Pregnant Ladies: Treat Yo’Self!

December 9, 2014

Pregnancy is not a time to run yourself ragged. In fact, it’s probably one of the few times in life you can get away with people understanding if you can’t stay out late, have limited physical energy, etc. You can make Tom Haverford proud, and turn EVERY day into Treat Yo’Self day.

But instead of relaxing or finding other ways to take care of ourselves (regular exercise, making sure we sleep enough, etc.) so many of us pregnant gals spend our entire pregnancies without really thinking about our own wellness – trying to make a good impression before we leave work, working on the never ending pre-baby to do list of home improvements, etc.

Recently, a good friend of mine had a bit of a scare with some bleeding during her pregnancy. She has an extremely stressful job, and had felt a lot of pressure to put in the same effort and hours as her colleagues, who are mostly younger and single or without kids. Luckily, all was fine, but as we talked through this experience, she said it was a huge reminder to her that she needs to slow down and take better care of herself.

She’s absolutely right – because taking care of yourself is so much more than that when you are pregnant. Taking care of yourself means taking care of your baby, too. If your baby were living “on the outside” you’d react so much differently to the various situations that you come across throughout your pregnancy, but with their cute little butts resting comfortably in the womb, it’s easy to focus only on to do lists and demands made by other people, and not taking time out for yourself.

For those of you who are pregnant and already have kids, you don’t have to tell me that this challenge is only compounded by the existing kiddos who already need you on a daily, hourly, or minute by minute basis. Still, I believe it’s worth fighting to make the time to take care of yourself.

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean blocking out an entire day to head to the spa (though MAN that sounds good). Below are some ways you can treat yourself while pregnant:

Whether you have kids or not:

GO ON DATE NIGHTS. There is nothing I missed more post-baby than being able to go out to dinner with my husband at a moment’s notice. Squeezing in as many dinners, movies, and special events with my husband before baby was awesome, because it took a few months before we felt comfortable leaving our son for more than an hour or two.
Make plans with friends. I haven’t lost any friends since giving birth two years ago, but I definitely don’t see them as much as I used to.
Get a prenatal massage. These are heavenly. Schedule for a good sixty minutes if possible – it is sooo worth it and I think allows you enough time to really relax.
Get a pedicure (and manicure!). There is no better time to pamper your feet, because it’s truly impossible to do yourself (or is that just me?). Just make sure to stay away from a really intense foot rub, and enjoy knowing that at least you’ll be looking at some beautiful toes while you’re in labor.
Buy something you love to wear. Whether it’s a maternity shirt you actually like, comfy sweats, or a piece of jewelry that you can wear long after baby is born, buy something that makes you feel good in the final stages of your pregnancy.
Exercise. Take a prenatal yoga class, mall walk if it’s too cold to go outside, or do something more hard core if your doctor has cleared it, but try to get your heart rate pumping a bit (for me, this sometimes just takes a walk up the stairs…guess I need to work on this!) and then enjoy a nice warm shower after. I recently tried doing a yoga DVD with Oliver – it wasn’t a huge success, but I learned a few poses I can try after, and think this could be a fun activity with older kids.
Get your house professionally cleaned. This may be my favorite thing to do (or not do). My son’s nanny occasionally cleans our house for extra cash, and when I walk through the door, I swear I hear angels sing. Even if you can’t do this regularly, think about setting up someone to come the last few weeks of your pregnancy while you are busy with the more fun nesting (and then again after baby is born if possible!)!

If you already have kids:

Send your child to their regular daycare and take the day off work (or if you’re a SAHM, hire a baby-sitter or call a relative to help for a half or full day). If you MUST, run an errand or two, but schedule lunch with a friend, shop for something fun, get a prenatal massage (assuming you’re out of first trimester), or just watch a chick flick you’ve been dying to see at home in bed.
Use your impending hospital stay as an excuse for your little one to do a “test run” and stay with the loved ones who will be caring for him while you’re in the hospital. This will give your kiddo a chance to get more familiar with their temporary home away from home, and you will have a night free of diaper duty or bedtime battles!
Have your partner take over bedtime if this usually falls on your plate. Use this time to take a warm bath, read, you name it.
Help your child become more self sufficient during your pregnancy. For me, with a toddler at home, small practical ways to do this would be things like: keeping a few healthy snacks within toddler reach so he can get his own snacks, and teaching him how to get in and out of his carseat (I still buckle!) on his own so I don’t have to lift him. We’re also working on getting him to clean up his own toys, but I can’t claim any real victory there yet!

Feeling at Home

Guest Blogger

December 8, 2014

I remember sitting at our dining room table with my husband reading through the packet of paperwork and answering questions that only adoptive parents have to answer. Questions about birth parent medical history, mental health, drug use, smoking history, the list went on. Then more questions about the child we would adopt; age, race, sex, medical complications, handicaps, and that list went on. We were realistic with our answers and honest with ourselves.

The best advice that we had been given regarding answering those questions , maybe even the very best advice through our entire adoption process was from an adoption social worker at the very first seminar we attended. She told everyone there not to feel like you have to say “yes” to everything. Consider thoughtfully what you feel is right for your family, because another family may feel called to adopt very differently than you do.

This advice took the pressure off for us and it’s advice I like to pass on to other couples who are considering adoption.

Just like in life, in adoption there are some decisions that are difficult, and others that are easy. For our family choosing transracial adoption was one of the easy ones, because it felt like home.

I grew up in a mixed race family, my dad is black and my mom is white. Diversity is my comfort zone. When I told my husband that I wanted to adopt a black or biracial baby, it was because that’s what I wanted for our family. It just felt normal. He agreed easily, something I’ve always been thankful for.

We’re fortunate to have families who were so supportive of our plan to adopt. I’ve never forgotten the priceless and wonderfully excited response of my mother in law when I told her we were planning on a transracial adoption.

I’m also grateful that my daughter will have a connection to her cultural heritage through both her birth mother and her adoptive mother. Being closer to my family is one of the reasons we decided to move from the Detroit Metro area. We were also intentional about choosing a diverse neighborhood, and church when we moved. That decision was just as much for us as for her, we’ve made it a priority to seek out diversity, but it’s also what feels most natural to us.

It doesn’t take a PhD to see that Norah is not our biological daughter. I knew going in that we’d probably get comments from strangers, friends, family, possibly not even the nicest of comments, most likely unintentional.

In two and a half years, I’ve found that most people, if they say anything at all, are just curious. Norah is still too young to understand, so I’ve never worried at this point that anyone pointing it out has had an impact on her. I’m not surprised when I turn my head and see someone smiling at her, or waving, or pointing even. She’s beautiful, and has an incredible smile! If she was someone else’s baby I’d be doing the same thing!

I have insecurities, just like any mom does, I expect. Hair care for example is a struggle, but I think I’m harder on myself than I perceive others to be. I’ve yet to have a black woman scold me in the middle of Target, even though I’ve had this dream quite frequently!

Occasionally I get anxious and find myself thinking about those harder conversations coming in the future when she is in grade school and the curious glances do have an impact. I trust though that in time I’ll have the right words to say to comfort her and give her confidence. To let her know that she is exactly the girl that we hoped for, the perfect match that God intended for our family, and that I love her from the tips of her tiny ringlet curls to bottoms of her dancing toes.

About me: I am a full time working mom of one. My husband and I have been enjoying this crazy ride together for 11 years! We recently relocated from the Metro Detroit area to Grand Rapids to be closer to family. Our family’s favorite activities include singing at the dinner table, dancing in the living room, and taking walks to the neighborhood playgrounds.

Santa Claus Review :: The Somerset Mall in Troy

laurenmyers

December 5, 2014

There’s nothing like waiting patiently all year to have the annual “Trip to see Santa” photo. Now that my daughter (now 2.5) is old enough, I am trying to teach what Christmas is – including the “real” story of Christmas. Every time she sees lights she screams “Christmas!” When she sees Christmas trees, whether it’s a cookie cutter, book or on TV, she exclaims “Christmas!”

So one night while my husband had to work late, I came up with a great idea to go to the mall and introduce her to Santa. We went to Somerset Mall in Troy and I couldn’t wait to see the all the decorations. Every winter, the mall is transformed into this beautiful mystical space of floating fairies and lights and colors.

This will be her 3^rd Christmas. The first Christmas, I didn’t want to wait in line with a 6 month old for the photo, so I took one “in front of” Santa’s house. For her 2^nd Christmas, we saw a private Santa at our neighborhood clubhouse and she was… cautious. But for this year, she KNEW who Santa was and wanted to meet him.

“What does Santa say?” – HO HO HO!!!

Of course I didn’t plan ahead. The kids were still in their sweat suits from “school”. I didn’t want to rush home and find matching outfits (Yes – my kids will be dressed “similar” on holidays. They will hate me later).

My son, now almost 7 months, is happy when a fish looks at him so I had no concern when he met Santa.

It was HER I was afraid of.

At first, she was SOOOO excited to go see Santa’s house. Singing Jingle Bells all the way to Somerset Mall. Stopping by every tree we saw throughout the mall to look at the ornaments and lights and take pictures. I knew that she was getting a little scared when we rode down to the Santa Castle… she suddenly did not like the elevator.

I parked Vinny and his stroller near the edge of the castle and carried Alexandra to the front. I picked her up and showed her Santa. He met eye contact with us and started waving to her. She got soooooo excited.

I thought – ok – not so bad. Since there is no line and it’s pretty quiet here, might as well get their pictures taken now while she is in the mood.

I paid the $22 (I remember when Santa was FREE) and the Santa helpers let us into the castle. There were several options for packages – I picked the cheapest package. All the packages came with a $10 coupon towards Shutterfly (YAYAYAYA) and we got (2) 4×6 prints and (1) 5×7 print. The packages range in price from $22 to $50+. Each kid also gets to pick 3 gold coins out of a treasure box and go “shopping” around the mall. I was very grateful for those coins – it saved our night!

SHE FREAKED OUT. NO MOMMY NO MOMMY.

She tried to run off the stage. Poor girl – I traumatized her.

I should have known better since meeting the Easter Bunny this past spring didn’t go so well either.

Meanwhile, Vinny is chilling on Santa’s lap laughing at his beard. I told the Helper Elves taking the pictures, “I don’t care what the shot looks like – just as long as you get them both in the frame”. The Santa – well – he looked nervous to be honest! Awkwardly holding the baby while I am begging and pleading with the 2 year old to sit still for one second!

After that heart wrenching trip to meet Santa, I told her Santa gave her gold coins and she gets to go on a Treasure Hunt. There are 10 different stores that are offering a “prize” if you give them a coin. Since I had two kids I was given 6 coins! We had a blast walking around the mall and getting the prizes. It was a great night for Mommy and Kids to spend together and we were all exhausted when we got home.

Well… What do you think? Definitely one for the Baby Book!

Nursing end.

shannonmurphy

December 4, 2014

It happened.

I’m done nursing.

And I feel like rejoicing and crying all at the same time.

I don’t get it! Before I even gave birth to Lucy, I had a goal for myself: I was going to nurse for 6 months. That goal really came out of nowhere; I guess it was a combination of talking to my friends, reading blogs, and just trying to understand how long I wanted to be attached at the hip (or attached at the BOOB, technically!) to my new baby. The 6 months came and went, and as I approached month 7, I got lazy. I started skipping my “pumping sessions” here and there. Lucy got her first two teeth. Ouch. I stopped nursing and moved only to pumping. And then I took a few mini vacations and got laryngitis … Which meant I started making excuses to NOT pump.

Before I knew it, I had no milk in a matter of a days … and my boobs were FLAT. Like, whoa. Pancakes.

Anyway, I hate the feeling that I STILL have two weeks later: I feel like screaming “FREEEEDOM!” from the top of my lungs, but I also feel like a complete failure. My friend Jordin breastfed her baby until he was 18 months old. Lindsey is going strong, and her little girl is nearing her first birthday. Julie’s baby girl is only 2 months old, but she’s adamant that she is not doing any formula until Baby Ava is at least a year old.

And then there’s me. The lifelong overachiever, high-school valedictorian, “Miss Perfect”, definition of Type A … and breastfeeding Q-U-I-T-T-E-R.

Do any other moms feel this way? MY mom (who did not breastfeed me, nor either of my 2 sisters for the record) told me I should be proud. I know I should. I gave Lucy the BEST nutrition possible for 7 months. I was not afraid to whip out my boob in the Nordstrom Ladies Lounge. I proudly exclaimed, “I need to go pump!” every 3 hours at work. And I got a great feeling of satisfaction when I looked at all of the milk I had stored in my freezer.

Would love for you to share your thoughts!

P.S. I loved taking “pumping selfies.” Can you tell? I pumped in so many different places … including a JANITOR’S CLOSET at a nightclub during an appearance for my job!

Weekend Happenings :: In + Around Detroit

Annette

December 3, 2014

Annual KindleFest and Children’s Lantern Parade

Kerrytown District’s annual outdoor holiday market featuring local and regional artists and farmers. Selling hand-crafted holiday goods and unique holiday gifts. Enjoy live music and fire pits to keep you warm. Along with a warming tent, s’more roasting and a Lantern Parade in the Kerrytown neighborhood. Stores also feature Midnight Madness, open from 10 am to midnight!

{Date}
December 5th, 2014

{Time}
10 am – Midnight
Outdoor Market 6pm – 10 pm
Parade 6:30 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Kerrytown Market & Shops
Ann Arbor

*

Santa Visits Kerrytown

{Dates}
December 6^th, 13^th + 20^th

{Time}
10 am – 2 pm

{Location}
Kerrytown Market + Shops
Ann Arbor

*

Birmingham Santa House

{Date}
November 26 – December 24, 2014

{Time}
Weekends, see hours HERE

{Cost}
$5 donation

{Location}
Shain Park
Downtown Birmingham

*

Birmingham Carriage Rides

{Date}
November 26 – December 20, 2014

{Time}
Weekends

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill
Downtown Birmingham

*

Birmingham Winter Market

Featuring holiday greens, gifts, crafts, ice carving demos, winter princesses, live reindeer, warming stations, activity area, Santa House + Carriage Rides.

{Date}
December 5 – 7th, 2014

{Time}
Friday 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

{Cost}
$5 donation

{Location}
Shain Park
Downtown Birmingham

*

Annual Tree Lighting Celebration with Santa

Festivities include seasonal entertainment, holiday themed crafts and activities!

{Date}
December 3, 2014

{Time}
6:00 am – 8:30 pm

{Cost}
$5 per Family

{Location}
Summit on the Park
Canton

*

Breakfast with Santa

{Date}
December 6, 2014

{Time}
6:00 am – 8:30 pm

{Cost}
Purchase Tickets by December 1^st
3yrs and under: $4 Res/$5 Non-Res
4-12yrs: $15 Res/$18 Non-Res
13yrs and up: $19 Res/$23 Non-Res

{Location}
Walnut Room
Canton

*

Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa

Festivities include seasonal entertainment and Santa arrives on a fire engine!

{Date}
December 5, 2014

{Time}
6:00 am – 6:30 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Pierce Park
Chelsea

*

Christmas on the {Waterloo} Farm

Annual tours of the ten-room farmhouse, log house, Dewey School and other outbuildings. Free refreshments and live music.

{Date}
December 6^th – 7th, 2014

{Time}
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday noon – 4 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Pierce Park
Chelsea

*

Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa

Festivities include seasonal entertainment and Santa arrives on a fire engine! Luminaries on Main Street, visit with Santa and Santa’s Workshop, Live Nativity Scene with live animals and Christmas choir, Common Chords Concert, cookie decoration and story telling!

{Date}
December 5, 2014

{Time}
6:00 am – 6:30 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Pierce Park and throughout Downtown Chelsea
Chelsea

*

Breakfast with Santa

{Date}
December 6, 2014

{Time}
8:30 am – 10:30 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center
Chelsea

*

10^th Annual Chelsea Light Parade

Downtown Chelsea will be full of things to do during the day, check out these events before the light parade! The parade features dozens of lighted floats and vehicles, marching bands and Santa!

{Date}
December 6, 2014

{Time}
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Along Main Street
Chelsea

*

Macy’s 2^nd Mondays

{Date}
December 8^th, 2014

{Time}
10 am – noon

{Cost}
$18 adults
$13.50 ages 5-12
FREE 4 and under

{Location}
Henry Ford Museum
Dearborn

*

Holidays in Henry Ford Museum

A giant Christmas tree, trains + Santa!

{Date}
November 28^th, 2014 – January 4^th, 2015

{Time}
Santa Hours 10 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday
9:30 am – 5 pm Saturday + Sunday

{Cost}
$18 adults
$13.50 ages 5-12
FREE 4 and under

{Location}
Henry Ford Museum
Dearborn

*

Holidays Nights in Greenfield Village

A lantern lit walk through the village with live music, skating, fireworks, Santa with his reindeer and more!

{Date}
December 5-7, 12-14, 18-23 and 26-27^th, 2014

{Time}
6:30 – 10 pm

{Cost}
$18 adults
$13.50 ages 5-12
FREE 4 and under

{Location}
Greenfield Village
Dearborn

*

Holidays Nights Supper with Santa Package

Following your horse-drawn wagon ride to a A Taste of History Restaurant, enjoy a festive family buffet with a visit from Santa. Followed by Holiday Nights through the Village.

{Date}
December 5-7, 12-14 + 18-23^rd, 2014

{Time}
4:45 – 6:30 pm dinner
6:30 – 10 pm

{Cost}
Starting at
$45.25 adults
$31.50 ages 5-12
$14.50 4 and under

{Location}
Greenfield Village
Dearborn

*

Noel Night

An open house to 75 of Detroit’s cultural institutions, this 41^st annual event includes free entry to the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Public Library and the Detroit Historical Museum. There will be over 200 live acts, shopping, carriage rides and a sing-along along Woodward Avenue.

{Date}
December 7th

{Time}
5 – 10 pm

{Cost}

{Location}
Midtown Detroit

*

Ice Skating at Campus Martius

Campus Martius Park was designed to be the central square of Detroit. During the winter months the offers a venue for ice skating, and the nearby cafe offers hot chocolate to keep Detroiters warm and toasty. The rink opens officially after the Tree-Lighting Ceremony.

{Date}
November 21, 2014– January 3, 2015
{Preview Days 14^th – 16^th}

{Time}
See Schedule HERE

{Cost}
Adults (13-49 years) $8

Child (12 & under) $7

Seniors (50 & older) $7

Skate Rental $3

Shoe Check available for people with their own skates $2

Skate Sharpening $5

Monthly Skate Pass $30

{Location}
Campus Marius Park
Detroit

*

Holly Days

The celebration kicks off with the Farmington Winter Market at the American Legion from 10 am – 2 pm. Kids can visit Santa at Farmington’s “North Pole” from Noon – 4 pm and free holiday movies at the historic Farmington Civic Theater and more! Tree Lighting ceremony will be held at the Governor Warner Mansion following the Light Up the Grand parade.

{Date}
December 6^th, 2014

{Time}
10 am – 2 pm Winter Market
noon – 4 pm Santa
5 pm Tree Lighting + Parade

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Farmington

*

Riley Park Ice Rink

For this first season skating is FREE to the public! They encourage a little donation, secure donation box on site.

{Date}
Open Daily, Weather Permitting

{Time}
8:30 am – 10 pm Sunday – Thursday
8:30 am – 11 pm Friday + Saturday

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Farmington

*

Farmington Winter Market

{Date}
Opening November 22^nd, 2014

{Time}
10 am – 2 pm

{Location}
American Legion Post No. 346
Farmington

*

Holiday Vendor Show

Join + support this amazing group raising money to fight cancer, Relay For Life of Farmington/Farmington Hills. They are hosing their first annual Holiday Shopping event! It is that time of year to be thinking of others, it’s a great way to pick up a few gifts for your loved ones while supporting their fight against cancer!

{Date}
Saturday December 6th

{Time}
10 am- 2 pm

{Cost}
$2 Admission fee
Admission allows you a chance to win a door prize basket filled with great items from all of the vendors at the show!

{Location}
Unity of Farmington Hills

*

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic

Costumed villagers prepare for the holiday season in the Village. The Colwell Opera House presents live entertainment and Santa Claus! Featuring model trains, craft demos, holiday music and thousands of lights sparkle through the village and a nighttime train ride!

{Date}
November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 23, 26-28, 30
(Drive through ONLY nights :: December 1, 8, 15, 22, 24, 29)

{Time}
Christmas Departures :: 5:00, 5:50, 6:40, 7:30 pm {additional trains available!}
(5 – 9 pm)

Village tickets $8 – $10
Combo Village + Train tickets $10 – $13

{Location}
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Flint

*

Winter Wonderland at the Ford House

{Date}
December 5^th, 6^th, 12^th, 13^th, 19^th, 20^th, 26^th, 27^th 2014

{Time}
5 – 8 pm

{Cost}
$10, add $5 for a candlelight stroll through the house

{Location}
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Grosse Pointe Shores

*

Holiday Tea and Tour at the Ford House

This event is a lovely afternoon with ladies, spend this time with your daughters and enjoy a holiday house tour followed by a light meal with tea and pastries.

{Date}
December 7^th {sold out}, 8^th, 15^h2014

{Time}
3 pm

{Cost}
$35

{Location}
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Grosse Pointe Shores

*

Holiday Tea and Tour at the Ford House

This event is a lovely afternoon with ladies, spend this time with your daughters and enjoy a holiday house tour followed by a light meal with tea and pastries.

{Date}
December 7^th {sold out}, 8^th, 15^h2014

{Time}
3 pm

{Cost}
$35

{Location}
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Grosse Pointe Shores

*

Breakfast with Santa

“Experience Christmas magic as Santa arrives at the War Memorial via helicopter for a personal visit with each and every child. Following your morning meal, head to the Auditorium for a lively performance by the Merry Music Maker. Dress in your holiday best and pack your camera, as this very special morning concludes with formal photos with Santa.”

{Date}
December 7^th, 13^th, 14^th 2014

{Time}
10:30 – 12:00 pm

{Location}
Grosse Pointe War Memorial
Grosse Point

*

Dickens Festival with Santa!

Holly’s Victorian architecture comes alive in its 40^th annual Dickens Festival. Featuring Characters from Dickens’ Novels, music from the Festival Singers, crafts and pictures with Santa!

{Date}
November 29^th, December 1^st, 7^th-8^th, 14^th-15^th

{Time}

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Village of Holly

*

Breakfast with Santa at Canterbury Village

{Date}
November 30^th, December 6^th, 14^th, 21^st, 2014

{Time}
Register ASAP
Seating at 9 am + 11:30 am

{Cost}
Meal fees

{Location}
Canterbury Village
Lake Orion

*

Livonia Christmas Walk

“26th annual Christmas Walk
Along with the Simmons/Hill House at Greenmead tour 5 homes within Livonia. Advance tickets are $9, on the day of the event $10. Tickets will be available in November.”

{Date}
December 6, 2014

{Time}
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

{Cost}
Advance tickets $9, at the door $10

{Location}
The Greenmead Historical Park
Livonia

*

Sunday Christmas Tours at Greenmead

{Date}
December 7^th, 14th, 21^st, 2014

{Time}
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

{Cost}
$3 Adult
$2 Children

{Location}
The Greenmead Historical Park
Livonia

*

Anton Art Center Christmas Market

Shop for unique gifts my Michigan artists, and check ou the decorated trees

{Date}
Sundays November 14th thru December 21st

{Time}
10 am – 5 pm Tuesdays – Thursdays and Saturdays
10 am – 6 pm Fridays
noon to 4 pm Sundays

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Anton Art Center
Mount Clemens

*

Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall

43^rd Annual sets a 110-Room Tudorrevival style mansion aglow with holiday décor and historic fun.

{Date}
November 28^th thru December 23^rd 2014}

{Time}
11 am -5:00 pm

{Cost}
$5-$20

{Location}
Rochester

*

Holiday Cheer at Wild Lights

This 21 and older event is a great date night! Stroll the zoo’s light festival with a specialty holiday drink in hand. The zoo is illuminated with over 5 million LED lights. Cost includes admission, the Polar Express 4-D Experience, and 3 drink tickets {cocoa for DD ticket holders}.

{Date}
December 4^th, 2014

{Time}
zs6 – 10 pm

{Cost}
$40
{DD tickets $25 (not permitted to consume alcohol)}

{Location}
Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak

*

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

More than 5 million LED lights illuminate the zoo! Opening night includes some fun activities and an appearance by singer Karen Newman performin “Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue”. Live entertainment, photos with Santa “Paws”, ice carving, arts + crafts.

{Date}
For 24 Nights beginning November 22^nd. 2014
November 22–23 + 28–30 and December 5-7, 11-14, 18-23 + 26-31

{Time}
5”30 – 9 pm

{Cost}

{Location}
Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak

*

Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa!

32^nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring caroling, song sheets, refreshments and Santa!

{Date}
December 4th, 2014

{Time}
6:15 pm – 8 pm

{Cost}
Donations Toys + Non-Perishable Food Items

{Location}
Farmers Market
Royal Oak

*

Holiday Magic Marketplace

Farmers Market is hosting Holiday Magic just before the 32^nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Over 60 local crafters and artisans featuring antiques, collectables, crafts and more!

{Date}
December 4th, 2014

{Time}
4 pm – 8 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Farmers Market
Royal Oak

*

Wayne County Lightfest with Santa

Drive through an animated holiday lighting displayed Hines Drive! Visit Santa’s Workshop at the end of Warrendale Park starting November 26^th until December 23^rd. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa, you can drop it in the giant mailbox.

{Date}
November 21^st – December 31^st
(closed December 25^th!)

{Time}
7 – 10:00 pm (Monday thru Thursday)
6:00 – 10:00 pm (Friday thru Sunday)

{Cost}
$5 a vehicle
{Toy night “Tuesdays”, bring an uwrapped toy instead of $5, toys will be donated to the Wayne County Family Center

{Location}
Hines Drive
Westland

*

Starlight Spree and Tree Lighting

Featuring carolers, hot chocolate, art crawl and Santa.

{Date}
December 6^th, 2014

{Time}
6 – 7:30 pm

{Cost}
FREE

{Location}
Downtown Ypsilanti

Is Santa Real Mommy?

Patty Werner

December 2, 2014

I think we all remember the exact day and surrounding circumstances when we found out the one thing we prayed wasn’t’ true; Santa Claus isn’t real. Oh the heartbreak! I was in 3^rd grade and sleeping in the loft of my childhood home. My four sisters and I had the entire upper floor to ourselves; my twin sisters (2 sets) slept in double beds in the main part of the room and I slept in the single bed, positioned under Cape Cod windows overlooking the main road. That Christmas Eve, our family attended the special Advent by Candlelight service at Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc. Traditionally, we had to get to bed immediately when we arrived home, so that Santa could deliver our presents. I had decided, ‘Tonight was the night I was going to SEE SANTA!’

I pretended to go to sleep and, when I was sure everyone else was sleeping, I sat up and watched out the windows above my bed. I waited and waited. Quietly patting my face to stay awake so that I could finally see Santa.

And then it happened!

I heard the familiar “HO! HO! HO!” downstairs!! I flew out of my bed and practically made it down the flight of stairs in one giant leap! Looking into the living room where the family tree peacefully stood lit so beautifully in the dark night, I saw my dad and mom sitting on the couch admiring their wonderful work! I ran to them and cried for what seemed like hours.

My parents tried to explain that it really was Santa, that they had heard the same “HO! HO! HO!” and tried to see him as well. I knew in my heart that they were just trying to make me feel better. Although I was the last of my seven siblings to learn the awful truth, I survived. Somehow, I felt more ‘grown-up’ at the expense of losing a bit of my childhood innocence. In a way, discovering the truth is a Rite of Passage for children.

Now I have 3 children of my own who are far too old to still believe. But I continue to hide their presents and wait to put them under the tree until they are sleeping. There is something so wonderful seeing the excitement in their eyes when they wake on Christmas morning.

So while it may seem like a hassle to continue the Santa charade, I think as moms, who may have that little girl who still believes inside of her, we are more than willing to do whatever it takes to prolong our children’s innocence.

Merry Christmas and God Bless Your Family this Holiday Season!

~Patty

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Annette

November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving! May you all have a wonderful day with your family + friends! We are so thankful for all of you and this wonderful community we are building together in the Metro-Detroit area!! ENJOY~Elizabeth + Annette

Embrace The Simple Pleasures Now, Don’t Save Them

Guest Blogger

November 26, 2014

It all started with a tea bag. I had one left. I could get more. It was my favorite tea but nothing exotic, I could easily get more. I was standing in the kitchen wanting to drink it but consciously observed myself thinking, Not today, you may really need that one day.

But wait.

Wouldn’t using that make today better? Why wasn’t I allowing myself to to what I wanted? Why didn’t I believe that I deserved that tea bag today? What was I rationing it for?

I realized it wasn’t just the tea bag. I was only allowing myself a certain amount of pleasure each day. I looked back even at that morning previous to the tea bag incident and there were other examples of this:

I hadn’t allowed myself to use an aromatherapy bath bomb—again saving it for a rainy day.
I hadn’t allowed myself to wear my favorite underwear—claiming I might need them a ‘better or more important day’.
I hadn’t allowed myself to listen to my favorite playlist—claiming I might get sick of them and should save them for a better day.

The list went on and that was just that morning…woah.

If I had denied myself that much pleasure just that morning and it was only 10:00 am, how much pleasure was I missing over the course of my life?

In that moment of awareness back in the kitchen with the tea bag, I decided to change—to choose pleasure and choose myself. I not only boiled the water and allowed my tea bag to steep but I did so in my favorite tea-cup and saucer, the really nice beautiful one that I’ve been waiting to use until the president visits my apartment.

I sat, enjoyed my tea put on my favorite music and allowed my creativity to flow. I ended up writing this blog post, cruising through emails, and having an amazing day. Why? Because I allowed myself my favorite tea? Not exactly. Because I allowed myself to follow my genuine full pleasure.

When we allow ourselves pleasure, true, full, deep pleasure we are closer to your true self and therefore can hear clearer intuition. It’s difficult to hear your internal guidance when you’re sad, stressed anxious and simple to hear it when you’re happy and deep in pleasure. It is a beautiful thing that the life is designed that way, so why do we block it?

It is because we are not valuing ourselves. Our belief that we’re not good {smart/pretty/thin/sexy/funny…insert your word here_____} enough blocks us from allowing ourselves to do, eat, be who we truly are. We think, who am I to be great? Who am I to allow myself what I want, I don’t deserve it.

Katie wants to live in a world where wellness is available to everyone. As a coach, speaker and wellness blogger she loves writing and talking about holistic health on her blog, [http://thewellnesswonderland.com], her weekly Podcast WWRadio [http://thewellnesswonderland.com/?cat=647], and in her daily life.

If you’d like more inspiration from Katie visit her in Wonderland or on her Instagram [http://instagram.com/katiedalebout/],Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheWellnessWonderland?fref=ts] ,Twitter [https://twitter.com/katiedalebout], and YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZeGjRFLpNwpprPdZ63ZzMg]. Be well…

Don’t Go Work Out.

Lauren Haney

November 25, 2014

Welcome Holiday Season!

Come on delicious turkey. Ham. Pies. Your aunt’s bomb-diggity sweet potato casserole. Gravy. Potatoes. Cookies. Cakes. Pies – did I mention pies yet?

You know it’s here. Time to get our eats on! Pull out the maternity pants and leggings to make room for the extra eating. Don’t lie you know your holiday outfits revolve around stretchy materials! It’s alright, mine do too!

But let’s get real. We are going to indulge and come January 1 we are going to write that New Year’s Resolution to get back in the gym to work out and “drop that holiday weight” “drop the baby weight” or “drop that pant size.” Something happened when we had that baby {or more!} to our bodies and we are sick of feeling the way that we do.

Yet, January 10th comes, it’s too hard and we stop. So stop this cycle. Don’t Go Work OUT, GO set some realistic, measurable, obtainable GOALS.

We didn’t set ourselves up for success. We thought, I’ll go to the gym every day and get in those skinny pants from high school. How can you start preparing now so that come 1/10/15 you aren’t back on the couch watching Downtown Abbey finishing off the half gallon {but let’s be real it’s only like 1/3 gallon} ice cream…

1. Figure out your WHY.

Sure it’d feel great to rock those skinny jeans, but I promise you when you hear that chocolate chip cookie screaming your name at 10:30pm on Friday night that WILL NOT keep you from chowing down. Therefore you need to connect to WHY I want to get fit. Think about the five senses. How you will feel, what you will look like, what your confidence level will be like, how will your husband react to you, how will you feel going shopping. For us visual folks, we need a constant visual reminder of sweet abs, cut arms, and some swanky clothes that we’d look killer in if we had the body we desire. Before moving on to other steps figure out your WHY.

2. Set GOALS.

This is NOT “I want to fit in those skinny jeans” and pray it happens. You need to break that goal down. When do you want to fit in those jeans? Say 5 months from now. Say you need to lose 20 pounds to get into them. That means you need to consistently lose 4 pounds a month in order to hit your goal. That means 1 pound a week. Completely doable!

3. Determine HOW

. So momma, how are you going to do it? You know you have to drop 1 pound a week, so what changes do you need to make in order to do it. What I have experienced most in my journey is I set unrealistic and unobtainable HOWS. Like I’m going to work out every day for one hour and I’m going to squeeze in an extra work out 3 times a week while also ONLY eating vegetables. That screams FAIL. Promise me you will not say “I will go to the gym every day” {unless you are IN that habit!}. Start with working out 3 times a week and get really consistent at that. Then you can increase. Take a good look at your diet and remove processed food, refined sugars, just “crap” {don’t even act like you don’t know what I’m talking about and PLEASE throw away the “natural Cheetos” unless you can find me a Cheeto plant that produces Cheetos}.

4. Dream IT into REALITY.

Think about your goal. Say your goal out-loud. Speak positive confessions, like “I will lose 20 pounds. I’m worth it. I’m beautiful.” Positive confessions are powerful. I love speaking Biblical truths as well such as “There is a plan and purpose for my life” “God created me for GOOD not evil” “I’m more valuable than rubies and gold!”

5. DO NOT GIVE UP!

I believe that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to! Go achieve your dreams!

Gearing Up For A Successful Black Friday

Mary

November 24, 2014

It’s almost time for one of the most beloved days of savings all year long—that’s right, Black Friday is nearly upon us! Though I refuse to go to the stores on Thanksgiving, I will gladly get up in the wee hours of Black Friday morning to snag some deals. I’ve been doing this for nine years strong, and I am here to tell you that there are some amazing deals to be found. Sure it takes some planning, patience, and determination—but it’s well worth it when you see what you come home with.

As a Black Friday veteran I do have some helpful tips that will make your trips to the store more productive and enjoyable. Sure you will hear the negative advice, but there truly are some great deals and bargains that make the trip worth it. This has become a fun tradition within our family, and I hope that these tips can help you to do the same.

Always Go In With A Plan

Sure it sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many people don’t go in with a plan. Even if you’re going for one specific gift, you need to think it through beforehand. Make your shopping list and attach as much detail to it, and then that can work as the framework of your shopping trip. Know where you want to go logistically speaking and then plan around that in terms of which gifts you want to get.

There is no such thing as too prepared out there! If you are somebody that is willing to wait in line, then more power to you. For me personally though I find that I can get just as great of deals if I go at 4am, than to wait for hours and cut into turkey time. A plan will help you to figure out which works best for you.

Do Your Research As It Will Really Pay Off

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I have a list for the list for Black Friday. I will look into what stores are offering deals that fit my needs. I have an idea of what I want to get my kids, my husband, and all of my family and friends.

I will say that sometimes you change it on the fly—as a $5 DVD or a $20 men’s watch simply can’t be missed out on! Know what you have to spend, who you’re buying for, and then look into the Black Friday ads beforehand. This will save you time and a lot of frustration the day of, I promise you that. Sometimes you may even find that getting yourself a little something is a nice reward for bargain shopping.

Know Which Stores Fit Your Needs Best and Focus On Them

We have a planned route every year as to where we’re going to hit and then we work our way from there. If you happen to have a shopping plaza nearby that offers favorites like Kohl’s, Target, Old Navy, and such stores then it can help you to get a lot of shopping done in a close proximity.

Look into which stores are going to best fir your needs and then plan your route accordingly. Everyone has different things to shop for, and so if you know what stores you need to go to it will help you to focus. Having a route of the stores you want to hit can help you to cross things off the list little by little—that is shopping magic!

Always Refuel

Everyone laughs when I tell them this, but there is great power in a cup of coffee and small meal. You will be amazed at how you can start to get “hangry” and crabby when you haven’t had anything to eat and the crowds just get to you. Bring a snack with you and plan out your route around a good breakfast spot, something quick like Panera works well.

Don’t underestimate the power of refueling as it will keep you going and ensure you stay focused, rather than wandering through the aisles aimlessly tossing things into your cart. Keep your energy up and you won’t become a casualty of Black Friday shopping!

Pack Your Patience and Have Fun With It

We listen to Christmas music in the car and try to have fun with the whole Black Friday experience. It is nice to save money and come home with a bunch of things on your list, so try to enjoy it. Yes people can be rude sometimes, but don’t let them get you down. You will find that if you go in with a good attitude, that people won’t bother as you much and you can enjoy this tradition and save bundles of money in the process.

Happy Shopping!

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