please. 

Shelby Twp: Easter Egg Scramble, Stony Creek Metropark

Saturday, March 19 1:00p

Join us for an Easter Egg Scramble. Then meet the Easter Bunny, make a craft and more! The egg scramble will be grouped by age. All ages welcome! Preregistration and prepayment required. Cost: $6 per child. Call the Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center at 586-781-9113 to register.

Sterling Heights**Special Needs Egg Hunt**, Rockpointe Church                            

Saturday, March 19 10:00a – 12:00p                                                                                                      

Free egg hunt for kids with special needs, siblings are welcome to join in the fun.  There are the following Egg hunts available for your children: Wheelchair Egg Hunt, Quiet Egg Hunt (for those with sensory concerns), Special Egg Hunt (for those with special needs and all siblings).  Everything is wheelchair accessible.                                                                                

Ages: 12 & Under 

Shelby TwpEaster Egg Scramble, River Bends Park                                                            

Saturday, March 19 1:00p for ages 3 – 5 and 2:00p for ages 6 – 10                                                   

A truly festive afternoon will start with an egg hunt, kids will “scramble” to find all the goodie-filled eggs, as well as special “Golden Eggs” that will have a token for a special gift courtesy of Genisys Credit Union. Bring your own basket for egg collection! This is an outdoor, rain or shine, event with no registration and no payment required.

 

Sunday, March 20th

Ray: Farm Egg Scramble, Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm and Nature Centers

http://www.metroparks.com/Wolcott-Mill-Metropark/Events

Sunday, March 20 1:00p – 4:00p

Come out and visit with the farm animals and participate in the best egg scramble around! Take you picture with the Easter Bunny, visit with Roscoe the Clown and stop by Bunnyville to meet the rabbits. Kids can make a craft to take home and enter the coloring contest. Visitors may purchase a horse drawn wagon ride. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Please dress for the weather.  $5 per person at the door.

Shelby Twp‘Egg’Citing Easter, Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center                  

Sunday, March 20 1:00p – 4:00p                                                                                                           

This event will feature an egg hunt, Easter bag and egg decorating activities, and a chance to take a picture with the Easter Bunny. Remember to register for this event and bring 6 hard-boiled eggs for decorating! Fee is $4 per participating child.

 

Saturday, March 26th

St Clair Shores: Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Blossom Health Park                                    

Saturday, March 26 12:00p                                                                                                            

Thousands of eggs will be available for children to search for in three age-group areas: 0-3, 4-7, and 8 years and older. In addition, every child attending will receive a raffle ticket and at the end of the hunt, 25 girls and 25 boys will win Easter baskets.                                                   

All Ages

 

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Washtenaw County

Sunday, March 20th

DexterEaster Egg Scramble, Hudson Mills Metropark

Sunday, March 20 12:00p – 2:00p

Celebrate the beginning of spring at the Hudson Mills Easter Egg Scramble.  Enjoy the animal show, face painting and a visit with the Easter Bunny before and after the scramble for the Easter eggs.  Pre-register and save $2 per child.  $4 Kids (12 and under) or at the door $6.  To purchase tickets in advance, call the Hudson Mills Park Office at (734) 426-8211.

 

Saturday, March 26th

Ann Arbor: Spring Eggstravaganza, Lillie Park South – Pittsfield Twp

Saturday, March 26 11:00a – 1:00p

Egg scrambles, petting zoo, balloon twisters, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games, music, and more!  Egg Scrambles stating at 11:30 AM, 12 PM, and 12:30 PM

 

Saline: Egg Scavenger Hunt, Rec Center Woods

Saturday, March 26 11:30a

Bring your basket or bag to collect eggs that have been scattered throughout the wooded area behind the Rec Center. The children will be divided into the following age groups: 2-3, 4-5 and 6-7. A few lucky eggs will have a prize sticker. All participants will receive a goody bag. This event will take place outside rain, shine or snow. Event starts promptly at 11:30 so don’t be late! Price: Member Fee: $8.00; Non Member Fee: $8.00

Ages: 2 – 7

 

 

 

 

 

I Used to Be the “Fat” Girl: Overcoming Labeling

I used to be the “fat” girl. Weight has always been an issue of mine, long before I even knew it was an “issue” one could be Courtbabyplagued with. I never quite fit into the string-bean category of so many of my girlfriends growing up. I remember the subtle comments, the occasional snickers behind my back. My aunt used to tell me that I had a basketball in my tummy. At the time, I didn’t even know what she was referencing. I eventually figured it out. Sure, my aunt was teasing, but her comments weren’t funny. It hurts to be labeled, regardless of age. It sticks with you.

I used to be the “fat” girl. I have never been able to eat whatever I’ve wanted without consequence, not even as a child. I can literally look at a cookie and gain a pound. I did lean out as an active teenager, a product of playing sports year-round. Moreover, I was raised in an omnivorous household: we ate everything from hamburgers to octopus. Salad and a vegetable were dinner table staples, and fruit was always in the bowl on the counter. I was never thin like so many of my friends, and I struggled painfully with body image, but I was healthy. In retrospect, I wish I could have taken more pride in myself, and had more of a concept of my self worth. But hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it?

I used to be the “fat” girl. I was not so healthy in college. Beer drinking, late-night-pizza-eating and the absence of playing a team sport quickly caught up with me. My mom confronted me about it. It’s one of those conversations I’ll never forget: she said I didn’t look happy, that perhaps taking some time to care for my whole self might help my overall outlook. I was hurt, but she was right. It took me a long time to realize that my mom wasn’t criticizing my size, she simply wanted me to be happy. She wanted her daughter to be comfortable and confident in her own skin. I wasn’t, and it showed.

I used to be the “fat” girl. Post college, I started to get into running. It was an awesome stress reliever during a grueling run2graduate school and work schedule, and it made me feel great. It was hard and I was never amazing at it, but there was a certain kind of personal accomplishment in pounding feet to pavement that I had never felt with exercise before. I participated in a local 5K race. It was tough; I wanted to quit several times. But I persevered, and took first place for my age group. Granted, I think there was only one other person in my category, but I was so proud of my little victory. It was a true confidence builder for my post-college/not-quite-yet-adult self. The pride I gleaned from running went a long way in helping me establish and nurture the roots of my adult self-image.

I used to be the “fat” girl.  I didn’t love being pregnant. While there were many beautiful moments, my first and third trimesters were pretty much spent nursing migraines, and eating anything that didn’t smell putrid and would actually stay down. I surpassed my six-foot-tall, very fit husband in weight during each pregnancy; I’m 5’5″. I eventually trained myself to look away from the scale; I would literally avert my eyes during doctor appointments. I was assured that my weight gain wasn’t excessive, but to someone who has been conscious of weight and body image for more than half of her life, watching the numbers climb ever-upward was a huge source of anxiety. I forced myself to take a proverbial step back: this wasn’t about me – it was about nurturing the child growing inside of me – and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Welcoming my babies into the world was nothing short of magical. I’m still in awe of what the female body – my body! – is able to accomplish during pregnancy.

I used to be the “fat” girl. After having three babies in four-and-a-half years, my body needed some TLC. I made a conscious decision after the birth of my daughter to take care of myself. I decided to eat more cleanly; I have attempted to build more muscle tone kidsstrollerand endurance through various forms of exercise. It’s not always easy. I struggle often. But the pay-off is what motivates me: I can run around outside with my kids without stopping to catch my breath; I can push a double stroller containing some one-hundred pounds of children up a hill for a walk; I can lift and hold my fifty-pound son if he needs Mommy to hug and cuddle with him. Ensuring that I have the sustained energy to keep up with my very active brood is what makes me happy, what makes me comfortable and confident in my own skin.
A by-product of my approach has been a significant weight loss, and a change in body shape. My Grandma has nicknamed me “skinny”. She’s ninety-four and the matriarch of the family, so I wouldn’t dare openly contradict her, but I’ve never been skinny. Moreover, I’ve worked so hard to overcome labeling in my life, that it’s difficult to like or even accept any sort of classification, however well-intentioned. I am what I’ve always been: me. I’ll always have hips, broad shoulders and – let’s be honest – that annoying back fat that sneaks out from underneath my bra straps. The worst. After my three pregnancies, I also have a stomach that resembles something between a raisin and a prune….I don’t know, I guess it’s a rune? It makes me laugh every time I look at it, but in a good way; it reminds me of where I’ve been, and what my amazing body has accomplished.

I used to be the “fat” girl. I hope my sweet little girl will never be scarred by this label. I pray that she won’t be the teenager crying in the department store dressing room, that she’ll never experience the self doubt or the sense of worthlessness that comes from perceiving that you don’t abandmommybelong because your particular body shape – however healthy – doesn’t fit into the skinny jeans, or whatever current fashion trend is king. I hope my son is never hurt by the comments that are already being uttered about him, however subtle: ‘he’s how old?’, ‘wow, he’s so big!’, ‘he weighs that much?’. But the world is tough. People judge and categorize one another. I’d like to think we’re all just a little bit better than that, but who among us hasn’t been guilty of defining another person in limited and narrowing terms, be it “fat” or “thin”?

I used to be the “fat” girl. But I’m not a girl anymore. I’m a mother in charge of raising part of the next generation, and I want to make sure that I’m doing the best job possible.
I hope I’m leading by example.

I hope I’m teaching my children that – regardless of the label another person may place on you, regardless of body size or shape – the most important thing is to be happy and confident in who you are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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