Back-to-School Organization: 5 Tips For Success

August 13, 2023

Back-to-school season is officially upon us! After a fun-filled summer break, it’s back to the rise and grind of the school year and the daily rush we parents know all too well.

You know the rush I’m talking about: the homework help, sports practices, extra tutoring sessions, after-school clubs, weekend activities, morning lunch packing, Sunday resets, and somehow finding time in between all that to actually do the daily mom tasks like our own personal work and homemaking.

But what if I told you there are ways to tackle this daily rush with ease? So you’re not walking around constantly feeling like your mom brain is going to explode, or wondering, “What do we have going on tomorrow?”

It might seem like a stretch to say that I’ve mastered this daily mom grind in the back-to-school season. But, I really feel like I have. I thrive on planning and organization. I love finding ways to help keep my home and family organized, running efficiently, and not leaving me feeling like I’m burning both ends of my “mom-candle.” These techniques especially work well during the busy back-to-school season in the fall. They also work to help keep us organized all year long.

Today I’m happy to share these tips with you to help make your back-to-school transition smoother, and keep it running smooth all year long!

Tip #1: Create a family calendar.

There’s a reason I made this #1. This step is absolutely paramount to your family’s organizational success. This is how you and everyone else in the household will always know what is happening, and on what day.

It needs to be in a place where everyone in the family can see it clearly. This could be in the kitchen, mudroom, or pantry. It could also be on the fridge, on your TV if you can upload photos to it, in the home office space where you all do homework nightly, etc. In my house it’s on a magnetized acrylic board I ordered on Etsy (linked in the next paragraph!), and it sits on our fridge where we can all easily see it when needed.

I have our fridge calendar set up monthly and weekly. We can see what we have going on that month collectively, as well as what’s happening each week specifically. There’s also a spot for a weekly dinner menu so that nobody has to ask me daily what’s for dinner. This also serves to hold me accountable to meal plan at the beginning of the week.

Which brings me to my next point . . .

Tip #2: Plan your meals and grocery list at the beginning of every week.

I hate grocery shopping. But we know it’s one of those tasks that has to be done, basically for no other reason than our families have to eat, and us parents have been given the legal responsibility to feed them. So to mitigate my annoyance and make it as easy as possible for myself, I plan out all of our meals on Sunday or Monday morning and make a grocery list to go along with it for every single meal.

This means breakfast, school lunches, dinners, snacks, etc. It all gets written down on the list so that I can assess what needs to be shopped for. I then only have to do one or two major grocery trips/orders per week.

Step #2 of this is making sure to prep all the produce in advance.

Nobody wants to actually be washing and chopping veggies at 6:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. I do it all on Monday. When I bring the groceries home I make sure it’s all washed, chopped, and ready to go for the week. This way we can grab what we need quickly. Dinner prep is half done, and we can easily pack lunches. Any on-the-go snacks we might need as we’re out the door to practices and stuff are also ready.

I’ve seen people gather all the meal ingredients and put them in labeled containers for each day in the fridge. When it’s time to cook dinner, all of the ingredients needed are already in the bin.

Tip #3: Have a separate “Mom Calendar” just for you.

If you read my post about using a digital planner for moms, then you know I’m a huge fan of the “Mom Planner” in general, but especially a digital planner since everything you need can be easily accessed on your phone.

But this “Mom Planner/Calendar” doesn’t have to be a digital one at all. It can be in the form of a Google or iPhone Calendar, or a tiny paper calendar you keep in your purse/wallet, a notebook planner, etc. But, you absolutely need a place that you can access yourself to know all the stuff that’s going on.

Step #2 of this (and this is the most paramount): at the beginning of the school year, take your kids’ school calendar and input EVERYTHING in your mom planner—from September all the way through June.

This is something I’ve been doing for years. I really believe it is the source of my relaxation when it comes to wondering what my kids have going on at school at any given moment. It’s how I keep track of those half days, days off, school breaks, conferences, etc. Any time I need it, I can easily access and use this information to make appointments and plan vacations. Or, if I’m simply wondering when the next half day is—which more often than not, I forget until the day before.

Tip #4: Time block your time.

This is another method I use to plan out my day. It especially comes in handy once school starts and we’re back to our busier regularly scheduled busy programming. Using whichever planner I have, I’ll time block different sections of my day so that I can get all the tasks that I need to get done, done. This helps me realistically gauge how long each task will actually take, and prioritize those that need to get done ASAP.

So, for example: if we have basketball practice in the evening that day for three hours, I know that I can’t tell myself, “I’ll fold laundry tonight,” since I can clearly see there’s no time to get that done then. I’ll also know my dinner prep has to take place earlier in the day before practice. This way, I’m never rushing to get anything done. And, I’m not behind on most tasks, as I’ve assigned a realistic time frame to each one.

Tip #5: Create a family command center for all the “stuff.”

You know the “stuff”: papers that have been graded, mail to be sorted, library books just brought in, etc. Assign and label each kid their own bin for school papers, as well as a general school bin for any notes from school you need to read and get through. This way, you always know where the important papers are. And, your house is not flooded with them (which, as we all know too well, happens often).

I guarantee you’ll feel less overwhelmed using these tips. The back-to-school season can be a busy one, and one that puts us back into the busier daily grind. But these methods have been a game-changer in my household once I started implementing them. Believe it or not though, that’s why now I also look forward to the kids going back to school and our busier schedules resuming. It means that our home and family will be better organized once again!

Are you the parent of a soon-to-be Kindergartener? You won’t want to miss Kelly’s tips for kindergarten readiness!

Detroit Mom’s Local Love Spotlight: Modern Social Detroit

Whitney Cornelli

August 10, 2023

Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Kara Bradley, owner of Modern Social Detroit.

We started by asking Kara to share a few fun facts about herself!

She was born and raised in Chicago, but is now a permanent Michigan transplant after graduating from MSU.
She has over 15 years of experience working for Fortune 100 companies on some of the world’s most well-known brands.
And, when she’s not working full-time or on Modern Social, you can find her gardening, planning and designing her full-house renovation, schlepping her daughter to one of her activities, or keeping busy in some other way. She never sits still!

We asked Kara to share a little bit more about her business with us. Get to know Kara and her business, Modern Social Detroit, below!

How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?

“I saw a gap for a higher-end, luxury photo booth experience in the local market. The “Kardashian style” photo booths were at peak trend and the company known for that look was charging several thousands of dollars for their service and travel. I knew I could bring a higher standard of professionalism, customer service, and luxury feel than what was being offered by existing photo booth companies in the metro Detroit area.

“In 2019, for my corporate job, I had been researching different photo booth technologies when I stumbled across the booth I eventually purchased to start Modern Social. I fell in love with how customizable it was, and saw a huge potential in its ability as a marketing tool (which I do by trade). At the time, I loved my job, but the role I was in didn’t allow for a creative outlet.

“I called my husband, ran through the profit potential with him, and pitched him the idea of the business. I’ve run through a million business ideas with him in the past, but to my surprise, he was fully on board with this one! I met with my financial advisor to pull the amount I needed for start-up costs from my investment portfolio, and the rest is history!”

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

“Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I had a very clear vision for what I wanted to do and didn’t deviate from it. I have been fortunate to not make many mistakes, and any mistakes I did make were critical to developing my skillset as a business owner, so I am grateful for them.”

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Know your audience. You will not be for everyone, and that’s okay! Decide what your niche [is], drill into it, and stay consistent in your branding.”

Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?

“Not at all. I have found countless opportunities that have come from being a woman-owned business, whether it be from networking events like Met or Detroit Moms or from clients that sought me out because they wanted to support a female business owner. Some of my closest friends are female business owners, and I have found that the women entrepreneur scene in Metro Detroit is strong and has tons of opportunity for anyone who wants to pour into it.

“I would argue that we actually have it a little easier than men; men in the business world can be cutthroat, competitive, and not willing to ask for help. Women genuinely want to lift each other up and support each other!”

How do you persevere in challenging times?

“I launched an event business three months before the entire world shut down for a pandemic, so I can talk for hours on this subject! I think it all comes down to belief in yourself. When something is not going well, you can either look out the window or in the mirror. I always look in the mirror, and there’s nothing that bugs me more in life than a victim mentality.

“When the world shut down for events, I looked at what I could be doing differently. ‘Party in a box’ drop-off photo booths [were offered] for people to have drive-by outdoor graduation parties, birthdays, etc. I networked with other business owners in my space. I could’ve sat around feeling sorry for myself but I put one foot in front of the other and tried whatever I could to just keep going because I wanted to prove to myself that I could be successful.”

What impact do you want your business to have?

“It’s pretty simple. Our job is to capture memories. Life is short and photos last forever. I want those photos to be timeless. I want the subjects behind the lens to feel great about themselves and be captured enjoying life! No one is ever sad in our photo booths, and that’s one of the things I love about what we do.”

What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2023?

“You have a fantastic network of other women to support you. Women are unique in our ability to multi-task (especially mothers!). And, we have such a unique skillset to be able to juggle a lot of things at once. We are resilient, strong, and we can hustle better than anyone. We can come from all different walks of life and have nothing in common yet still be able to bond because we are women. There are zero cons to being a female business owner!”

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

“That taking a chance on yourself is one of the most rewarding things you can do in life. Gambling on your own work ethic and skills seems daunting. But when you find success, you can hold your head high that the reason is because of you and no one else.”

What do you do for personal and professional development?

“I have received a lot of professional development in my corporate career and am very grateful for that. A lot of my development [is focused] on how to communicate effectively. I have found Insights Discovery to be a great skillset in navigating communication with different personality types and understanding how to come across to them.”

What mantra or quote do you live by?

“‘The Man in the Arena’ passage/speech by Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.””

What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?

“I travel SO much that my favorite place is home with my husband, daughter, and two dogs.”

Where can our readers find you on social media?

You can follow Modern Social Detroit on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!

We hope you loved getting to know more about Kara + Modern Social Detroit. Be sure to check out our previous Local Love Spotlight featuring Nicole and Marganit + Pelvic Core Physical Therapy!

Infertility and Loss: A Local Woman’s Story

Detroit Mom

August 9, 2023

After years of struggling with infertility, I was so grateful that it was finally my turn. I was pregnant with a perfect and miraculous little girl. Despite my excitement, I knew the struggle was far from over, and I was filled with anxiety. I was so desperate to be a mother, and this felt like my only chance.

We had spent all of our savings on IVF. After grueling months of invasive tests, terrifying needles, and painful procedures, we were told that our embryos were degrading quickly and unlikely to survive long enough to freeze. So, when our transfer was successful, it felt like a miracle.

I reminded myself each week of the statistics, watching my chances of losing my baby dwindle and feeling the hope grow within me. Despite no concerns at any of my check-ups, I struggled with vivid dreams of loss. I often woke up to a heartbreak that was strong and tangible.

When I began to experience cramping in my 20th week, my anxiety heightened. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. But, I was unsure whether it was my worry taking over, or a genuine medical issue.

I made an appointment with my doctor to be sure.

I saw my baby on the ultrasound, flawless and healthy. When I was told that everything was perfectly normal, I was filled with relief. I allowed myself to be reassured and fought to bury my building anxiety. Cervical incompetence was something I researched often; I studied the statistics carefully. I told myself not to let a less than 1% chance infringe on my happiness, and I prayed harder than I ever have before, begging for God to take away my fears and protect my child.

By the day of my anatomy scan I had successfully buried my worry beneath a veil of hope. I was allowing myself to feel only excitement. As I sat in the waiting room relishing in her kicks and wiggles, my biggest concern was not getting a clear picture to proudly display on our refrigerator. But when the ultrasound technician noted a vague concern and asked me to wait while she called my doctor, I felt the dread rise within me.

She returned with a nurse and the look on their faces spoke louder than any words they said.

They tried to encourage me to stay calm. However, something within me broke as I realized that it was too late. I was going to lose my daughter, my precious miracle, the baby I loved from the moment I first saw her as a six-celled embryo.

I left the office in an ambulance, painfully aware of the fear in the EMS worker’s eyes. She told me that I was fully dilated and my daughter’s feet were in my cervix. She began making preparations for the possibility of delivering my baby en route. As I arrived at the hospital, I was met by family, still hopeful that something could be done. They urged me not to give up, to keep praying, and to stay optimistic for my daughter. But I knew what was coming, and I retreated within myself.

I couldn’t bear to let myself give in to any more hope. During delivery I refused pain medicine, partly because I wanted to remember every moment I would have with my baby, knowing our time together would be so short, but also because I felt like I deserved the pain that was to come. I told myself that if she had to suffer, I should suffer too.

Each week I could keep her in meant a chance at her survival, and I was so torn between wanting the pain to continue on indefinitely and just wanting everything to be over. Every passing minute felt like an eternity. Ultimately, my body held on for one more day. My daughter was born perfect, but too young at 20 weeks 5 days. We chose the name Miriam; she was our wished-for child.

In the weeks that followed, I hated my body for failing her.

I was filled with so much anger. Anger at God for giving me the gift I wanted most, just to have it cruelly ripped away. Anger at the doctors for not catching it in time. And anger at myself for falling in love and imagining a future with a child that I so naively thought would get to come home with me. I found myself overwhelmed with guilt and regret for not trusting my intuition more, struggling with a lingering question: would she still be here had I been given the resources to save her when there was still time?

I was filled with so much emptiness. There were times I thought I would never find a way back to myself. I spent my time fighting my way through the days, clinching my heart up tight, and desperately hoping that one day I would find joy again. And with time, I did.

While I initially thought the anger would never end, time has surprised me by transforming it.

I now find myself accepting that I did the best I could with what information I had. I have had to discover a new version of myself, working to look at my body with kindness and admiration, knowing I would have done anything to save my baby. Those precious moments we had together are ones that I cherish. And while the world can be cruel and life can be hard, I am able to see some light again.

Through my experiences, I have seen first-hand how isolating infertility and loss can be. I anticipated my journey to motherhood to be a time of hope and excitement. Instead, it was filled with years of loneliness and heartbreak. I often found myself immersed in a whirlwind of pregnancy and birth announcements, longing for community but desperately avoiding it; making attempts at being happy for others, while grieving for myself.

I was afraid to make others feel uncomfortable, afraid of being given yet more unwarranted advice on how to conceive, and feeling a great sense of shame as my body failed to accomplish what seemed to be so easy for everyone else. Through time I have found a community of kind and generous women to offer support and empathy through the ups and downs of this journey, alongside family members who continue to acknowledge the life and value of my daughter.

Because as important as it is to honor the children that are among us today, it is also important to honor the children that we will never have the privilege of seeing grow up. I grieve Miriam’s absence. But I also celebrate the miracle of her existence, as short as her time here on earth was.

–Guest submission by Hannah Govan

Traveling With a Neurodivergent Child: Ways to Plan Ahead

Franki Bagdade

August 7, 2023

DISCLAIMER: My family prefers to use both neurodivergent and disabilities as part of our identities. Some families with ADHD and other identities use other language. If you are not sure what someone prefers, I suggest asking!

If you have a neurodivergent child, traveling can include extra challenges. On the flip side, many children with ADHD and Autism (just two examples of awesome neurodivergent brains) can also be artistic, and creative, and have intense special interests which could include a passion for travel. Having a child (or two) with disabilities doesn’t have to get in the way of a great family trip.

Traveling with all children can be . . . well, I always think of it more as a “business trip” than a vacation. After all, it can be a lot of work! We are a family of five, with kids ranging in age from 11 to 16, with various needs. We love to travel and we enjoy it the most when we have planned ahead to assure that everyone’s needs are met.

Family of 4 sitting on a bench enjoying each other. One of the teens is wearing noise cancelling headphones, which help with some neurodivergent sensitivities. — My family enjoying Germantown in Milwaukee. Loud restaurants can be challenging–noise-cancelling headphones for the win!

When planning a family trip, I like to ask myself about the specific needs and accommodations each of my children need on a daily basis as I prepare. This helps me think about sensory sensitivities, where each of my children is in terms of independent and self-care skills, and challenges they may have with unpredictability or new experiences.

By thinking through what may go wrong, it helps me assure that things go right! Our packing lists include the regular necessities AND tangible tools to support our kids. We also include a metaphorical toolbox of strategies for the inevitable unpredictability of travel.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Packing

Some of our “go-to” tools are noise-cancelling headphones, many pairs of ear buds (they tend to “disappear”), Aaron’s thinking putty, multiple sketch books from dollar tree, and a few flair pens.

Noise-cancelling headphones are helpful in large crowds to drown out the noise. Ear buds are essential for my child who finds listening to their own music an instant calming tool. Aaron’s thinking putty is such a stress reliever for all of us! It’s also a great fidget for times when sitting still is tough. Sketch books and pens not only help to pass the time when waiting is needed, but they can also be a great anxiety reliever when the day feels overwhelming.

I have these items in the car and in my purse. Sometimes as my kids get older, they will carry their own items in a small backpack or fanny pack.

Setting Expectations + Anticipating Challenges

In addition to packing our bags, I take care to prep each kid individually in the way they need. For example, my youngest does best if we talk, and talk, and talk some more about each thing we’ve planned, including sharing pictures of all of the sites.

One of my older children finds constant vacation talk overwhelming, and would rather not hear the agenda until the morning of each day or the night before. So, I do my best (never striving for perfection, yet happy being “the world’s okayest Mom”) to talk to them separately. This becomes a perfect bedtime activity for my youngest child, and therefore, spares the older sibling from having to be included.

Isn’t This Time Consuming?

Yes, this method takes a bit more time and thought before the trip. However, the payoff is huge when the trip is a success!

I actually find that we save time by preparing the kids ahead of time with what to expect. This avoids some (but not all) meltdown moments on the trip! And yes, packing those extra sensory and calming items makes for a longer to-do list for me. However, it’s way better than trying to find these obscure tools on the road.

Sometimes I do find myself stressed with all the thought and care it takes into planning a trip for my family and accommodating everyone’s needs. If you have a neurodivergent child, traveling can include extra challenges. However, every single time we go on a vacation and we find ourselves all in a fit of giggles around a campfire, waiting for dinner, or even in the car, I know that the time is a worthy investment.

Neurodiversity can include so many things. Amanda shares important things to know and consider when it comes to talking about neurodiversity.

Detroit Mom’s Travel Series: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Megan Moore

August 6, 2023

There are so many lighthouses throughout the great state of Michigan–129 (remaining), to be exact, and each one has something special to offer. There are grand lighthouses, like The Rock of Ages Light in Eagle Harbor, and stunningly unassuming ones, such as the all-wooden Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse. Some are new, but many are old, and my favorites are the ones with history.

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse sits five miles north of Harrisville, situated on a long, rocky shoal that goes out to a point. It’s the perfect spot for rock hounding, especially if you’re on the hunt for Petoskey stones. The tower stands 70 feet 9 inches tall and was built in 1870, though the Alcona Historical Society still maintains the light.

Memorial Day through mid-September, take a step back in time and tour the Keeper’s House, imagining how it must have been to operate the light alone on a secluded point through November’s rough squalls and the summer’s fiercest storms. You can even climb the lighthouse tower to survey Lake Huron from a higher vantage point.

But the lighthouse isn’t the only thing the picturesque property has to offer. There’s much more to do! Growing up in the area, my family has been visiting since I was a child, and now I regularly take my three kids when we head Up North for a visit.

Sample Itinerary for Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Sturgeon Point Lighthouse | 6071 E. Point Rd. Harrisville, MI 48740
The Light and Keeper’s House don’t begin tours until 11:00 a.m., so take some time to explore the property and enjoy the beach. You’ll find maritime relics from when fishing was booming in the area. There are rudders, anchors, and the Bernice-D, a wooden fishing vessel built in 1915 that braved and fought the rocky shoals throughout the area’s “Shipwreck Alley.”

The locale also holds the Old Bailey Schoolhouse circa 1907. Though this isn’t its original location, the school remains one of the few remaining one-room Norway Pine log school houses still standing in the state. When open, you can enter the building–it boasts a recreation of a typical school room from the period.

There is also a quaint gift shop near the lighthouse offering cute gifts and souvenirs, and often a very friendly staff member who can tell you all about the lighthouse.

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
When the tours begin, you can walk through the rooms of the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, which are furnished to appear as they would have in the late 1800s and early 1900s. For a nominal fee, you can climb the many steps to the top of the tower and view the original Fresnel lens made in Paris, France. Children must be at least 48″ tall to make the climb.

From the top, you might be able to see the shoals the tower is positioned on. How far out the rocky point extends can change dramatically from year to year. When it isn’t too rough, you can walk out on the point between the waves breaking on both sides, making for a pretty unique experience.

12:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Alcona Brew Haus | 676 N U.S. 23, Harrisville, MI 48740
After your lighthouse tour, grab lunch at the Alcona Brew Haus, a lovely restaurant that serves excellent comfort food (that’s incredibly allergy-friendly) and brews its own craft beers in-house. The building has a long heritage, starting as the Alcona Beach Resort in the 1930s before becoming the popular Muehlbeck’s Biergarten in the 1970s, and all of its vintage beauty has been carefully preserved or recreated.

1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. | Country Cone & Fudge Shoppe | 308 N U.S. 23, Harrisville, MI 48740
Make sure to stop for a mid-day dessert after lunch! The Country Cone & Fudge Shoppe is friendly, quaint, and the perfect stop for a sweet treat. They serves up delicious hand-dipped ice cream, homemade fudge, and roasted nuts. They’re right across from the Harrisville State Park, so if you’re looking for camping in the area or more beach time, just head across US 23.

Just a heads up, the Country Cone & Fudge Shoppe only takes cash!

1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Harrisville Harbor | 1 E Harbor Ln, Harrisville, MI 48740
Before you wrap up your adventure to the hidden gem of Harrisville, Michigan, make a stop in Harrisville Harbor. There’s a great playground that’s perfect for kids of all ages. If it’s a summer evening, chances are an evening concert might be taking place under the pavilion. You can also walk the harbor docks and check out various boats in the slips, from larger yachts coming all the way from Florida to vintage sailboats.

Favorite Spots Nearby

Whether you’re heading north or south from Harrisville, there is plenty to see and do!

Spots to the North (Alpena + Ossineke)

Alpena Proper | Alpena, MI 49707
The city of Alpena is located on Thunder Bay, whose waters hold a collection of nearly 100 historic shipwrecks, so expect a lot of maritime-based activities. An entire post could be written on Alpena, but here are a few of my family’s favorite things to do:

Alpena Shipwreck Tours: a glass-bottom boat tour
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center: a fun museum with interactive elements for kids
Island Park: a unique natural preserve on an island with walking trails accessible via a charming covered bridge
Starlite Beach: another sandy Lake Huron beach with a splash pad

Connie’s Café | 11585 US-23, Ossineke, MI 49766
Connie’s Café specializes in breakfast, religiously closing at 2:00 p.m. daily. Their gigantic cinnamon rolls are a must-order if you make it in time. Much bigger than a dinner plate, these behemoths are covered in frosting and are a mouthwatering treat.

Dinosaur Gardens | 11160 US Highway 23 S, Ossineke, MI 49766
A true Up North oddity, Dinosaur Gardens is a prehistoric park started by folk artist Paul N. Domke in 1935. It’s quite entertaining to walk through the lifesize (though less-than-realistic) dinosaur park. They also offer putt-putt golf, a fossil dig, and sluicing for precious stones.

Spots to the South (Oscoda + Tawas)

Iargo Springs + Lumberman’s Monument | River Road, Oscoda
These are two very scenic locales along the River Road National Scenic Byway, each overlooking the Au Sable River. Climb the 206 steps to the bottom of Lumberman’s Monument and learn about the area’s logging days. Or, take the 294 steps down to Iargo Springs to view the mystical underground springs forming clear streams that flow to the Au Sable.

Mainstreet Shopping | Newman St, Tawas City, MI 48763
Whether looking for lake-themed souvenirs, fine jewelry, or clothing, the small shops on the main street through downtown Tawas City have much to offer. There is also a family theater and a handful of restaurants. The popular East Tawas City Parks & Rec is on the water at the end of Newman St., so things can get quite busy during the summer season.

Parkside Dairy Shoppe | 106 E Dwight Ave, Oscoda, MI 48750
So many options packed into a small-town shop! Plus, there are lots of allergy-friendly choices (including lactose-free)!

Shoreline Park | 501 W Lake St #341, Tawas City, MI 48763
Take a quick play break at this cute playground. You can also walk the shoreline, go for a swim, or take a stroll out on the boardwalk to get a better view of Tawas Bay.

The Village Chocolatier | 104 Newman St., East Tawas, MI 48730
Some of the most exquisite gourmet chocolates with one-of-a-kind seasonal options. They also have coffee and standard candy (including a huge assortment of Jelly Belly flavors).

Bonus Tips to Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse grounds are open year-round, so you can visit whenever you pass by. However, the gift shop, Old Bailey Schoolhouse, keeper’s quarters, and lighthouse tower are only open seasonally. Because a small historical society runs it, calling ahead to ensure they’re open can be helpful.
There are a few picnic tables and benches at the lighthouse. Feel free to pack a lunch or snacks to enjoy while you bask in the “Sunrise Side” scenery.
The shore of Sturgeon Point is usually quite rocky, making it a fabulous place to look for rocks. You can find Petoskey stones, horned coral, and pudding stones.

Where’s your favorite vacation spot? Check out our previous Travel Series location–Mid-Michigan!

Get Outside This National Play Outside Day

Elizabeth Ireland

August 5, 2023

Today is National Play Outside Day, so it’s the perfect day to encourage your kids to play outside! It’s also a great time to think about how often your family plays outside, and how you can increase that time to reap all the benefits of the great outdoors.

Playing Outside Benefits Everyone

There are so many benefits to playing outside! Research shows that playing outside has important developmental benefits for our children, including improved physical and mental health, improved learning outcomes, and more positive behavior. Here are a few of my family’s favorite benefits of playing outside:

promotes physical activity
decreases stress
promotes a lifelong love of, and care for, the environment
provides lots of opportunities for kids to play creatively
It’s a great place to create memories with your kids!

Play Outside–Every Day!

Given all these benefits, it seems like a no-brainer that we would send our kids outside every day to play, but sometimes life–busy extracurricular schedules, less-than-ideal weather, the pull toward screen-based activities–gets in the way. I have found that the best way to ensure my family reaps the known benefits of playing outside is just to make it part of our routine every day, even if it’s only for 15 minutes.

Our Journey with 1000 Hours Outside

I came to the conclusion that we needed to get outside play time every single day after experimenting with counting the actual number of hours we spend outside throughout the year. Last year, my family tried to reach 1000 hours thanks to the encouragement of the 1000 Hours Outside movement. The goal of the movement is to encourage families to make nature time a priority, and to shift the balance of activities children participate in toward more unstructured, outdoor play.

We didn’t make it all the way to 1000 (we totaled 673!), but we certainly learned a lot along the way. Tracking our hours encouraged us to play outside during “bad” weather days (I read and started to subscribe to the philosophy of There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather) when it wouldn’t have otherwise been our first choice of activity, but we were motivated to color in sections on our 1000 Hours Outside tracker.

We learned that getting out the door can sometimes be the hardest part, but once we were out and engaged in an activity, it was easy and fun to stay outdoors! The benefits we experienced motivated us to keep up the outdoor play and make it part of our daily routine.

Ideas for Getting Your Kids to Play Outside

Want to get your kids outside more today, or any day? Try these fun ideas:

Offer to do something with your kids outside like play catch or go on a bike ride
Read outside (our family does “Popsicles on the Porch” where we read on the porch and eat popsicles)
Have a picnic in your backyard or a park
Create a chalk obstacle course
Water play!
Participate in seasonal outdoor sports (golf, skiing, etc.)
Take a hike at one of these cool hiking locations around Metro Detroit
Try a Park Week where you visit a different park each day for a week. There are some truly awesome parks in Metro Detroit, including our state parks!

Whether your family gets outside regularly already, or you’re trying to create a new habit of doing so, start today and experiment with incrementally increasing your outdoor play. A half hour today can turn into an hour tomorrow and even more the next day! Talk about it with your kids afterward and ask them what they liked most about playing outside. Soon you’ll all be noticing the benefits you experience. Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Want more ideas for getting outside when it’s not summer? Check out these posts for getting outside during the spring and winter!

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Detroit Mom’s Local Love Spotlight: Pelvic Core Physical Therapy

Whitney Cornelli

August 3, 2023

Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Dr. Nicole Dailey and Dr. Marganit Weinberg, owners of Pelvic Core Physical Therapy!

We started by asking Nicole and Marganit to share a few fun facts about themselves with us. Nicole has two fur babies named Cooper and Coconut. She was a pilates instructor for many years before she was a physical therapist, and she has run two half marathons! Marganit is originally from England. She has three wonderful kids, and she went to undergrad in New York.

We asked Nicole and Marganit to share a little bit more about her business with us. Get to know them and their business, Pelvic Core Physical Therapy, below!

How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?

“[We] met in [our] doctorate of physical therapy program at Oakland University. [We] were both passionate about the pelvic floor and knew that [we] wanted to specialize in this area. The idea of having a non-clinical, welcoming atmosphere with adequate time to provide individualized and holistic treatment is what led [us] to creating Pelvic Core Physical Therapy.”

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

“Nothing! We have truly made our dreams come true with this business and are just so grateful to be able to help people struggling with pelvic floor issues in a holistic way.”

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Continue to get out of your comfort zone, that’s how you will grow towards the business of your dreams.”

How do you persevere in challenging times?

“We are lucky to have a partnership where we each have individual strengths and weaknesses. If one of us is having a difficult time, the other can usually step up and provide support.”

What impact do you want your business to have?

“Our goal is to help all people struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction [to] be able to meet their goals and improve their quality of life. We also want to educate the community about the pelvic floor! All genders have pelvic floors, and it is not normal or just something that you live with to have symptoms like leaking, urgency, frequency, constipation, or pain. There is help out there!!”

What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2023?

“We think that being a business owner in 2023 is amazing! So many opportunities for female-owned businesses.”

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

“Don’t give up on your dreams, find mentors, take advice from people who have done what you are looking to do, [and] don’t be resistant to making changes.”

What do you do for personal and professional development?

“[We] participate in continuing education courses, mentorship from respected pelvic floor PT business owners in the industry, and networking with local healthcare providers in order to provide the best care for our patients.”

What mantra or quote do you live by?

“The pelvic floor is the base of the core.”

What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?

“We love Red Hook Cafe in downtown Ferndale.”

Where can our readers find you on social media?

You can follow Pelvic Core Physical Therapy on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!

We hope you loved getting to know more about Nicole and Marganit + Pelvic Core Physical Therapy. Be sure to check out our previous Local Love Spotlight featuring Prereeta + Jashan Fine Chocolate!

National Sisters Day, As An Only Child

natashakearney

August 2, 2023

National Sisters Day is being celebrated soon! I may have grown up as an only child, but I am still celebrating this day and all that it stands for. Although I do not have any biological sibling relationships, I have never felt like I was lacking the love and support that sisterhood can provide.

The dictionary recognizes that a sister can be in the traditional family sense, but also as a close female friend. It is the latter that I have been blessed with in this life: my chosen sisterhood.

Sisterhood

When I think about sisterhood, it is not about the childhood fights over toys, clothes, or even the sibling rivalries that some may think of. I was blessed with three step-sisters and one sister-in-law later in life. However, I didn’t have those types of early childhood sister experiences. From my perspective, the idea of sisterhood is all about the strong bonds that can be created when you have someone by your side throughout life’s ups and downs.

It’s a relationship with someone who will support you as you create, start over, learn, and struggle. Someone you can laugh, cry, celebrate, and grieve with. Someone you know will always be there for you regardless of time, distance, or even different beliefs.

It’s these types of sisterhood bonds that I have leaned into throughout many milestones in my life, but they have never been more needed and appreciated than they are right now, as I raise a child.

The Impact

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and they are right! I feel very blessed that not only do my husband and I have family support while raising our daughter, but we also have chosen family by our side. We only have a handful of friends and family who live close by though. So, most of my village support is in the form of communication with that chosen family.

I’m so thankful to have people in my life who listen when I need to talk, offer support or advice when needed, help my growth, and provide a safe space for me to be myself without fear of judgment. I am also just as appreciative and grateful to return the favor and be a support system for them and their lives as well.

My Sisters

I’ve collected these chosen sisters throughout my entire life–from birth (I consider the bonds I have with my mother and some family members to be ones of sisterhood) all the way through to the present, at age 37. Some friendships turned into sisterhood all the way back in middle school, while others have been very recent.

The older I get, the easier it has become for me to recognize those deep soul connections when they happen, and hang on to them. It truly isn’t about how much time you’ve known someone. Instead, it’s about how at home within yourself you can feel when you’re with that person.

Celebrate + Connect

The support we get from someone who feels like family can be so beneficial for many aspects of our lives. It is definitely something to celebrate. Reach out to those sisters of yours today, and let them know how much they mean to you!

My wish for you all is that you have a sister bond in your life. Remember that sisterhood is available to you no matter your age as long as you’re open to it. Trust your intuition, be vulnerable, and connect with those around you to find the right fit.

If you’re still searching for sisterhood in your life, I encourage you to check out our Detroit Mom community groups!

Detroit Mom Book Club: Book of the Month for August 2023

Katie Purcell

July 31, 2023

Welcome to the Detroit Mom Book Club! To be a part of our discussions, join our Facebook group. For all things book-related, check out our Bookstagram page, Detroit Moms on the Same Page.

Book of the Month: Darling Girl by Liz Michalski

Synopsis

Life is looking up for Holly Darling, granddaughter of Wendy—yes, that Wendy. That is, until she gets a call that her daughter, Eden, who has been in a coma for nearly a decade, has gone missing from the estate where she’s been long tucked away. And, worst of all, Holly knows who must be responsible: Peter Pan, who is not only very real, but very dangerous.

Holly is desperate to find Eden and protect her son, Jack, from a terrible web of family secrets before she loses both of her children. And yet she has no one to turn to—her mother, Jane, is the only other person in the world who knows that Peter is more than a story, but she refuses to accept that he is not the hero she’s always imagined.

Darling Girl brings all the magic of the classic Peter Pan story to the present, while also exploring the dark underpinnings of fairy tales, grief, aging, sacrifice, motherhood, and just how far we will go to protect those we love.

Book Club Reading Discussion Schedule

The dates listed below are the days we will be posting discussion questions in the Facebook group. On those dates, we will be talking about the pages listed.

Tuesday, August 8: Chapters 1-10

Tuesday, August 15: Chapters 11-20

Tuesday, August 22: Chapters 21-30

Tuesday, August 29: Chapters 31-end

We hope you enjoy Darling Girl and get to discuss with us in our book club this month!

Helping Your Child Maintain Friendships After a Move

Renee Bolla

July 29, 2023

My family and I recently relocated from Minnesota to Michigan. This wasn’t our first big move with kids. Two of our three daughters were born in New York, and we uprooted them when they were three and seven to move to Minnesota for work. We have lived through many goodbyes and understand the importance of helping our children maintain friendships after a move.

I remember the goodbye video we made in our Brooklyn apartment, which somehow looked gigantic with all of our belongings boxed and loaded on the moving truck. I remember how our daughters walked from room to room, videotaping their goodbyes. “Goodbye favorite bedroom, goodbye toy closet, goodbye mommy and daddy’s room.”

We walked through the vast open space, recalling the many memories created, the many firsts, the robust conversations, the laughs, the cries, and all the friendships that blossomed within that apartment.

The Importance of Friendships

Moving to a new place can be an exciting adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. However, it can also be challenging and emotional, especially when leaving cherished friendships behind.

As parents, we understand the importance of friendships. We know friendships play a pivotal role in our children’s social and emotional development at a young age. The relationships they make today provide a foundation for learning essential life skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution, and they lay the groundwork for future relationships. That’s why it’s essential that we help them maintain friendships after a move.

Tips to Help Your Child Stay Connected

There are effective ways to support your child in staying connected even after a big move. Here are a few tips to help your child’s friendships thrive and remain strong and resilient, no matter the distance.

Embrace Technology

Children have many tools at their fingertips in today’s digital world: Facetime, messaging apps, social media, email, and video calls. Encourage your child to embrace this. With a parent’s guidance, friends can have virtual playdates, watch a movie, read together, or play a game.

Get creative and focus on connection to help your child maintain friendships after a move. My daughter loves to play Photo Roulette with her long-distance friends. The app randomly selects photos from the players’ selected album. My daughter loves to choose pictures of herself and her friends, and the images are then briefly shown to all the players. The players compete in quickly guessing whose photo is shown. The fastest player with the correct answer gets the points. It’s a fun way to reminisce, connect, and share laughs.

Empathize and Encourage New Connections

Before we moved, I made an album for each of my daughters in Canva. It captured the memories of our home and the friendships made while we lived there. I asked all their friends, teachers, and coaches to draw a picture or write a personal note, which I then uploaded into the album.

The day we moved into our new home, I gave them the album as a welcome gift to remind them that even though they are not close in distance, the relationships they made will forever be in their heart. And they now have a chance to expand their album with new connections and new experiences.

Plan Reunions

This one may be easier said than done, but it’s worth mentioning because the impact of reuniting with a long-distance bestie is priceless! I moved around a lot as an adult chasing my fashion retail career all over the country, and I have made life-long friends along the journey.

The joy of reconnecting in person is a feeling that is hard to describe in words. It’s nostalgic and exhilarating and feels like you never left. That in-person moment rekindles an incredible sense of belonging and instantly closes the distance, helping to strengthen the friendship.

Snail Mail/Pen Pals

The writer in me loves this idea! We all know that feeling of getting a handwritten letter or package in the mail–the sheer joy of retrieving something from the mailbox, and not knowing what it is. Encourage your child to write handwritten letters, make pictures, or create personalized packages to send to their friends. This is a great way to help your child maintain friendships after a move.

I remember the first package my daughter received from her best friend a month after we moved. Her face lit up. She took the package straight to her room and opened it as fast as possible. Every item in that box still sits on her dresser today, and they bring joy to her day when she looks at them, reminding her of the cherished friendship she made in another state.

Moving brings both challenges and opportunities, particularly when it comes to maintaining friendships. By recognizing the profound impact of friendships on our children’s lives, we can provide the support and guidance they need to nurture these connections, regardless of the distance.

Technology, snail mail, and reunions are a few ways to stay connected. Through this, we can empower our children to preserve existing friendships while continuing to expand their network of friends, fostering a sense of belonging, resilience, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Wondering how to make a reunion work with friends and kids? Read Stacy’s tips for planning group getaways!

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Tip #1: Create a family calendar.

Tip #2: Plan your meals and grocery list at the beginning of every week.

Step #2 of this is making sure to prep all the produce in advance.

Tip #3: Have a separate “Mom Calendar” just for you.

Step #2 of this (and this is the most paramount): at the beginning of the school year, take your kids’ school calendar and input EVERYTHING in your mom planner—from September all the way through June.

Tip #4: Time block your time.

Tip #5: Create a family command center for all the “stuff.”

Are you the parent of a soon-to-be Kindergartener? You won’t want to miss Kelly’s tips for kindergarten readiness!

How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?

How do you persevere in challenging times?

What impact do you want your business to have?

What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2023?

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

What do you do for personal and professional development?

What mantra or quote do you live by?

What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?

Where can our readers find you on social media?

We hope you loved getting to know more about Kara + Modern Social Detroit. Be sure to check out our previous Local Love Spotlight featuring Nicole and Marganit + Pelvic Core Physical Therapy!

I made an appointment with my doctor to be sure.

She returned with a nurse and the look on their faces spoke louder than any words they said.

In the weeks that followed, I hated my body for failing her.

While I initially thought the anger would never end, time has surprised me by transforming it.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Packing

Setting Expectations + Anticipating Challenges

Isn’t This Time Consuming?

Neurodiversity can include so many things. Amanda shares important things to know and consider when it comes to talking about neurodiversity.

Sample Itinerary for Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Favorite Spots Nearby

Spots to the North (Alpena + Ossineke)

Spots to the South (Oscoda + Tawas)

Bonus Tips to Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Where’s your favorite vacation spot? Check out our previous Travel Series location–Mid-Michigan!

Playing Outside Benefits Everyone

Play Outside–Every Day!

Our Journey with 1000 Hours Outside

Ideas for Getting Your Kids to Play Outside

Want more ideas for getting outside when it’s not summer? Check out these posts for getting outside during the spring and winter!

How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

How do you persevere in challenging times?

What impact do you want your business to have?

What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2023?

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

What do you do for personal and professional development?

What mantra or quote do you live by?

What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?

Where can our readers find you on social media?

We hope you loved getting to know more about Nicole and Marganit + Pelvic Core Physical Therapy. Be sure to check out our previous Local Love Spotlight featuring Prereeta + Jashan Fine Chocolate!

Sisterhood

The Impact

My Sisters

Celebrate + Connect

If you’re still searching for sisterhood in your life, I encourage you to check out our Detroit Mom community groups!

Book of the Month: Darling Girl by Liz Michalski

Synopsis

Book Club Reading Discussion Schedule

We hope you enjoy Darling Girl and get to discuss with us in our book club this month!

The Importance of Friendships

Tips to Help Your Child Stay Connected

Embrace Technology

Empathize and Encourage New Connections

Plan Reunions

Snail Mail/Pen Pals

Wondering how to make a reunion work with friends and kids? Read Stacy’s tips for planning group getaways!

In + Around Detroit