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Introducing the DMB’s of Kate…

Kate Bell Bio

{Down with Detroit}

I love Detroit. It’s part of my story, my roots, me. After traveling to far parts of the world and living in different states, I have a special appreciation for the city that I call home. I am happy to be back in the D, raising my family. I treasure the memories I have in the city, the honor of working for a class act Detroit Architecture firm in my past and the future of taking my son’s to the D, to build their story. Detroit, through its ups and downs, often reflects life – you never know what’s happening next, but you can appreciate the places that are sound and solid and will bring a simple smile to your face. (like riding the people mover with 4 and 7 year old boys, just for the sake of the ride, and of course we went around twice, maybe three times). Or biking along the river front. So many more discoveries to explore.

 Kate husband 1 DMBsKate Husband 2 DMBs

{My Life}

My husband picked me up at the airport. Yep, that’s where we met! The story is longer than that, but the story began with the American Youth Foundation and Camp Miniwanca on the shores of Lake Michigan. He’s been my balance and my love since we met in 2003 and married in 2005.  We had our first son, NJB, in 2007 where I returned to work in the architecture world several months after. It was hard. So hard to leave him at a daycare center, but harder to know that I was missing his precious first year, and beyond! Around 20 months, I was laid off and it was such a blessing. When NJB was a baby, I started a little business and with the layoff, I was able to focus a little more energy on my creative and photography business (www.kmbdetails.com) and have been busy in many ways ever since. Trying to find balance as a full time wife, mom and creative person is a challenge, but it is working.  I love it.  I am a planner, meals, grocery shopping, daily chores – they all have a place on the schedule. Eating as clean as possible and healthy is part of our family lifestyle too.

Our youngest son, SJB, joined our family in 2010 and has had us on our toes ever since! With a host of what we try to handle as simple health issues (www.bellyedison.com), we have had many challenges. They could be worse, and we’re fortunate to have found a path that seems to be working. This is what really what keeps me up at night. I have always enjoyed cooking and with his health challenges we were forced to a different lifestyle. It is for the better, we are all healthier for it, and VERY aware of what we choose to put into our bodies and home.

I am privileged to be able to keep my business going to a level I feel confident. I am blessed with two amazing boys who are up for my crazy adventures and plans. My husband truly is a gift to me with his understanding that I am kind of crazy.

 Kate family DMBs

Kate boys 1 DMBs

{Babies + Beyond}

I have two fantastic boys. They are awesome. Simple as that. NJB, is my super sensitive soul and bursting with energy! His compassion and curiosity of the world and those around is quite eye opening and inspiring. I LOVE seeing how he chooses what he does during the day and learning something new from him.  He is passionate in math lessons and anything baseball. My SJB is my energy and calm – if that makes sense! He is the balance our family needed to complete our little pack. He’s a little crazy, like me, and keeps us on our toes! At 9 months, I watched him create a way to climb onto our kitchen counter and place crayons in the toaster (don’t worry, I did watch just to see, no injuries happened and no crayons were melted!) from that moment, we have an extra ear and eye in his direction. He’s the creative artist. The brothers are great friends, most of the time; I’m so proud that they chose to share a room in our new home and I can only hope that they continue this strong friendship long into their years.

Weekend Happenings :: In + Around Detroit September 26-28

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS LOGO Sept 26-28

Astronomy at the Beach

{Date}

September 26, 2014 – September 27, 2014

{Time}

Saturday + Sunday -6 p.m. to midnight

{Cost}

 FREE

{Parking}

Vehicle entry – $7

{Location}

Kensington Metropark
2240 W. Buno Road
Milford

*

South Lyon Area Pumpkinfest

{Date}

September 26, 2014 – September 28, 2014

{Time}

Friday – 7 to 11 p.m.

Saturday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Downtown South  Lyon

*

Annie

{Date}

September 26, 2014 to October 4th

{Times}

September 26th – 1 p.m.

October 1st – 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

October 2nd – 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

October 3rd – 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

October 4th – 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

{Cost}

Starting at $40

*check website for prices based on seating

{Location}

Fisher Theatre
3011 W. Grand Blvd
Detroit

*

Deneweth’s Fall Fun Fest

{Date}

Saturday/Sunday – September 27th to October 26th

{Time}

Saturdays/Sundays -noon to 5 p.m.

{Cost}

Child -$10

Adult -FREE

{Location}

Deneweth’s Garden Center
16125 22 Mile Road
Macomb Township

*

Diehl’s Ciderfest

{Date}

September 27, 2014 – September 28, 2014

{Times}

Saturday + Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One mile run – 8:30 a.m.

Four mile run – 9 a.m.

{Location}

Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill
1479 Ranch Road
Holly

*

Great Lakes Bat Festival

{Date}

September 27, 2014

{Time}

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Washtenaw Community College
4800 E. Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor

*

Fishing Derby

{Date}

September 27, 2014

{Time}

8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

*Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Hines Park
Waterford Bend area
17387 Northville Road
Northville

*

Ice Age Unfrozen

{Date}

September 27, 2014 – January 3, 2015

{Time}

Wednesday through Friday – 9 a.m to 3 p.m.

Saturday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday – noon to 6 p.m.

{Cost}

Adults – $18

Kids – $15

{Location}

Michigan Science Center
5020 John R St.
Detroit

*

Fall Flavors Weekends

{Date}

 September 27, 2014 to September 28, 2014

{Time}

 Saturday/Sunday – 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m.

 {Cost}

Adults – $24

Children ages 5 to 12 – $17.50

Four and under – FREE

{Location}

Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd
Dearborn

 *

Native American Heritage Day

{Date}

September 27, 2014

{Time}

1 – 4 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Nanking Mills Interpretive Center
33175 Ann Arbor Trail
Westland

*

Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest

{Date}

September 27, 2014 – October 30, 2014

{Time}

Monday through Fridays – 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays through Sundays – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

{Cost}

General admission – FREE

Fees for pony rides, hayrides and more. Check out the website for pricing.

{Location}

Wilson Barn
29350 W. Chicago St.
Livonia

*

Joe Cornell’s Event Planning Expo

This expo brings everything you need to know to plan your special event. You are invited to tour the exhibits, sample the wares and speak with over 60 event industry leaders under one roof!

{Date}

September 28, 2014

{Time}

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Jewish Community Center

West Bloomfield Township

Introducing the DMBs of Erin…..

Hi! I’m Erin, and I’m really excited to join the team. I’ve been looking for an outlet outside of work where I can flex my skills and sort out some of my thoughts on the crazy roller coaster of parenting, and so I’m excited to share with you all, and learn from the other contributors, as well as our readers. To get started, I’d like to share my “DMBs,” so here’s a little bit more about me!

{Down With Detroit}

I grew up in Allen Park, just ten minutes south of Detroit. Though I don’t live there any more, I’m still pretty protective and defensive of the Downriver community, as I think it was a great place to grow up. My parents took us downtown often enough to develop an appreciation for all of the great things going on in Detroit. We went to family Tigers games, a trip to the theater was a special treat most years, and as we grew older we’d go out to eat in different neighborhoods or tour some of the more historic areas like Indian Village or Corktown on walking tours.

I married a country boy who has totally fallen in love with the city, and now works downtown at a non-profit. He has opened my eyes to some hidden gems, and we try to get downtown as often as we can. As our son has grown, we’ve also taken him downtown with us – the City History Museum, Michigan Science Center, Thanksgiving Parade, and outdoor concerts in Campus Martius have all been big hits with him, and I hope to take him down more as he grows.

 Erin wNickinLudington

{My Life}

As I mentioned, I grew up in Allen Park, then went to a small liberal arts college, Adrian, where I met my husband Nick. I graduated with a Communication degree in Argumentation and Advocacy and dreamed of going into PR, but landed in the world of online marketing. Nick and I married two years after graduation and settled in Livonia. It’s a teeny bit TOO suburban for my taste in some ways, but I love being close to both Ann Arbor (where I work) and Detroit, and we’ve got great friends and neighbors here.

We were married for about four years when I was “happily surprised” to find out I was pregnant with our son. We welcomed Oliver into our family in October 2012. My company gives us a really generous maternity leave, so I had a lot of time off with Oliver before returning to work part time. Oliver wasn’t the world’s easiest baby, so some of those days dragged on and on during maternity leave, but looking back, I am really thankful I had that time to ease into motherhood. I was so uncertain about everything I did when he was little, and know I’m still making plenty of mistakes, but have learned to trust my instincts more in the last two years, stress less about each decision, and trust that God “loaned” Oliver specifically to me and Nick for a reason.

In addition to family stuff, I really love vegging watching TV – even though I don’t have cable, I’m more of a TV junkie than I’d really like to admit (love Parks and Rec and The Mindy Show lately, Gilmore Girls and The Office are my all time favorites, and I also like some British TV shows). I’m not a great cook but I really love going out to eat, and am about the least picky eater I know…I can never decide if that’s a good thing or not, because it means that I think that just about anything I cook is okay, and I’m always afraid I’ll serve guests food that is actually disgusting to anyone but me.

Erin O_OnCouch

{Babies and Beyond}

Oliver – Oliver just turned two. I really hate phrases like “He is all boy,” but despite any of my attempts to introduce him to all kinds of toys, books, etc, it is totally true in his case. He is a funny, energetic curly-haired kid who is totally and completely obsessed with any and all vehicles, especially cars and trains. My not-so-easy-baby has turned into an awesome little boy, who loves to “wace” and “wun awound” the house, which is a good thing because it takes a lot to wear him out! I’m really excited (and plenty nervous) to see how he adapts to being a big brother in a few months. Right now he understands there’s a baby in my belly, and also talks about “sisser” when we see baby items or talk about babies.

Baby #2 – I can’t believe we are having another baby in just a few months! I would’ve been excited for Oliver to have a brother, but am also pumped to have a girl, and hope that we can share some things that I loved growing up (Anne of Green Gables, anyone?). I absolutely consider myself a feminist, and am already finding that there are some interesting things that people expect/say/do when you’re having a girl that will be interesting or tough for me. I’m definitely not anti-pink or anything girly, but want to make sure I raise a young woman who finds her value in her personality and knowing she is loved no matter what she looks like or how she dresses.

Mom 2 Mom Sales for September 27th, 2014

Mom2MomSalesMetroDetroitSept27

Kirk in the Hills

Strollers Allowed
45 Tables

 {Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
1340 W Long Lake Rd
W of Telegraph

Bloomfield Hills

 

 *

 St. Mary Magdalen K of C

Strollers Allowed
85 Tables
Sold Out!!!

{Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird}
8:30 am.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
2201 S Old Hwy 23
Between Hilton & Hyne

Brighton

 

 *

Chelsea MOPS at {First United Methodist Church}

Strollers Allowed
50 Tables
No Early Bird!!!

{Time}
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Admission}
General – $1

{Location}
128 Park St
At M52

Chelsea

*

Garden City High School

Strollers Allowed
85 Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
6500 Middlebelt
Between Ford & Warren

Garden City

*

St. Joseph Church

Strollers Allowed
30 Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
425 E. Washington
At Grand River & Michigan

Howell

*

Good Shepherd Lutheran MOPS

Strollers Allowed
55 Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
1950 S Bladwin
Between Clarkston & Waldon

Lake Orion

*

MOPS at {Trinity United Methodist}

Strollers Allowed
35+ Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
1310 N Main (M24)
At Oregon & Daley

Lapeer

*

Newburg United Methodist Church

Strollers After 10
32 Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
36500 Ann Arbor Trail
Between Wayne & Newburgh Road

Livonia

*

Fox Elementary PTO

Strollers Allowed
125+ Tables
Sold Out!!!

{Time}
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:00

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
17500 Milestone
West off of Romeo Plank/South of 21 Mile

Macomb

*

Holy Cross Catholic School

Strollers Allowed
120 Tables
New!

{Time}
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
618 South Water Street
South of Union Street

Marine City

*

Plymouth-Canton MOMS at {Risen Christ Lutheran}

Strollers After 10
Department Store Style

{Time}
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
46250 Ann Arbor Road
At McClumpha

Plymouth

*

Rochester 1st Church of Nazarene

Strollers Allowed
65 Tables
Sold Out!!!

{Time}
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Admission}
General – $2

{Location}
1799 Walton Blvd
East of Old Perch

Rochester Hills

*

Grace Preschool

Strollers Allowed
60 Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
7525 Thirty Two Mile
At Campground

Romeo

*

Shrine Catholic Grade School

Strollers After 10
70 Tables
Sold Out!!!

{Time}
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
1621 Linwood
12 Mile & Woodward

Royal Oak

*

Saline Parks & Rec

Strollers Allowed
87 Tables
Sold Out!!!

{Time}
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
1866 Woodland
South of Textile/Between State & Maple

Saline

*

St. Joan of Arc PTG

No Strollers
75 Tables

{Time}
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird}
8:30 a.m.

{Admission}
EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}
22415 Overlake
South of 9 Mile/ At Greater Mack

St. Clair Shores

Fall Meal Planning With Michigan Apples

As much as I love summertime at one of Michigan’s lovely lakes {swoon, beach, sand, sunset}, I have to admit the truth.  I really do think I am an autumn girl at heart.

There’s just something so unbelievably special about waking up in the morning, bundled up under the warm blankets, tossing on a pair of jeans and a {insert college of preference} hooded sweatshirt and heading out with the family to one of the many cider mills that surround Metro Detroit.  (Seriously, there are a ton.  No matter where you are in the area, my guess is that you don’t have to drive more than twenty minutes to experience your own apple-cider-and-cinnamon-sugar-donut bliss. Check out Michigan Cider Mills to find one close to you.)  Seriously though, this is not the point of what I want to talk about.  With many of the cider mills come U-pick apple orchards.  Whether you pick a peck, half bushel or full bushel, freshly picked apples are one of the most exciting things about fall in the mitten state.  Other states buy our apples because we have the best……Gala, honeycrisp, empire…. Mmmmm. YUM!

Sharon Apple Picking Colage

But let’s be real.  This post is not about cider mills and apple picking.  This post is about meal planning and prepping.   It’s what you do with the apples that is the best part of the autumn season.

This weekend my family went to Erwin Orchards in South Lyon with another family.  We each picked a half bushel of apples to take home for our families to enjoy.  While on the tractor between the MacIntosh and Gala apples, we all started to rattle off the foods we were hoping to make with our 75+ apples:  applesauce, apple turnovers, pork tenderloin glazed in apples, apple-butternut squash soup {my favorite, especially when topped with crispy bacon!}, apple butter, caramel apples…. The list goes on.  And on. And on.  When hopping off the tractor, I of course was doing the math in my head.

You see, something about me that you probably don’t know is that I love to meal plan.  It brings me great pleasure to score a deal at the butcher or farmer’s market, especially when I can make multiple meals from the bargain or even plan extra freezer meals.

So this apple picking adventure cost us $17 to fill the half bushel bag with apples of our choice.  We estimated we had anywhere from 75-90 apples in our bag.  So, in my mind I was factoring a cost of $.15-.20/apple as being a pretty epic score.

My plan is currently in flight, but from my $17 expense I will be able to make:

  • 2 batches of Apple – Zucchini – Carrot muffins and bread(Read – 48 mini muffins, divided into zip lock bags of 6 count to freeze for easy access for my toddler PLUS four mini loaves of bread for me to freeze in quart sized zip lock bags which each will be a week of breakfast for me at work)  (PLUG – my child hates, hates, hates vegtables.  She loves these muffins.  #WIN!)
  • Marinade for four pork tenderloins as freezer meals

    We love a simple marinades to use in our crock pot.  One of our favorites is to use apples, brown sugar, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar over a pork tenderloin.  I was able to get four 1.5lb cuts of pork tenderloin for $3.99/lb from our butcher, so will be putting each one into a gallon sized zip lock bag with all of the ingredients and tossing in the freezer for easy access to a ready-to-cook meal.

  • Applesauce

    Seriously – using just a quarter of our half-bushel of apples is bringing me three quarts of applesauce.  Using pint-sized mason jars, I’m loaded with twelve jars of applesauce to cater to my picky toddler’s food aversion dinners.

  • Apple Turnovers

    If you are anything like me, you have a wee bit of a sweet tooth.  Ok I lied.  I need something sweet after dinner each day because if I don’t, I dig for sweets after putting my little one to bed.  Using a simple pie crust or cresent rolls, I prepped 50 mini apple turnovers.  I froze them in quart sized bags (so 5 per bag), which means I can have a quick and easy-to-heat dessert whenever my heart desires!

  • Fried Apples

    As a freezer item.  Yes, I have diced up apples to put into quart sized ziplocks with a splash of lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg.  I can grab the small bags to quickly sautee up with a bit of butter or coconut oil for a delicious side dish.  I made four freezer bags of diced apples.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar

    Yes, that’s right.  I am making my own ACV.  Using the scraps from the apples I pealed for the above recipes, I have a quart size mason jar sitting in my cupboard, loaded with peals, water and sugar, waiting to turn into the magic that is apple cider vinegar.  This will be a key item in changing how I work our meal budget.  We seriously use a bottle of ACV each week, which costs us around $5/bottle.  If the scraps from our family fun filled apple picking adventure can overlap into making this key kitchen ingredient a DIY cost-savings item, I will stock up now on at least three bushels of apples! {just kidding, I have limited freezer space for freezer meals!}

Of course, I’m keeping about two dozen apples for us to eat raw.  I love seeing my toddler proudly grab herself an apple, rub it on her shirt like her daddy and chomp into it.  And I absolutely needed a few whole gala apples for my lunches this week – apple-bacon-gouda quesadillas.

{Happy fall, happy planning, happy cooking}

 

 

Family Finances :: Managing Family Money

Two things I know for sure:

1) Financial situations require open communication between all involved parties.

2) __(can you guess?)_________  has significantly lowered the amount of gaps in communication with my husband.

As August wrapped up, my husband and I were faced with an increase in our monthly rent and once again were looking at our finances.  For a family of three with both adults working full-time, we certainly are the stereotypical “living paycheck to paycheck” American family.  I seriously don’t know how we were scraping by, especially with the size of our TWO car payments and cell phone bill on top of rent.  Those four bills alone appeared to be consuming close to one-third of our monthly income.  Add car insurance on top of that and I was pretty confident that half of our income was being thrown out the window.

Somehow we needed to figure out a way to change what we were spending money on if we wanted to get out of our 550 sq foot- one-bedroom-apartment.  {Yes, there are two adults, a toddler, a cat and a dog living in a one-bedroom apartment in Westland.  It’s cozy and we call it home. I’m blessed to have a roof over our heads.}  Heck, we needed to figure out a way to have a bit of extra money available for car repairs we are anticipating before the end of the year.  Not to mention that one of our vehicles is a lease and is due to be turned back in to the dealership in early February.  {EEK! Yes, there’s a ton of pressure on my shoulders just putting these thoughts in writing.}

Now, let me be clear.  I knew how to budget from a calendar to figure out which paycheck to pull money from to pay a bill.  And I always made sure bills were paid before money started to be used for eating out or entertainment.  I could very easily write down an expense list and deduct it from our income.  What I was not doing efficiently was budgeting savings.  In my mind, savings meant money for the future.  It didn’t mean money for a specific activity or event that was already predetermined and we could start collecting funds now.

 

I had to change this cycle.  I had to add in these extra things to our weekly budget.  Things like car repairs, gymnastics class, coffee money, etc.

 

What would you do in this situation?  Stay tuned to see exactly what we did in our home to make a drastic change.

Sharon cash envelope

Weekend Happenings :: In + Around Detroit September 19-21

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS LOGO sept 19-21

Made in Michigan Festival

Come enjoy kids’ activities, food trucks, entertainment and much more!!!

{Dates}

September 19, 2014 – September 20, 2014

{Times}

Friday – 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Claire Shores Civic Arena & Senior Center for Active Adults
20000 Stephens Street
St. Clair Shores

*

Oktoberfest

You’ll enjoy carnival games, a petting zoo, inflatables and an outdoor movie at dusk!!!

{Dates}

September 19, 2014 – September 20, 2014

{Times}

Friday – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday – noon – 11 p.m.

{Cost}

Per person – $5

3 & under – FREE

{Location}

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church
2225 E. 14 Mile Rd
Birmingham

*

Fall Fair

Tollgate Farm offers a family-friendly open house with hay rides, fishing, kids’ crafts + activities!!!

{Date}

September 20, 2014

{Times}

Saturday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

28115 Meadowbrook Road
Novi

*

Common Ground Art Fair

For the {love} of art! Come enjoy 160-plus artists, food and kids activities.

{Dates}

September 20, 2014 – September 21, 2014

{Times}

Saturday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

{Location}

Downtown Area on South Old Woodward Avenue
From Maple to Hazel Roads
Birmingham

 *

Romulus Pumpkin Festival

Enjoy a lighted parade on Goddard Road at 8 p.m. Don’t miss out on the food, classic car/tractor show, music, kids games and contests.

{Date}

September 19, 2014 to September 21, 2014

{Time}

Friday – 6 p.m. to midnight

Saturday – 11 a.m. to midnight

Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Historical Park
11147 Hunt St.
Romulus

*

Harvest Fest

Are you ready for Maybury Farms annual corn maze?! Enjoy demos, canning, activities for kids, scavenger hunt, crafts and food!!!

{Dates}

September 20, 2014

{Time}

Saturday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

{Corn Maze} – Noon to 9 p.m.

* Check website for times until November 2nd because they will vary

{Cost}

Per person (festival) – $3

Corn Maze per person – $7

2 & under – FREE

{Location}

50165 Eight Mile Road
Northville Township

 *

 Fall for Novi

Do you have a little one that would {love} to see the police and fire departments?! Come to this open house and do just that.  Plus there will be health screens, a perennial exchange, workshops and kids activities.

{Date}

September 20, 2014

{Time}

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE

{Location}

Novi Civic Center Campus
10 Mile and Taft roads

*

Michigan Kids Fest

Canterbury Village has  bounce house fun, clowns, crafts, a petting zoo, hay maze, sidewalk chalk, martial arts demos, monster truck rides and much more!!! It’s a one stop shop for all things fun!!!

{Date}

September 20, 2014 to September 21, 2014

{Time}

Saturday – noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday – noon to 4 p.m.

{Cost}

Per child – $10

Per adult – $5

{Location}

2325 Joslyn Court
LakeOrion

*

BLISS Day at {Belle Isle}

Come and enjoy the end of summer at this new state park with your family! You’ll enjoy kayaking, biking, yoga, food trucks, tours of the island and the opportunity to adopt rescued dogs!!!

{Dates}

September 20, 2014

{Times}

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

{Cost}

Please check the website for prices on different activities

{Location}

Belle Isle State Park
6925 E. Jefferson Ave

*

Taste of Clarkston

Who doesn’t love an outdoor tastefest?! Check out 30-plus restaurants, a FREE KidZone and live music!!!

{Date}

September 21, 2014

{Times}

Noon to 6 p.m.

{Cost}

FREE entry

$1/food ticket (check the website for menus)

FREE parking/shuttle at nearby Clarkston schools

{Location}

Main Street
Clarkston

 *

Orphan Car Show

This year the lovely {station wagon} will be taking the spotlight. Plus you can look forward to a parade + food vendors at nearby Depot Town.

{Dates}

September 21, 2014

{Cost}

Adults – $6

12 & under – FREE

{Times}

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

{Location}

Riverside Park
515 E. Cross Street
Ypsilanti

*

Somewhere in Time/Taste of Trenton and Beyond

Wouldn’t you love to see what Elizabeth Park looked like in the 1920’s?! You’ll get to see antique auto displays, enjoy riverboat rides and an area just for children’s crafts and games!!! Don’t forget to taste cuisine samples prepared by the area’s finest restaurants.

{Date}

September 21, 2014

{Time}

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

{Cost}

Food tickets – $1 {Taste of Trenton and Beyond}

{Location}

Somewhere in Time
4461 Elizabeth Drive
Trenton

Taste of Trenton and Beyond
Elizabeth Park
202 Grosse Ile Parkway
Trenton

*

Hawkfest

Learn about the migration of raptors (eagles, falcons, hawks, vultures). Also enjoy crafts and games!!

{Dates}

September 20, 2014 – September 21, 2014

{Cost}

FREE event

Parking per vehicle – $7

{Times}

Saturday + Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

{Location}

Lake Erie Metropark

32481 W. Jefferson Ave

Brownstown

Mom 2 Mom Sales for September 20th, 2014

Mom2MomSalesMetroDetroit Sept 20

 Burton

Holy Redeemer Council of Catholic Women

Strollers Allowed

40 Tables

No Early Bird!!!

 {Time} :: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Admission}

General – $1

{Location}

 1227 E Bristol
At 475
Burton

 *

Clarkston

 Clarkston Community Church Women’s Ministry

Strollers Allowed

60+ Tables

Sold Out!!!

 {Time} :: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8 a.m.

{Admission}

EB – $2

General – $1

 {Location}

6300 Clarkston
Between M15 & Sashabaw
Clarkston

 *

 Howell

 Livingston Area Parents of Multiples

Strollers Allowed

Department Store Style

Sold Out!!!

 {Time} :: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8:30 am.

 {Admission}

 EB – $3

General – $1

 {Location}

 3555 E Grand River
At Grand Oaks
Howell

 *

 Ida

 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Strollers Allowed

48 Tables

Sold Out!!!

No Early Bird

{Time} :: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Cost}

 General – $1

 {Location}

 1920 Lewis
S of M-50
Ida

 *

 Imlay City

 Gateway Assembly

Strollers Allowed

50 Tables

 {Time} :: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8:30

 {Cost}

 EB – $2

General – $1

 {Location}

 2796 S Van Dyke
S of I-69
Imlay City

*

 Lake Orion

 Lake Orion Community Ed

Strollers Allowed

98 Tables

No Early Bird!!!

Sold Out!!!

{Time} :: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Admission}

 General – $1

 {Location}

 455 East Scripps
At M-24 & Lapeer Rd
Lake Orion

 *

 Macomb

 Sequoyah Elementary School

Strollers Allowed

115 Tables

 {Time} :: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8 a.m.

 {Admission}

EB – $2

General – $1

 {Location}

 18500 24 Mile Rd
E of Romeo Plank
Macomb

 *

 Cheyenne Elementary

Strollers Allowed

140 Tables

Sold Out!!!

 {Time} :: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8:30 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2

General – $1

 {Location}

 47600 Heydenreich
N of 21 Mile/E of Romeo Plank
Macomb

 *

 Oak Park

 City of Oak Park

Strollers Allowed

45 Tables

 {Time} :: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 9 a.m.

 {Admission}

 General – $1

 {Location}

 14300 Oak Park Blvd
S of 696/E of Greenfield
Oak Park

 *

Plymouth

 Northridge Church

Strollers After 10 a.m.

80 Tables

Sold Out!!!

 {Time} :: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 {NO Early Bird}

 {Admission}

 General – $1

 {Location}

 49555 N Territorial Rd
At Ridge
Plymouth

 *

 Redford

 Redford Aldersgate UMC

Strollers Allowed

30 Tables

No Early Bird!

 {Time} :: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Admission}

General – $1

{Location}

 10000 Beech Daly
S of Plymouth Rd
Redford

*

 Southfield

 Bradford Academy

Strollers Allowed

35 Tables

No Early Bird!!!

 {Time} :: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Admission}

 General – $1

 {Location}

 24218 Garner
W of Telegraph
Southfield

 *

 Woodhaven

Twin Oaks Christian Church

Strollers Allowed

40 Tables

No Early Bird!!!

 {Time} :: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

{Admission}

 General – $1

 {Location}

 22333 King Rd
At Dix-Toledo Hwy
Woodhaven

Birthday Party Checklist

I LOVE celebrating my kiddos!  Their birthdays are usually full of little extras from mom.  I can go, well, just a little overboard when it comes to their birthdays.  I am a DIY’er but usually leave everything to the last minute, which happens to be a stressful combination.  Luckily every party I plan the process has become easier than the last.  I find myself asking the same questions every time and I usually only take on simple projects anymore!  I guess you could say I am always looking for the easy way out!

I also like to find ways to get the birthday boy involved and excited about his special celebration.  The boys enjoy looking at Pinterest along with me when I am searching for inspiration, we talk about the theme, decorations, and dessert.  We also talk about what their favorite flavor “of the month” is!  This gets them involved and I can then make the final decisions knowing they are going to be thrilled with the details!

I wanted to pass along a Birthday Party Checklist.  I use this list to help me think through EVERYTHING!  I hope you can use it too when you’re are planning your next party.  This list will help with both BIG events at fabulous venues and little celebrations at home!  Believe me, you can rest assure you have thought of it all once you get through this list!

Annette Birthday Party Checklist4

{Here are a few photos of my little guys Rock and Roll Fishing Party!  He LOVES fishing and LOVES music, we asked our guests to bring their fishing poles for a fishing contest!  His Nana turned the mini cupcakes into a guitar and I turned the grapes and chocolate covered pretzels into drum sticks.  His favorite dessert over the summer was a Boston Cooler + Root Beer Float, we used mason jars and made each of our guests a yummy ice cream float!  And he wanted pizza, of course, another one of his favorite things!  A few balloons along with his friends and family made this day perfect and ALL about him!}

 

Birthday Party Checklist

(2-3 Months Before)

  • Set Party Date + Time
  • Decide On A Budget
  • Create Guest List
  • Select Theme
  • Book Venue If Not At Home
  • Reserve Rental Chairs, Tables, etc.
  • Order Invitations, Paper, Photo Booth Props +/or Party Printable’s
  • Book Entertainment {bounce house, character, face paint, etc.}
  • Order Birthday Cake
  • Book Photographer, or ask a friend!

(1 Month Before)

  • Send Invitations
  • Plan Your Menu + Party Décor
  • See What Party Décor + Kitchen Items You Have On Hand, borrow from friends!

(1 Week Before)

  • Shop For Supplies + Goodie Bags
  • Print + Assemble Party Printable’s/Photo Booth Props
  • Purchase Non-Perishable Food
  • Confirm Details With Your Vendors
  • Write Up A Day of Schedule + Activities
  • Test Run Any Specialty Tables {without food!}

(1 Day Before)

  • Clean house, Set Out Clean Towels + Extra Toilet paper
  • Make Sure Camera Is Charged + Ready
  • Stop By ATM For Cash {entertainers, day of errands}
  • Package Party Favors
  • Pick Up or Bake Birthday Cake
  • Place Food Order (pizza, sub, etc.)
  • Go Grocery Shopping

(Day of Party)

  • Buy Party Ice
  • Set Up Balloons, Streamers, Table, Decorations, etc.
  • Prepare Last Minute Food
  • Chill Drinks
  • Set Out Garbages, etc.

(1 Hour Before)

  • Put Out All Food + Dessert
  • Turn On i-Pod
  • Sit Down, Relax + Enjoy!

Annette Birthday Party Checklist 3

 

Mom 2 Mom Sales for September 13th, 2014

Mom2MomSalesMetroDetroitSept13

Detroit Moms Blog has been working hard to keep you up to date on what is happening in + around town over the weekend!  We hope our readers have found these little lists helpful, and we hope you have found something fun and unique to do with your family!  Maybe something you didn’t even know was happening near you.  The Fall is FULL of so many things to do in + around Detroit and we will continue to keep you up to date with family fun weekend events!   Here is another, hopefully, helpful little list to share with our readers, a list of Mom 2 Mom Sales happening throughout the Metro-Detroit areas!  They open early so its usually something you can squeeze in if you have a busy weekend already planned!

Happy Bargaining!!!

Ann Arbor

St. Paul Lutheran School

Strollers Allowed

50 Tables

 {Time} ::  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8:30 a.m.

{Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}

 495 Earhart
At Hwy 23 & Geddes
Ann Arbor

*

Birmingham

MOPS @ Our Shepard Lutheran

Strollers allowed 10:30 a.m.

50 Tables

 {Time} ::  9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 {Early Bird} ::  9 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}

 Our Shepard Lutheran
2225 East 14 Mile
East of Woodward
Birmingham

*

Canton

Connection Church Mops

Strollers allowed after 10:30 a.m.

115 Tables

 {Time} ::  9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} ::  8:30 a.m.

{Admission}

EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}

 Connection Church
3855 Sheldon
North of Michigan Ave
Canton

*

Clinton Township

St. Thecla

Strollers allowed after 11 a.m.

145 Tables

No Early Bird!

Sold Out!!!

{Time} ::  8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Admission}

 General – $2

 {Location}

 20762 S. Nunnely
South of 16 Mile\East of Groesbeck
Clinton Township

*

Livonia

Edith/St. Collette MOPS

Strollers Allowed

74 Tables

Sold Out!!!

 {Time} ::  9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8:30 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}

 St Edith’s
15089 Newburgh
South of 5 Mile Road
Livonia

*

NWS Mothers of Multiples at {St. Matthews}

Strollers allowed after 10 a.m.

Department Store Style

{Time} ::  9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 {Early Bird} ::  8:30 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}

 St. Matthews
30900 6 Mile
Between Merriman & Middlebelt
Livonia

*

Macomb

St. Peter Lutheran MOPS

Strollers after 10 a.m.

100+ Tables

Sold Out!!!

 {Time} ::  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Earlybird} ::  8 a.m.

{Cost}

 EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}

  17051 24 Mile
West of Romeo Plank Road
Macomb

*

Shawnee Elementary

Strollers allowed

125 Tables

Sold Out!!!

{Time} :: 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}

 21555 Vesper
South of 23 Mile/Off Card
Macomb

*

Ojibwa Elementary PTO

Strollers Allowed

125 Tables

Sold Out!!!

{Time} :: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 {Early Bird} ::  8 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}

 46950 Heydenreich
At 21 Mile/1 mile East of Romeo Plank
Macomb

*

Troy

Faith Lutheran Church

Strollers allowed

75 Tables

 {Time} :: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

{Early Bird} ::  8:30 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

{Location}

 37635 Dequindre
North of Big Beaver
Troy

 *

Warren

Macomb Count MOMS at {Holy Cross}

Strollers Allowed

Department Store Style

 {Time} ::  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} ::  None

 {Admission}

 General – $1

 {Location}

 Holy Cross
30003 Ryan
N of 12 Mile
Warren

*

Waterford

Oakdale Academy

Strollers allowed

60+ Tables

 {Time} ::  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} :: 8 a.m.

{Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}

 3200 Beacham Drive
West of Telegraph/North of Walton
Waterford

*

Williams Lake Church of Nazarene

Strollers allowed

70 Tables

 {Time} ::  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} ::  8 a.m.

 {Admission}

EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}

2840 Airport
South of Williams Lake Road
Waterford

*

Wyandotte

Knights of Columbus #1802 Ladies Aux.

Strollers Allowed

40 Tables

 {Time} ::  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 {Early Bird} ::  8:00 a.m.

 {Admission}

 EB – $2
General – $1

 {Location}

3051 Fourth Street
North of Eureka/West of Biddle
Wyandotte

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In + Around Detroit

Metro Detroit Winter Activities from A to Z

1
There is a chill in the air and the snowflakes will be falling soon. Before we know it, the kids will be off school...