Birmingham, MI May 2023

THE WOMEN'S ISSUE

Shannon Murphy

SPRING IS HERE! FLOWERS, CLEANING, MAKEUP AND MORE

JUDGE SHALINA KUMAR

DR. MOLLY O’SHEA LACEY FOON BRIDJET MORRIS

These are not the same furnishings you saw at what’s-her-name’s house

To us, furniture is art. Art that speaks for you and says your name. We help you find and customize pieces that so clearly are made just for you.

The Women's Issue

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who make life richer and more beautiful. Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives. And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms - for good reason! However, it’s not just the biological mothers, but the mother figures in our lives who have made an impact on us. It’s the family members, professional mentors, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them!

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Rayna Southart | rayna.southart@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Blaker, Andrea Bugbee, Dawn Burns, Lori Hawkins

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aly Darin, Mike Ferdinand

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER @BIRMINGHAMCITYLIFESTYLE

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

BLOOMFIELD HILLS ROYAL OAK

ROYAL OAK

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women, March 10: Ronia Kruse, Molly Ann Nagelli. 2: 2023 Chair Shatica McDonald with Kristy Sidlar and Ericka Stephens. 3: 2023 Go Red for Women Movement executive leadership team. 4: Ronia Kruse with an OpTech-sponsored table. 5: The Accenture Team event sponsors. 6: Sharon Gipson with members from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. 7: Rhonda Walker and Shatica McDonald.

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8: Neiman Marcus celebrates International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, March 9: 1 Rhonda Walker. 9: Dezi Santiago, Barbara Zack. 10: Renee Janovsky, Lora Kazanjian, Suzanne Shank Werdlow, Alex Decker, Dezi Santiago, Rhonda Walker, Flora Migyanka. 11: John and Flora Migyank. 12: Cynthia Doherty, Alex Decker, Janelle Martin. 13: Rhonda Walker, Roberta Archer. 14: Suzanne Shank Werdlow.

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1242 Willow, Birmingham

Closed 2/28/23 - $3,850,000 - Buyers Agent

20060 Pemberly, Beverly Hills

Closed 2/25/23 - $2,550,000 - Listing Agent

3036 Morningview Terrace, Bloomfield Township

Closed 3/15/23 - $2,105,000 - Buyers Agent

962 Puritan, Birmingham

Pending - $1,750,000 - Listing Agent

1347 Washington, Birmingham

Pending - $1,599,000 - Listing Agent

2171 Klingensmith, Bloomfield Township

Available - $1,495,000 - Listing Agent

3233 Bradway, Bloomfield Township

Pending - $1,299,900 - Listing Agent

3675 Squirrel, Bloomfield Township

Closed 1/6/23 - $1,020,000 - Listing Agent

293 Berwyn, Birmingham

Closed 3/23/23 - $940,000 - Listing Agent & Buyers Agent

4108 Woodland, Royal Oak

Pending - $949,900 - Listing Agent

655 Madison, Birmingham

Available - $925,000 - Listing Agent

18184 Kinross, Beverly Hills

Closed 3/6/23 - $797,500 - Buyers Agent

909 Bennaville, Birmingham

Closed 3/24/23 - $740,000 - Listing Agent

20150 Village, Beverly Hills

Closed 2/8/23 - $587,400 - Listing Agent

171 N Worth, Birmingham Closed 1/6/23 - $560,000 - Listing Agent

6866 Spruce, Bloomfield Township Closed 3/8/23 - $448,800 - Buyers Agent

311 Pingree, Royal Oak Closed 3/10/23 - $405,000 - Listing Agent

Old Orchard (vacant land), Bingham Farms Closed 3/13/23 - $375,000 - Buyers Agent

19037 Saxon, Beverly Hills

Closed 3/15/23 - $375,000 - Buyers Agent

726 Colebrook, Troy

Available $339,900 - Listing Agent

1045 Timberlake Bloomfield Township

1370

Local Student Publishes Book

Ian Weinberg, a 17-year-old junior at Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan self-published “Invest Early To Grow Your Wealth,” which is currently available for purchase on Amazon. Weinberg wrote the book to teach young adults the importance of investing early and how it can change their future. All profits from this book will be donated to Youth Tank Detroit, a non-profit focused on helping students understand and start businesses.

Nazli G. Sater Named Executive Partner

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has named Nazli G. Sater executive partner of its Bloomfield Hills office. As executive partner, Sater will lead operations for the newest of the firm’s nine offices across the state of Michigan. Attorneys in the Bloomfield Hills office focus on family law, mergers and acqui sitions, trusts and estates, private client and family office matters, funds and investments, tax law and corporate law.

Birmingham Family Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Morgan Semaan

Dr. Morgan Semaan, a graduate of the Michigan Dental Association, joins Birmingham Family Dentistry. Located in Beverly Hills, the practice offers comprehensive dental care for families, with a focus on improv ing family dental health. Patient comfort and education are top pri orities for the practice, ensuring the highest level of care and expertise in dental treatment.

Home Loans Made for Doctors, Pharmacists, Dentists, Veterinarians and Medical Residents.

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NMLS# 533266

Senior Mortgage Banker 248-770-3717 timsmith@firstmerchants.com

INSPIRED BY WOMEN

EACH MAY, WE SHOWCASE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN WHO’VE MADE AN IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY. HERE ARE THIS YEAR’S CHOSEN.

Whether it’s being a leader in the category of CEO or mom — the women on these pages are driven to give their absolute all. They give to their own communities and the world’s communities. But there is one thing they all have in common — an active belief in women building up other women. And it’s the rest of us who benefit.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALY DARIN

Lacey Foon, Dr. Molly O'Shea, Judge Shalina Kumar. Not pictured: Shannon Murphy.

DR. MOLLY O’SHEA

The founder of Birmingham Pediatric + Wellness Center, Dr. Molly O’Shea is a sought-after expert and speaker on topics such as leading change, burn-out prevention and recovery, work-life balance and raising resilient children. The Beverly Hills-based wife and mom to a big blended family has a passion for helping communities and families, and was the longtime “Ask the Pediatrician” columnist for the Detroit News.

BCL What is your philosophy as a female leader?

MO Leading with authenticity and transparency allows others to show their whole selves. By showing my emotions, flaws and joys, I allow for those in my colleagues. Doing the work to understand how to say what you really think is hard but necessary to finding peace.

BCL What is your greatest accomplishment?

MO Finding my own resilience after my son died. His death by suicide in 2019 at age 17 caused me to rethink everything — digging deep, facing my own fears, sadness and guilt — and allowed me to move forward with a profound understanding of how to help others face difficulties with courage and grace.

BCL How are you involved with your community?

MO I support and visit numerous organizations through the Village Club, participating in the foundation grants committee, through which we give close to $300,000 to local nonprofits each year.

BCL What advice would you give the next generation of female influencers?

MO Support each other! Women are stronger together. Even if you are competitors, collaboration will serve you better than competing separately.

BCL What is your greatest accomplishment as a leader?

MO Envisioning a new model of pediatric care and implementing it in 2008: couches in exam rooms, direct access to the doctors, home visits for newborns — it worked!

BCL What motivated you to step up and become a leader in your field?

MO I realized I could help others understand the deeper ‘why’ behind their actions, through which change was easier to achieve. Helping others find that on a larger scale through corporate consulting, speaking and starting Birmingham Pediatrics + Wellness Center on this model allowed me to make that happen.

BCL What are the most important qualities of a successful leader?

MO Being authentically yourself, being an enthusiastic member of the team, leading with clear expectations and coaching others when needed, having hard conversations, going to bat for your teammates and listening rather than reacting when issues arise.

BCL What are the biggest challenges facing female leaders today?

MO Burn out! Women are experiencing burn out at the highest rates in history. Understanding what the specific underlying issues are, whether for an organization or an individual, are key to stemming the tide.

JUDGE SHALINA KUMAR

In Dec. 2021, the Hon. Shalina D. Kumar was sworn in as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan — becoming the first person of South Asian descent to be nominated for a federal judgeship in Michigan. The Birmingham resident, whose father was born in India, began her career as a civil litigator in private practice; today, she is based at the U.S. Courthouse in Flint.

BCL Who inspires you?

SK My grandmother was a special inspiration for me. She was born in the early 1900s and was fiercely independent for the time. She believed in the importance of a woman having her own identity and independence. She was a ‘Rosey the Riveter’ during World War II, and as the oldest of nine children, helped raise all of her siblings. She went on to have her own family but was widowed relatively young and lived her own independent life well into her 80s.

BCL What is your philosophy as a female leader?

SK As a leader and a woman, I think it is so important to be authentic and genuine. True leadership begets cooperation and when you stay true to who you are and are confident in your values, you will find it easier to bring people together to accomplish common goals.

BCL Do you find importance in giving back to/involvement with your community?

SK I am a big believer in paying it forward. I enjoy doing whatever I can to help people, especially women, achieve their life goals. It’s vital to provide mentorship opportunities for young women and to teach them the importance of self-worth, confidence and self-respect.

BCL What is your personal definition of success?

SK I feel truly successful when I enjoy what I do every day and I’m in a position where I can help others.

BCL What are the most important qualities of a successful leader?

SK I think good communication is the number-one most important quality of a successful leader, as well as a willingness to listen to other people’s thoughts and ideas. It can be difficult to manage many people with differing perspectives, and it takes a great deal of patience and understanding to be successful in helping everyone reach their potential.

BCL What are the biggest challenges facing women today?

SK It can be especially difficult for women to voice their opinions and advocate for themselves, which is why it is important for women to support and encourage each other professionally and personally. Without that encouragement, it can be very easy to listen to those outside voices and doubt your abilities. Empowering women is something I strive to do every day.

L A C E Y F O ON

Following a 2022 breast-cancer diagnosis at age 32, Lacey Foon teamed with JFamily Detroit, a Jewish communityorganization,tocreateJScreenDetroit, providing affordable genetic and cancer testing. Alwaysentrepreneurial-andcommunity-mindedand fueledbyapassionforearly-childhoodeducation(plus an MBA from University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business), the BloomfieldHillswifeandmomlaunched Birmingham’s Fascination Factory just this past April. The kid-powered play-based learning space fillsa gap inthecommunityforfamilieswhilesupportingwomen from the bottom up — Foon contracted an all-female professionalstogettheFactoryupandrunning.

BCL What is your greatest accomplishment?

LF Getting married, becoming a twin mom, surviving a global pandemic, overcoming breast cancer, starting a philanthropic initiative and starting a business — all within five years.

BCL Who inspires you?

LF Any women who build other women up.

BCL What is your philosophy as a female leader?

LF To break barriers whenever possible. If something is male-dominated, it motivates me to break in and work even harder to prove that women are just as capable and belong.

BCL What is an important lesson learned as a woman in business?

LF I find that it’s important to be emotionally prepared to not be taken seriously. The moment you feel disappointed by this unfortunate behavior is the moment the people who don’t take you seriously win. Prove them wrong.

BCL How do you give back to your community?

LFDuringthethreetofouryearsI‘stoppedworking’ after my daughters were born, I considered myself a ‘career volunteer.’ Even now that I am working fulltime again, I dedicate much of my free time to organizations and initiatives that I am passionate about. To be a true leader is to also give back.

BCL What advice would you give the next generation of female influencers?

LF The best female leaders that I have encountered are the ones who build up and encourage other women. Make this a priority.

SHANNON MURPHY

Shannon Murphy studied journalism and PR in Indiana before launching her career in radio at stations around the country. Returning to her native Metro Detroit, she’s been co-host on the Mojo in the Morning Show on Channel 955 since 2009. Murphy is about to blend families with her fiance (they each have two kids plus a poodle), dedicating her free time to organizations including Covenant House Michigan, Vista Maria, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and more — while still managing to start each day at 3:30 am.

BCL What is your greatest accomplishment?

SM Oh my gosh, being a mom! I am so appreciative of everything my mom and dad (and step-mom, too) did to help mold me into the person — but furthermore, into the mom — that I am today. My kids have taught me so much about myself, and have really challenged me in my faith, values, perspective, how much weight I put into home vs. career — and the list goes on. I am by no means a perfect mom, but I am incredibly proud of the fact that I work full-time, I mom full-time, and while I have a great ex-husband who co-parents with me, on the days that I have the kids, it’s me doing it all. There’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment on those days. And definitely a feeling of fatigue, too.

BCL What is an important lesson learned as a woman in business?

SM To me, I’m just a girl on the radio. But the entertainment world can definitely be cut-throat at times, and while it can be scary working contract to contract, crossing your fingers that your show’s ratings are solid and you’re delivering customers to your advertisers, I have learned that there is room for everyone. Instead of looking at other individuals (particularly women) in my field as a threat, I try very hard to remember that we’re all on the same team. We’re all bringing something unique to the table, and it works far better for everyone to create space rather than to create walls.

BCL How does your position influence your leadership and role in the community?

SM I feel so lucky to have been given the platform that I have on a daily basis. I have the attention of millions of people through the live radio show, the iHeart Radio app that delivers our content 24/7 and social media. I strive to use that platform to impact the community I call home in a positive way, shining light on organizations that might not otherwise get a lot of attention.

BCL What is your personal definition of success?

SM To be proud of the woman looking back at me in the mirror every day. Did I make myself proud? My children proud? My partner proud? The people I care about and who care about me? Did I honor God? Was I respectful and respected in my boundaries? And did I collect joyful moments throughout my day? That is it for me.

Photo by Mike Ferdinand

SELF-CARE WITH BRIDJET MORRIS

Bridjet Morris

We've all heard the quote ‘self-care is not selfish.’ I fully embody that mantra and love taking time away from my busy mom life to slow down and unplug.

Meet Bridjet Morris — Birmingham mom of three, wife of 10 years, popular lifestyle blogger (@bridjetp_morris) and devotee of connecting spiritually with herself as well as the general community of women.

Her blog ( bridjetmorris.com) shares inspiration about wellness, fitness, beauty and motherhood; her philanthropic and intentional women-centric events, like Pursuing Greatness (featuring Florine Mark, Sandra Ali and more) and Gather, have become sought-after tickets for their focus on mindfulness, self-care, growth and the power of womanhood.

We turned to Morris for advice on the importance of self-care for women, and her favorite ways to infuse self-care into everyday life. Here are her suggestions.

— Lynne Konstantin

For me, self-care is more than a term, it’s a way of living. Between juggling three kids, in three schools, as well as running my lifestyle blog, hosting community events and helping my husband with his company, the feeling of burnout and overwhelm is something I'm very familiar with. When I don't prioritize my own well-being first, I can’t take care of my family the way I need to. It’s that simple.

Thankfully, living in one of Michigan’s cutest cities, Birmingham, there’s no shortage of creative ways to infuse self-care into our everyday life if we prioritize it. Here are some of my favorite ways to recharge and prioritize ME in and around Birmingham.

“Self-care is more than a term, it’s a way of living. When I don't prioritize my own well-being first, I can’t take care of my family the way I need to.

It’s that simple.” — Bridjet Morris

The local women-centric influencer tells why it’s important to put ourselves first.

• GET OUTSIDE AND TAKE A WALK: This might sound basic, but with so many cute neighborhoods, parks and nature trails, there’s really no shortage of options when it comes to getting outside and taking it all in. And by “all in,” I mean the fresh air, and the feeling of the earth on your feet. Being outdoors has been linked to higher energy, improved sleep quality, and longer life expectancy. My kids love starting at Booth Park, then taking the nature trail deep into the woods and exploring. On days when the kids are at school, I often put on a favorite podcast and take a walk in my neighborhood. It feels so good.

• EAT HEALTHY FOODS: Nutrition and self-care go hand-in-hand. And for me, there’s no better feeling than fueling up with a nourishing meal. Birmingham is loaded with cute restaurants and cafes. And lucky for us, many have kid-friendly menus and outdoor seating. Some of our favorite places to fuel up include: Be Well We’re huge fans of the smoothies and the fresh coconut waters they serve; Commonwealth Cafe You can probably catch me here at least three times a week and I’m pretty sure I’ve had a photoshoot here a time or two. The salads, pastries and matcha lattes are our favorite; if mama’s cooking, I love popping into Primi Piatti and grabbing fresh homemade pasta and sauce. My kids’ favorite.

• INDULGE IN BEAUTY: There is a direct relationship between beauty routines and mental wellness. When we look good, we feel good, right? There’s no shortage of places to go to indulge in beauty and wellness in and around Birmingham. One of my favorite go-to spots is Nude Salon for weekly blowouts. I see Josh, but the entire staff here makes me feel

like a queen from the moment I walk in the door. I also love Rivage Day Spa if I'm looking for a great massage or an elevated mani/pedi experience. PS: They serve Champagne to all clients.

• JOURNAL: There are so many benefits of journaling for mental health. I have learned to love writing down my thoughts, visions and goals over the years and found it really helps keep me on track. I always find cute notebooks at places like Paper Source or Found Objects. On sunny days, Cranbrook is a great place to journal and spend time with your thoughts.

• CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY: Sometimes self-care isn't enough and we need community to thrive. The people of Birmingham are truly what makes this town so special. I love meeting my friends out and about to catch up and see one another or scheduling a date night with my husband. The compassion, love and togetherness we share is powerful and can be felt by all. I also love hosting intentional events around town: I recently held a sold-out women’s event at the Rose Room where more than 60 local women gathered to discuss self-love and overcoming hardships. It was deeply healing.

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Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Make a Memory Book or Scrapbook Together

Before Mother’s Day, go through everybody’s camera rolls and Instagram feeds and choose her favorite photos. Get them printed ahead of time so you can make a memory book. You might just love it so much you make it a yearly tradition.

Plan a Spa Day For Her and Her Friends

Mom will truly appreciate you going out of your way to set her up with a massage or facial appointment. Invite her friends along, too!

Craft the Perfect Playlist

Songs about mothers and mom’s favorite songs can come together into the perfect playlist to put on during brunch or dinner. You can either make it for her or take turns being DJ and alternate picks.

Have a Make-Your-Own Pizza Party

DIY pizza: It’s a craft (depending on how artfully you place the toppings), an activity and a meal all at once! Start with basic pizza dough, then everyone gets to add their favorite toppings. Mom gets the first pick, of course.

Hold a Lawn-Game Tournament

Croquet, cornhole, bocce, outdoor Jenga or horseshoes — what’s your family’s game of choice? Split into teams and drum up some friendly rivalry — while soaking in rays — with a backyard challenge. Make it an annual event, and pass around a trophy to the winner each year.

Visit an Amusement Park

For the mom who’s always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but she’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions her heart desires. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.

Have a Backyard BBQ

Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father’s Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!

Make Something Totally Unique

If you do a DIY craft project, write a poem or come up with a silly dance, you know mom will love it because it is 100% you. No one can one-up a one-of-a-kind experience! You can make them for her and present them to her, or involve her in their creation.

Spruce Up The Garden

Gardeners know that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start planting seeds. Get the whole family outside and dig in the dirt together. Every time she sees them, she’ll be reminded of the special day — it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some flowers that are fairly easy to maintain include sunflowers, marigolds and sweet peas.

Make Pottery

Not only will you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, but you’ll also be able to bond as you explore a new activity.

Head to the Farmers Market

There’s nothing like waking up with the sun and going to the farmer’s market on the weekend. Pick fresh produce and discover new favorites with mom, coffee in hand.

Watch Home Movies

Whether this involves digitizing old VHS tapes or getting video files off your phone and onto the TV, dig into the family archives and host a home-movie marathon. She’ll get emotional seeing how much everyone has grown.

Check Something Off Her To-Do List

Dad knows - Mom has a to-do list a mile long. Whether it’s tasks around the house or a DIY project, find out what has been nagging Mom and help her cross it off her list by doing it for her!

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling. 20

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

ARTICLE BY DAWN BURNS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CREATING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

Blair Moore has loved all things fashion from a young age. The Nashville native studied Fashion Merchandising and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the fashion capital of the world, New York City. It was inevitable the mother of three would find herself in a career where she would help other women find their confidence through their wardrobe. Blair says, “I love helping women find their true personal style and get them organized in their closet so they feel truly empowered to get dressed each day with ease and confidence!” Blair shares four trends for spring and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

BRIGHT AND BOLD COLORS

This season, bright colors such as hot pink and kelly green are trending. I know this can be difficult for my neutral-loving ladies, so I always recommend starting small. Choose a fun, colorful earring or add a bold clutch to brighten up your look. You can also have fun with your shoes by adding a colorful heel or sandal to a dress or denim outfit.

FLORALS

From floral midi dresses to feminine floral blouses, this season is all about flower power. Choose a flowy floral skirt and pair it with your favorite knotted tee and sandals for an effortless look. Tip: If wearing a dress with a large floral print, try adding a denim jacket, light cardigan or woven belt to add texture and break up the print.

TWO-PIECE SETS

From casual jogger sets to feminine tiered skirts and puff-sleeved tops, two-piece sets are everywhere! What I adore about twopiece sets is that you can wear them in multiple ways. Wear it as a set or take the top and pair it with denim, or take the skirt and pair it with a tee and light jacket or blazer. Two pieces, but multiple ways to wear them!

90S-INSPIRED DENIM

Let me be clear — I LOVE a skinny jean and always will! But the 90s denim trend is having a moment and if you want to embrace it, here are a couple of tips: Choose a fit that is high-rise with a more relaxed fit through the leg. You want the jean to fall right above the ankle bone. This is slimming and flattering to the eye. Pair with a strappy heel, sneaker or slide.

StyledByBlair.com

Instagram: @bestyledco_

Declutter Your Closet

edit

Edit down your closet. Ask yourself these three things: Do you still like it? Does it fit within reason? Is it still in good condition? If the answer is no, it’s time to donate or sell that item. Keep a donation basket in your closet to help you stay on track.

new and old

Buy something new, get rid of something old. Each time you buy a new item, get rid of an item in your closet. This manages the chaos of having too many options in your closet. We only wear about 20% of the items in our closet, so make a list before shopping and shop with intention.

organize

When it comes to organization, having a system in place is key. Utilize the entire space for your items. For example, buy closed bins for out of season or travel items and place them on the top shelf. Utilize the back of the door or any blank walls with hooks for hats or a jewelry organizer. Get rid of items that are taking up space in your closet like shoe boxes, sentimental items, and bulky items like luggage. Store them elsewhere if you can. The two best things you can do to save on space and have an organized closet is to invest in all matching slim velvet hangers. This frees up more space in your closet and looks great, too. And finally, add matching labeled baskets for folded items to keep everything nicely organized and in specific categories.

Planting Spring Flowers

Helpful tips for planting spring flowers

Sun-Loving Plants:

Spring is here! We compiled a list of flowers that - depending on your planting zone - can be planted in the season.

Plumbago

Has beautiful dark blue or white flowers on a large shrub of 3 to 5 feet. This tends to freeze down in winter and comes back from roots in the spring.

Hibiscus

The tropical variety will not survive the winters so move those pots inside. The plant can get up to 5 feet tall and there are many different colors and varieties. The perennial varieties will freeze to the ground but come back in the spring. The variety Moy Grande is known as the dinner plate hibiscus. The Texas star hibiscus has beautiful flowers in red or white.

Bougainvillea

These colorful plants can be planted in baskets and pots, not in water-logged or low areas where water might collect. They will grow best when given enough space to spread out, and should be planted in an area that will allow them a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. Colors include orange, pink, purple, white, red, tangerine and fuschia to name a few.

Purslane

This is great in baskets for trailing leaves with lots of colors. The bees love it!

Butterfly Weed

This 3 to 4-foot bush is a must for monarch lovers. Monarchs feed on the leaves before making their cocoons. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers.

Lantana

This is a great hot weather plant that comes in many colors and varieties. Trailing varieties only get about 1 foot tall but can get 3 to 4 feet wide. There are bush varieties that get 4 feet tall and dwarf bushes only get about 2 feet tall. It comes in yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, fuschia, and many others.

Greggs Blue Mist

This fuzzy light blue flower is a butterfly favorite.

Pentas

This is another bee and butterfly favorite that grows about 10 to 12 inches tall. There is a graffiti variety in different colors that works in beds or pots.

Vinca/Periwinkle

This plant comes in upright or trailing varieties. There are many colors to choose from: lavender, white with a red center, peach, white and red pink to strawberry.

Sages

There are many varieties of sage. The Texas sage is a shrub that has beautiful lavender flowers - a favorite for bees. They usually bloom around the time it rains. Henry Duelberg variety is a smaller bush 18 to 20 inches tall with blue stalks of blooms. Russian Sage is a tall silver lacey foliage with light blue flower spikes and grows to 4 feet tall. Deer tend to stay away from most of the sages.

ARTICLE BY LORI HAWKINS

Shade-Loving Plants:

Turk’s Cap

This plant makes a large bush of red or pink flowers. It has low water needs once established and can tolerate drought conditions and hot temperatures. Prune back plant in winter if it gets too leggy.

Impatiens

These need more water than most other plants and come in many colors. They are valued for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and tolerance for shade.

Caladiums

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.

Julio M. Sosa · M.D., F.A.C.S,- Owner

Dr. Julio M. Sosa is an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has a long-standing personal interest in the fields of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. With almost three decades of medical expertise, Dr. Sosa has been drawn toward plastic surgery since the early days of his medical training.

With a personal passion for the art of aesthetic and reconstructive treatment along with a bedside manner that has frequently been

recognized and complimented, he is committed to helping each of his patients achieve a fresh, ideal appearance.

He has been recognized by Hour Detroit magazine as a “Top Doc” in the area for multiple years and is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Call to schedule your private consultation today!

SPRING CLEANING ROOM for every in the house

A ROOM-BY-ROOM GUIDE TO CONQUERING THE TRADITION.

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

The emergence of spring has long been associated with the deep cleaning of our homes. It signifies a fresh home, or a new start to complement the blossoming of a new season.

Join the ranks of spring cleaners by using this guide to conquer the task. To keep the job from feeling overwhelming, schedule a block of time each day, or even each week, for your annual cleaning. Work on one room at a time and reward yourself for each room until you've completed the job.

THE BASICS – FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME

• Dust wall and ceiling light fixtures, then remove globes and wash them out.

• Dust ceiling fan blades.

• Remove cobwebs with a vacuum and brush attachment or a clean rag attached to the head of a broom.

• Remove and wash window coverings, and dust the top of curtain rods and window trim.

• Remove wall hangings, knick-knacks, and other décor then rinse in warm soapy water.

• Wash doors and knobs and the dust that collects on top of doors and entryway trim.

• Wash walls with an all-purpose cleaning solution. Touch up mars and chips with paint.

• Wipe off switch plates.

• Empty cabinets and drawers then wash them inside and out. Wash out and arrange drawer organizers, as well.

• Wash windows and sills, and don’t forget the unsightly tracks.

• Clean unupholstered furniture from top to bottom with an appropriate cleaner.

• Vacuum upholstered furniture from top to bottom and under cushions, paying particular attention to creases and crevices where dust and grunge build-up.

• Vacuum lampshades with a soft bristle attachment.

• Unplug electrical cords and run through a damp rag to remove built-up dust.

• Wash baseboards, then vacuum carpet edges with a narrow attachment.

• Vacuum and mop under furniture and other stationary items.

BEDROOM ODDS ’N’ ENDS

• Remove items from under the bed, dust off storage containers, and dispose of clutter.

• Vacuum under beds using attachments.

• Eliminate unwanted articles from drawers.

CLOSETS—THE ALWAYS FORGOTTEN

• Dust shelving, brackets, and rods.

• Organize shelves, and eliminate unneeded items.

• Remove clothing you haven't worn in two years.

• Dust shoe racks and rarely worn shoes.

KITCHEN— CONTAMINATION ZONES

• Dust the top of kitchen cabinets.

• Remove grease and grime from small kitchen appliances

• Clean stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out.

• Wipe built up grunge in the top of the garbage disposal with a rag, then add ice and lemon slices and run the disposal to clean and freshen the blades.

• Scrub countertops with a mild abrasive or degreaser.

• Wash table and chairs from top to bottom, and don’t forget the cracks where table leaves meet.

THE BATHROOM— SCOUR AND DISINFECT

• Remove and launder shower curtain and liner, bath mat, toilet cover, and rugs.

• Scour tub and shower from top to bottom, inside and out. Use a toothbrush to remove mold, mildew, and soap scum accumulation around the drain, faucet, knobs, and showerhead.

• Clean glass shower doors inside and out, including the track.

• Spray exterior of toilets with a sanitizing solution and wipe down.

• If you have young boys, remove the toilet seat and clean the bolts where odors linger. Use a deodorizing solution on the baseboard and wall behind the toilet.

• Wash toilet brush container and wastebasket.

• Scrub sink and countertop, including grooves around the drain, faucet, and knobs.

• Dust the top edge of mirrors, towel racks, and other accessories.

owner

Chelsea is a Bay City Native, and moved to Metro Detroit in 2013. In July of 2021, she took the leap to open Detroit Sweat. As a former collegiate athlete and business major, this is exactly where she belongs.

She is known for her energetic and motivating coaching style, along with keeping you on your toes at all times. Chelsea resides in Birmingham with her husband, Tim Her #1 goal is to challenge, inspire, and make sure you are looking forward to your next session!

LOVE YOUR LAZY LAWN

An easy way to help the ecosystem

Give some thought to this. Almost all US fruit and grain crops depend on pollination, yet our insect population has declined by 75% in the last 25 years - and most pollinators are insects.

Fortunately, keeping pollinators (and our local farms) alive couldn’t be easier. Just get lazy about your lawn!

Lawns mowed every two weeks offer more food for pollinators than lawns mowed weekly. So, while you’re lounging on the couch every other Saturday, your longer grass will be supporting American food systems. As a bonus, longer lawns also need less water, so being lazy saves you money, too.

Perfect lawns are literally the empty calories of the ecosystem. By letting go of that green-carpet ideal, you’ll add color to your landscape by allowing dandelions, violets, and white clover to decorate your grass. More important, these “weeds” feed pollinators which, in turn, feed us.

Here’s one more way being lazy can save the world: skip the pesticides. Pesticides kill pollinators, and they’re hardly health food for humans, birds, and pets, either. In fact, research shows that when bees visit plants treated with neonicotinoids (a chemical in most pesticides), even small amounts can build up over time and kill the hive. Neonicotinoids disorient bees and disrupt their fertility. Worse, they can linger in plants and pollen for 2-4 years.

So be a hero. Stay in bed this weekend and stop fussing over your lawn.

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ treesearch/pubs/55816

ARTICLE BY ANDREA BUGBEE

REFRESH

Ruby’s Balm beauty guru Jillian Berger counts down her favorite products to get spring-ready.

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Cream, a multivitamin daily skin-nutrition moisturizer, recharges skin, minimizes signs of tiredness and uplifts with a citrus scent.

LaLicious Sugar Lavender Body whips together pure cane sugar with coconut oil and sweet almond oil for hydrated, glowing

Bumble and bumble Glow Thermal Protection Mist reduces frizz and flyaways, protects from heat damage — and added UV filters shield hair from drying effects of the sun.

Bitchstix Rose Lip Oil Gloss’ jojoba and almond oil keep lips hydrated and healthy with a natural shine.

Jillian Berger, owner of Ruby’s Balm in West Bloomfield

Riddle Original Boujee Body Oil gives a silky, fragrant neck-to-toe body glow.

Voluspa Small Jar Candle Trio includes French Cade Lavender, Kalahari Watermelon and Jasmine Midnight Blooms for a wave spring freshness throughout your home.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE

KONSTANTIN

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

EVERY SUNDAY IN MAY!

Birmingham Farmers Market Returns

PUBLIC PARKING LOT 6 AT 660 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE | 12:00 AM

Nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham, the Birmingham Farmers Market is an outdoor market open every Sunday featuring Michigan-grown produce, meat and dairy, floral arrangements, plants, artisan goods and more. Visitors of all ages can enjoy live music, food trucks, kids activities and special events. Nearby parks, eateries and shopping make it the perfect place to spend a Sunday!

MAY 9TH -14TH

Aladdin

FISHER THEATRE | 12:00 AM

The beloved story is brought to thrilling theatrical life in this bold new musical. With just one rub of a magic lamp, Aladdin’s journey sweeps you into a whole new world full of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. Visit  broadwayindetroit.com/shows/ disneys-aladdin for more details and to purchase tickets.

SATURDAY, MAY 13TH

Andiamo Celebrity Showroom: Sounds of Sinatra

THE ANDIAMO CELEBRITY

SHOWROOM | 12:00 AM

Mark Randisi and the Motor City Jazz Orchestra present Sounds of Sinatra. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you are hearing the original Chairman of the Board. Mark Randisi keeps the classical sound and style of Sinatra alive! Visit andiamoshowroom.com to purchase tickets.

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West Maple Road, Troy 248-435-0400 | eplspc.com