Issuu

MEL ISSA COULIER tak es it outside

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The Great Adventure

We live in a world that values productivity and efficiency, where every moment seems to be mapped out and planned. I’ll admit, I fall into this mindset sometimes too, thinking that the only worthwhile activities are those that can be measured, calculated and optimized. But the truth is, a life that is too structured is missing something vital — space for exploration.

We need room for discovery, for trying new things, for being a beginner. Sometimes, it’s in those unplanned moments where connections are made, memories are created and trust is built.

I started my role as publisher of Birmingham City Lifestyle five years ago in my guest bedroom during Covid. I'd moved back to Michigan after 23 years away — and I could not have imagined what this magazine would grow into. Because it’s not just a magazine. It’s a community. A connector. A platform that brings people, stories and purpose together.

On April 29, Birmingham City Lifestyle celebrated its Five Year Anniversary at Abood Law Firm in Birmingham, and it was magical. Special thanks to Editor Lynne Konstantin and Account Manager Lisa Gindi, our valued partners, community leaders and our incredibly generous community.

This month, our City Scene is dedicated to sharing our anniversary celebration with our readers. It was a beautiful reminder that we are a network grounded in trust. And that trust is something I value deeply.

This issue is all about giving yourself permission to explore, and the synchronicity of it is not lost on me. Let’s make space for the unexpected and the unexplored, and remember that it’s often in these moments that the richest connections are formed.

With gratitude,

KRAMER,

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Susan Lanier-Graham, Kali Kasprzyk, Jennifer Lovy, Susan Thwing

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristin Bednarowski, Brooke Brzoska / Brooke Elizabeth Art, Shelby Dubin, Janie Jones, Susan Lanier-Graham

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

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AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

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QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

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inside the issue

Sip, Sun, Repeat (All Summer Long)

Five Michigan wineries within 90 minutes of Birmingham where the views are

In Bloom, Year-Round

How one Metro Detroit entrepreneur turned a love of

Michigan seasons and meaningful details into a business that helps beautify homes all year.

Elevating Homes, Enriching Lives

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city scene

Cheers to Five Years! Birmingham City Lifestyle celebrated its Five-Year Anniversary with our partners and our community on April 29, at Abood Law Firm in Birmingham. 1: Jeffrey Lance Abood, owner of Abood Law Firm, and Ali Kramer, publisher of Birmingham City Lifestyle. 2: Rasha Mansour and Dr. Christina Barbat. 3: Amarilda Vucaj, Adrian Bazaj and Ted Edginton. 4: The BCL team: Photographer Aly Darin, Editor Lynne Konstantin, Publisher Ali Kramer, Account Manager Lisa Gindi and Social Media Manager Shelby Dubin. 5: Mary Grace Dickson and Tatiana Gutsu. 6: Cat Golden and Lauren Harbin. 7: George Stager and Jenny Ouliguian.

8: Armina Kasprowicz, Ali Kramer and Farrah Davidson. 9: Adam Rosenfeld, Emily Rosenberg, Sumer Friedrichs, Amanda Wolfe, Carol Rosenfeld and Ariella Kramer. 10: Emily Jacobs, Dayna Mott and Ronia Shamona. 11: Kelli Robinson, Aly Darin, Danielle Kovachevich and Allison Kuhn. 12: Ivana Stojkovic-Ristovski and Ali Kramer. 13: Lisa Gindi, Arielle Helfman, Shanna Gorga, Ali Kramer, Jennifer Thurswell, Regina Pipia, Dana Labes, Melanee Radner and Mara Moss. 14: Ali Kramer and Armina Kasprowicz.

15: Bernie Smilovitz and Lisa Nederlander. 16: Shanna Gorga and Jennifer Thurswell. 17: Paige Lathan and Keith Strickland. 18: Lynne Konstantin and Jeff Hermann. 19: Tamela Clarke, Ali Kramer and Tatianna Merritt. 20: Donika Gjocaj, Andrew Smith and Lindsay Hall. 21: Jennifer Lee, Jordan Sakalian and Jessica Snow.

22: Sabrina Raso Vaughan, Jenny Ouliguian and Michelly Duarte. 23: Brandon Murad and Calvin Kashat. 24: Pierre Boutros, Ingrid Tighe, Ali Kramer and Jeffrey Lance Abood. 25: Pierre Boutros and Silvio Cozzetto. 26: Candice Rich, Sabrina Raso Vaughan, Lindsey Collins and Michelly Duarte. 27: Holly Amato, Ali Kramer, Naji Chidiac, Liz Blaszkiewicz and Mary Grace Dickson. 28: Nikki Jacobs and Bre Teamer. Photography by Shelby Dubin

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Greenfield Village's Salute to America, July 2-5

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary at Greenfield Village's Salute to America, presented with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for more than 30 years. Stroll seven historic districts after hours with food trucks, period presenters and live ensembles performing everything from ragtime to Motown. At 8:30 p.m. July 2-5, DSO Music Director Jader Bignamini leads a landmark program including works by John Williams, Michael Abels, and Peter Boyer's minating in Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, cannon fire and a fireworks finale. Thehenryford.org

BESOS Opens in Downtown Birmingham

Celebrity chef Matthew Kenney (shown) and Birmingham entrepre neur Dana Weeks have opened BESOS in Downtown Birmingham. The wholefood concept — open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., with brunch offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — features globally inspired cuisine, craft cocktails and a Detroit-style pizza menu. Signature dishes include Heirloom Tomato Lasagna and Heart of Palm Crab Cake. The 2,000-square-foot Romanesqueinspired space seats just over 100, with outdoor patio seating extending into Willits Alley. BESOSbirmingham.com

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HIKE Take a

Wellness advocate and Recess Club founder

Melissa Coulier digs deep on chronic illness, caregiving — and helping women reclaim their recess.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE BRZOSKA / BROOKE ELIZABETH ART

Growing up in Livingston, Mont., Melissa Coulier always felt most at home outside. So she went for walk — and invited everyone.

Joyful, exuberant and ever-ready to pluck life from a tree and share it with everyone in her path, she launched Recess Club to share her passion. Living with her husband, actor Dave Coulier, on Lake St. Clair, she carries an impressive set of credentials, including pain-free movement specialist, certified fitness instructor, brain-health trainer and more. Coulier, 44, sat down with Birmingham City Lifestyle to talk about the health journeys that have shaped both of their lives, and how all of it has profoundly influenced the work she does today — and the community she’s building for women who crave their own moments of joy.

BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE How did you end up in Michigan?

MELISSA COULIER I met a man in Montana, and he swept me off my feet. I was a waitress in a restaurant and Dave came in on his way to a boys’ trip in Montana. We had instant chemistry. My parents were at another table, and my mom looks over and says, ‘Man, that guy looks an awful lot like Dave Coulier.’ I was like, no way! That guy’s way too cute to be Uncle Joey!

We moved to Los Angeles and dated for nine years before getting married in 2014 and now we’re in Michigan.

Dave grew up in St. Clair Shores, and he really wanted to come back to Detroit, his family is here. And he always wanted to build a house on the lake, so we are living out his little boy dream.

BCL You’ve lived with lupus since your early twenties. What was that like in the beginning?

MC I was diagnosed in 2006. At the time, I knew that my career and my path was going to be in photography — I’d known since I was 11 years old. My grandma gifted me my very first camera, and that was it. Health and wellness wasn’t something I was thinking about. But at the time I was diagnosed, I was dealing with joint pain, chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, fluid in my joints, rashes. I was on eight different medications to help with the lupus side effects, and then a couple of those drugs were actually to help with the side effects of the medications. When I reflect on it now, it is so bonkers that I was medicating my medication.

“Within three years of working with her and using food as medicine , I actually became pain-free.”

Melissa and Dave Coulier

Photography by Kristin Bednarowski

BCL So what finally changed?

MC Dave, actually — indirectly. When the reboot of Fuller House was in production, he introduced me to Melanie Samuels, who worked with Dave. Melanie was moving out of production and into holistic wellness and nutrition. He kind of set us up on this friend date — he thought we’d be really good friends. We were on a hike one day and I was just opening up about lupus and how I deal with chronic pain, and she asked if I wanted to be her first client. That was it. Within three years of working with her and using food as medicine, I actually became pain-free. I was off all medication at that point.

BCL What did that process looked like?

MC We did a 60-day elimination of caffeine, sugar, gluten and processed foods. At first I was like, uh, that’s a big deal, because my favorite after-shoot treat to myself was going through McDonald’s to get french fries. But as we started adding certain things back, I realized that food truly is medicine. The way that eating a real whole-food diet transformed my life was everything. My migraines made me horribly ill. And my trigger ended up being refined sugar. The minute I cut sugar, they just disappeared. It was crazy.

The other thing that changed everything for me was bio-individuality — the idea that there’s no universal diet, that every body is completely different. Like many people, I was a dieter. If the Mediterranean diet came out, I’d try that — whatever’s trending. And as many find out, that’s not necessarily sustainable, so we crash on and off diets. Once you quiet the noise and everything starts to work the way that it’s intended — it was just mind-blowing to me. I told Melanie, we have to go into business together. I never thought I’d be in a body that was pain-free. We founded a company together, Live Well Lead Well, and we saw clients together. We still do event integration for wellness, but then I moved to Michigan. But I still want to do all the things, and help other people take control of their health.

BCL And then Dave was diagnosed. MC Yeah. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, stage three, a year and a half ago. And then last fall, almost to the day, he was diagnosed with a second type of cancer, P16 Squamous Carcinoma of the throat. Every day’s different in our household.

We take it hour by hour — using every tool possible, taking a holistic approach as well as the Western medicine, and just walking hand-in-hand with that, to give him the best fighting chance.

BCL How did you take care of yourself through all of that?

MC Honestly, I just felt like I was kind of losing myself — I asked myself what brought me joy during that time. Between working and caregiving and in and out of hospitals, it was just so heavy. I have this girlfriend who’s local, Kate Milligan — she has a company called 1-Girl Revolution — and she had gone through something similar with her mom. She said to me, let’s go for a walk. For me, that was so nice — it was ‘let’s get you out of the house.’ We went walking around Belle Isle. I thought, gosh, this feels so good. I actually felt so much lighter in that moment.

BCL And being in nature is a big part of that for you?

MC Yes. There are times when I just have to be outside. I grew up in Livingston, Mont., population 7,000. My dad was a logger; when I was growing up, my family and I would spend the summers in the woods with him on job sites, creating different games. My parents, and my grandparents, were always telling

us to go outside and play — I think that’s innately in me. If I’m inside too long, or I’m bored, I hear my grandmother’s voice telling me to go outside, use my imagination, create something. And I think that’s such a beautiful message, that I can appreciate now as an adult.

Nature is my healing place, the place I need. It’s like how someone craves ice cream — I crave nature. It’s finding joy in a simple thing. It’s like reclaiming recess for myself, and I thought it might be like that for other women. I told Kate, wouldn’t it be great to just reclaim recess? Just go walk, go do something that brings you joy. If you’re walking in a park and you feel called to get on a swing, get on the swing.

BCL And that became the Recess Club.

MC Kate said, Mel, just post a couple meet-ups, and if people show up, they show up. At least you’re walking and you’re getting your fix. So I just started doing it, and women started showing up. Everyone comes for a different reason, and everybody says the same thing when they leave: ‘I did not know how much I needed this.’ I launched officially in June of 2025, after we had just finished all of Dave’s chemotherapy and he had gotten the all-clear on his

“Honestly, I just felt like I was kind of losing myself — I asked myself what brought me joy during that time. Between working

and caregiving and in and out of hospitals, it was

just s o heavy.”

scans. When he was diagnosed with his second cancer in the fall, I took over all the day-to-day responsibilities so that he could go through radiation — he had 30 rounds, every single day downtown. So things got a little busy. I paused everything, and then I just had that calling again, that craving. I needed to do this again. I wanted to see if I can make this bigger, more robust, and service more people. So I started back up in March.

BCL What does a Recess Club event look like?

MC It’s designed primarily for women, and focuses on stepping into nature, unplugging from screens and restoring balance through movement, hiking, breath work and shared experiences. We gather in nearby parks, trails and dunes. I try to do at least two free events a month, and then a paid experience every other month. The free events are beginner-grade nature walks, usually no more than three miles, about an hour. The paid experiences include a little bit more — in April, we did a five-mile walk, a meditation, nature bathing, lunch together. We’ve done a kayak experience. We have a Paint & Hike. Nature bathing comes from a Japanese practice called Shinrin-yoku — going into nature actually reduces your blood pressure and heart rate. I truly believe that it is that healing. Trees provide us life, right? Plants provide us life. There’s something to that. If we’re out on the trail and a tree calls to you, go put your hands on it. I encourage people to go give it a hug, soak up the healing.

BCL Who is the Recess Club for?

MC All women, from everywhere. It’s so hard for women who are in this in-between stage of caring for kids, caring for spouses, caring for parents, to find friends or community. We as women hold space for everyone — and it’s very rarely that we hold space for ourselves. One of the coolest things I see is other women that probably wouldn’t cross paths in any other area of life becoming friends and getting each other’s phone numbers. Watching other people connect on the trail — that’s what brings me so much joy.

Even if you think this isn’t for you — come anyway. It’s a great place to start. You’re not walking out onto a trail by yourself. You’re not stepping into an intimidating workout class. I lead every event, so you’re walking with an experienced leader, and we’re there to walk in community. No one’s left behind. You’re meeting a group of people outside who are genuinely there to find joy for an hour. You have to have joy with movement, otherwise you’re not going to move.

BCL Where do you see this going?

MC I’m a big dreamer. But I love how organic this has been, the way that it’s unfolding. I don’t want to force it in any direction. I love how the right people are finding it so that we can make these events accessible to everyone. I just want to make the largest positive impact that I possibly can while I’m here, and give more than I receive. That’s really it.

Melissa and Dave, with Cooper and Ziggy.

Photography by Kristin Bednarowski

RECESS CLUB + BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE

Melissa Coulier and Birmingham City Lifestyle are teaming up for our own Recess Club Event: A 1.5hour evening walk on July 9 at Birmingham’s Linden Park and around the scenic Quarton Lake Loop for a mix of wooded trails, residential streets and opportunities to connect with fellow community members. To learn more about this event and Recess Club, follow Coulier on Instagram (@melissacoulier) or visit melissacoulier.com. Free summer meetups are scheduled monthly, with upcoming paid experiences in July and August.

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SIP, SUN, REPEAT (All Summer Long)

Five Michigan wineries within 90 minutes of Birmingham where the views are stunning, the pours are generous and summer tastes even better among the vines.

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LOVY

Lori Herron never thought of Michigan as wine country — especially not Southeast Michigan, where she grew up and lives now. Yet her passion for wine inspired her to change careers in her 40s and become a professional vigneron , the French term for a grape grower and winemaker.

The West Bloomfield native used the pandemic as an opportunity to earn her viticulture certification and left her longtime work as an occupational therapist. A year ago this month, alongside her husband, Brian, she opened Social Vines, a boutique vineyard and winery in Dexter set on 70 quiet acres just 10 minutes from Downtown Ann Arbor. For Herron, the vineyard is a reminder that wine country can mean more than France, Napa Valley or even Northern Michigan.

She encourages others who hold preconceived notions about wine production in Southeast Michigan to set them aside and explore the area’s impressive wineries. With the right grapes, the right land and sustainable farming techniques, she says, it

is entirely possible to provide a memorable wine-tasting experience closer to home.

Although many of Michigan’s best-known wineries and vineyards are clustered in the Northern Lower Peninsula and along the state’s Southwest lakeshore, the wine scene continues to grow throughout the state. The grape-growing industry now includes more than 4,000 acres of wine grapes and more than 250 wineries and tasting rooms, according to a recent proclamation signed by the governor.

We found five local-ish (read: a less than two-hour drive from Metro Detroit) vineyards that prove you don’t have to travel far for a laidback summer afternoon or evening among the vines. These destinations offer more than wine tasting in a picturesque setting — each features menus designed for pairing along with a range of activities that give local visitors a taste of Michigan wine country.

SOCIAL VINES

53-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham 6620 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd. Dexter, MI 48130 socialvines.com

Humble Beginnings: Lori Herron and her husband, Brian, were looking at the 150-year-old red barn on their 70-acre property and wondering what to do with it. Township restrictions limited them primarily to agricultural use, leading Herron to combine her love of wine and gardening and transform the barn into a quaint, cozy tasting room with a boutique vineyard on the property.

On the Wine List: An off-dry Riesling, semisweet Vignoles, a dry rosé, sparkling rosé, a Bordeaux-style dry red blend and a hybrid blend red wine that they serve chilled.

Activities and Special Events: Visitors can enjoy wine with a view and radiant sunsets

amid rolling hills at the area’s newest vineyard and winery. In addition to wine tasting and a light menu, the venue hosts food trucks on the weekends and fall bonfires. Their annual Fourth of July fireworks display and festivities have consistently been a big draw for the property, dating back several years before Social Vines opened.

Big Brag: In addition to having their wine on the menu at Jolly Pumpkin in Dexter, Herron says her biggest brag is “seeing people come onto the property, see the vineyard, taste our wines and enjoy it so much that we end up seeing them again. And when we do, they’re bringing their friends and family.”

3 NORTH VINES

1 hour 28-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham 5940 Peck Rd.

Croswell, MI 48422

3northvines.com

Humble Beginnings: 3 North Vines was founded by Nathan and Kristi Shopbell in 2007, growing out of the couple’s shared passion for hospitality, agriculture and creating memorable experiences. From the beginning, their goal was to create a welcoming destination where guests could slow down, connect and enjoy Michigan-made wine and cider in a scenic setting. Tasting experiences, Kristi says, are designed to be relaxed, educational and approachable.

On the Wine List: Estate wines range from dry reds and whites to what Kristi describes as approachable fruit wines and seasonal specialties. The vineyard also offers hard cider, wine slushies and non-alcoholic options. Because production is done in small batches, selections vary throughout the season.

Activities and Special Events: The summer calendar includes live music, themed tasting events, seasonal outdoor gatherings, food pairings, Singo nights (a musical spin on traditional Bingo) and private events. Food-pairing options include cheese or chocolate plates, fresh bread baskets, snacks and boards.

Big Brag: The Shopbells say they are most proud of the sense of community that has developed around 3 North Vines. Guests often tell them they appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, scenic property and variety of events that make each visit feel personal. While continuing to expand beverage offerings and event programming, the couple remains hands-on in both production and hospitality.

CHERRY CREEK CELLARS

1 hour 30-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham 11500 Silver Lake Hwy. Brooklyn, MI 49230 cherrycreekwine.com

Humble Beginnings: Cherry Creek prides itself on producing small-batch premium wines. Opening its doors in 2003, it grew alongside Michigan’s wine industry. The tasting room is housed in a schoolhouse built in the 1870s and overlooks five acres of vines.

On the Wine List: More than 25 wines, ranging from dry to sweet, including red, white, rosé and sparkling. They also have their own beers and hard ciders.

Activities and Special Events: The summer calendar includes live music, food trucks, winemaker dinners, a knitting club, game nights and more. An on-site café serves a variety of appetizers, charcuterie boards, salads and sandwiches.

Big Brag: Cherry Creek’s Pinot Noir earned the 2025 Governor’s Cup, awarded to the highest-rated wine in the Michigan Wine Competition. Several of their wines were also recognized in the same competition and in the Eastern International Wine Competition.

FLYING OTTER VINEYARD & WINERY

1 hour 22-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham 3402 Chase Rd. Adrian, MI 49221 flyingotter.com

Humble Beginnings: What began as a hobby planting grapevines for homemade wine evolved into a passion project and ultimately a business for Bob and Linda Utter. After purchasing the property in 1996, the couple established their vineyard in 2005 and celebrated the first harvest two years later. The vineyard and winery’s distinctive name pays homage to Bob’s Swedish heritage (Utter means “otter” in Swedish) and his love of aviation.

On the Wine List: Flying Otter is an estate winery, meaning all of the wine produced is made exclusively from grapes grown on its 30-acre vineyard. Using cold-hardy Michigan grapes, Flying Otter offers nearly 30 wines, ranging from bold dry reds to light, sweet whites and dessert wines.

Activities and Special Events: Summer weekends feature live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and “wine down music” on select Sundays. Trivia nights, yoga-in-the-vineyard classes and paint-and-pour events are held throughout the summer. Their “anytime” menu gives a selection of lighter dishes and desserts. A grill menu featuring burgers, pizza and sandwiches is available on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Big Brag: Flying Otter highlights its openair pavilion tasting room as a space where guests can “enjoy breathtaking views of our vineyard — a truly unique experience in Southeast Michigan.”

YOUNGBLOOD VINEYARD

43-minute drive from Downtown Birmingham 61829 Ray Center Rd. Ray, MI 48096 youngbloodvineyard.com

Humble Beginnings: David and Jessica Youngblood established Youngblood Vineyard with a simple idea for their family farm: to plant grapes and create something unique for Metro Detroit, giving guests the feeling they escaped to wine country. What began as a small agricultural passion project grew into a destination centered around farming, family, wine and hospitality.

On the Wine List: A rotating selection of Michigan wines exclusively grown and produced on the property, including dry whites, rosé, reds, sparkling wines and seasonal releases.

Activities and Special Events: Year-round Tiny Goat Yoga classes include a variety of farm animals. The summer calendar features themed dinners, seasonal brunches, vineyard tours, live music, Wine Club Wednesdays and four days of Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. An on-site restaurant and brewery offers craft cocktails, craft beer, farm-to-table food and woodfired pizza.

Big Brag: “We’re most proud of building one of Michigan’s fastest-growing winery destinations completely from the ground up, while staying family-owned and agriculture-focused,” Jessica Youngblood says. “Most importantly, we’re proud that the vineyard has become a gathering place where people celebrate milestones, make memories and come back year after year.”

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

SUMMIT SEEKING

LIVING THE ELEVATED LAKE LIFE ON LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY.

Northern Michigan has long been a favorite escape for Metro Detroit families seeking cooler summers, waterfront beauty and a slower pace of life. But in recent years, destinations like Bay Harbor and nearby Petoskey, Charlevoix and Harbor Springs have evolved into something even more coveted: luxury lifestyle communities that rival resort destinations across the country.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING

Now, a new development called The Summit Over Bay Harbor (summitoverbayharbor.com) is bringing a new level of sophistication to the region.

BAY HARBOR IS THE PINNACLE OF BAYSIDE SOPHISTICATION. PEOPLE LOVE THAT EVERYTHING FEELS ACCESSIBLE. AND SUNSETS OVER LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY ARE UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE IN THE STATE.

Perched on a bluff overlooking Little Traverse Bay, Bay Harbor Lake and the charming Bay Harbor Inn, the multi-phase residential community is designed to combine expansive private residences with the ease and amenities of resort-style living — all within minutes of golfing, boating, dining and boutique shopping.

For Candice Rich of Candice Rich Luxury Homes, a Birmingham-based global luxury real estate advisor with @properties remi and Christie’s International Real Estate (candicerich.com), the project reflects what many local buyers are increasingly seeking: a refined higher-end Northern Michigan lifestyle with an emphasis on comfort and convenience.

“Many of my Oakland County clients already own second or third homes in Northern Michigan, so I immediately recognized how unique this opportunity is,” Rich says. “It was important to the developer to partner with an advisor who understands the Metro Detroit luxury market while also having the ability to connect with qualified buyers both within Michigan and beyond through our global Christie’s network.”

Bay Harbor offers that opportunity, Rich says.

“BUYERS WANT THE SPACE AND SOPHISTICATION OF A CUSTOM HOME AND THE ADDED ENHANCEMENT OF THE SURROUNDING LIFESTYLE, BUT WITHOUT THE MAINTENANCE. THAT’S WHAT MAKES THIS SO APPEALING.”

“We have interest from people from Chicago, Indiana, Texas, Florida, even California who are drawn to the lifestyle here,” she says. “There’s definitely a climate and lifestyle migration component to what we’re seeing. Florida buyers leave during hurricane season and want beautiful summers without the risk. Texas buyers escape the brutal heat. Chicago and Indiana buyers already share Lake Michigan with us. It’s literally across the water and feels like home.”

The Summit Over Bay Harbor is planned as a community of up to 68 residences developed across multiple phases. Initialrelease homes range from approximately $2.795 million to $3.695 million; they offer expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, dramatic sunset views from multiple levels, floor-toceiling windows, private garages and rooftop terraces designed for entertaining and relaxation overlooking Lake Michigan.

Open-concept living areas are anchored by chef-inspired kitchens, generous gathering spaces, fireplaces, wet bars and seamless transitions to outdoor living environments. Resort-inspired amenities include an infinity-edge pool overlooking the bay, an elevated pool deck with firepit gathering areas and a poolhouse featuring an indoor entertaining space and a warming kitchen, adding to the year-round amenities.

But unlike traditional condominiums, the residences are designed to feel more like custom luxury homes.

“Buyers want the space and sophistication of a custom home, but without the maintenance,” Rich says. “That’s what makes this so appealing.”

While the residences themselves are impressive, the surrounding lifestyle only enhances the appeal.

Located along the shores of Little Traverse Bay, Bay Harbor has become known for its blend of waterfront beauty, upscale amenities and relaxed resort atmosphere. Residents have access to championship golf, marina living, boutique shopping, award-winning waterfront dining, skiing and year-round recreation.

The nearby Petoskey area adds even more charm, with historic architecture, art galleries, chef-driven restaurants and four-season outdoor activities ranging from boating and golf to skiing and fall color tours.

“People love that everything feels accessible,” Rich says. “Bay Harbor is the pinnacle of bayside sophistication. Championship golf with 27 holes along the shoreline at Bay Harbor Golf Course. The Bay Harbor Yacht Club has a deep-water marina offering direct access to Lake Michigan, a private beach, pool, tennis, fitness facilities and exceptional dining. The Village, a walkable waterfront collection of boutique shopping, dining and year-round community events, is home to the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

“And sunsets over Little Traverse Bay are unlike anything else in the state,” she says.

The development itself is intended to complement that lifestyle rather than compete with it. Planned amenities include gathering spaces, wellness-focused features and resort-inspired outdoor areas designed to maximize the surrounding views.

Construction is already underway on the first phase, with buyers currently reserving residences and customizing finishes as homes progress through development.

For Rich, the growing interest in Northern Michigan reflects a broader shift in how luxury buyers define home.

“Michigan’s Great Lakes are among the most beautiful waterfront destinations in the country, yet they remain somewhat undiscovered compared to many coastal markets,” Rich says. “The buyers drawn to Northern Michigan know exactly what they’re seeking. The natural beauty, lifestyle and sense of place have always been here. More people are simply discovering what makes this region so special.”

As Bay Harbor continues to grow as a luxury destination, The Summit Over Bay Harbor represents not just a new residential development, but a new chapter in elevated lakeside living.

IN

Bloom,

Building a business based on beautifying homes through each season.

ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING

“You show up and someone’s stressed and life is hitting them. You leave and they’re happier than they were before.”

— Rachel Carroll

Rachel Carroll doesn’t remember making a conscious decision to become like her grandmother.

It happened quietly.

Her grandmother lived in a small house and had a gift for making a home feel special. There were seasonal decorations for every holiday, flowers in the yard, houseplants in the windows and a sense that beauty didn’t require extravagance — just care and intention.

Years later, Carroll realized she had inherited more than memories.

Today, she co-owns the Metro Detroit franchises of WOW Windowboxes (wowwindowboxes.com/detroit) with her partner, John Oehler, bringing custom windowboxes, planters and seasonal displays to homes across the region.

But this isn’t Carroll’s first business or even her first career. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she worked in public accounting.

“I really liked the work and the problem solving,” Carroll says. “I just didn’t like sitting at a desk all day.”

Eventually, she launched a residential cleaning business, which she still operates today. The work gave her something accounting couldn’t: movement, connection and the satisfaction of helping people feel better in their homes.

“You show up and someone’s stressed and life is hitting them,” she says. “You leave and they’re happier than they were before.”

That philosophy — making homes feel cared for without creating more work for homeowners — made WOW Windowboxes feel like a natural extension.

For Carroll, the appeal isn’t really gardening in the traditional sense. It’s noticing the details that make people feel at home.

After years working inside homes and neighborhoods, she began paying attention to something unexpected: People who cared deeply about their homes often didn’t have the time, energy or desire to maintain every outdoor detail themselves.

RACHEL CARROLL’S FAVORITE SUMMER WINDOWBOX LOOK

Skip the obvious bright blooms and try a softer, layered look:

• Coleus for dramatic color and textured leaves

• Creeping Jenny for trailing greenery

• Shade-loving foliage mixes for a lush, cottage-style feel

• Add seasonal accents to keep displays evolving throughout the year

“I started realizing people are busy,” she says. “They want things to feel beautiful, but they don’t necessarily want another thing on their list.”

That observation helped connect the dots.

She says she isn’t necessarily drawn to the brightest, showiest arrangements. Instead, she gravitates toward softer combinations: textured leaves, layered greens and plantings that feel collected rather than overly designed.

She also loves that windowboxes change.

Her favorite season might depend on the month: the first bright pansies pushing through a gray Michigan spring, overflowing summer containers, pumpkins and fall color or winter greens that make a long season feel warmer.

The company itself originated in Cincinnati and has grown into multiple franchises nationwide. Carroll and Oehler operate the Michigan territory, serving Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, with current focus areas including Birmingham, Bloomfield, West Bloomfield and surrounding communities.

Unlike traditional landscaping, WOW Windowboxes centers on custom-built architectural planters and seasonal displays. The process starts with a consultation and measurements. From there, the team

custom-builds boxes to fit each home, paints them to match trim, shutters or doors, installs them and connects irrigation.

“We can make almost anything,” Carroll says.

While there are several standard styles, every installation is customized to fit the scale and personality of the home, even stretching up to storefront-length installations when needed.

And if windowboxes aren’t practical?

The company also designs patio containers, railing planters and container gardens for homes with more modern architecture or limited mounting space.

One of the company’s biggest differentiators is irrigation. Carroll says homeowners often begin each season with good intentions, only to find daily watering becomes difficult during vacations, heat waves and busy summer schedules. The built-in watering system keeps plants thriving while allowing excess rainwater to drain naturally. If something goes wrong, the team returns to repair irrigation or replace plants as needed.

Seasonal service is optional and flexible. Spring often begins with frost-tolerant pansies, followed by summer blooms, fall arrangements with pumpkins and decorative accents, and winter greens and holiday décor.

For Carroll, that changing rhythm is part of the appeal.

“I love that things aren’t fixed,” she says. “Nature changes. Seasons change. Your home can change with it.”

Because in the end, she says, windowboxes aren’t really about flowers.

They’re about making a home feel loved.

HOME ON THE LAKE

ARTICLE BY SUSAN

A father-son duo helps clients achieve the best of both worlds in Metro Detroit real estate.

In Oakland County, lakefront living offers something increasingly rare: the feeling of an everyday escape just minutes from the energy of Metro Detroit.

For father-and-son real-estate team Jeff and Matt Barker, associate realtors with Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham, helping clients find that balance has become both a specialty and a passion.

The duo has built a reputation in Oakland County’s luxury lakefront market, recently selling five of the county’s 10 highest-priced lakefront homes since the beginning of 2025.

Their partnership itself began organically.

Son Matt earned his real-estate license while still in college, initially viewing his internship at Max Broock as a way to gain business experience. But what started as a temporary opportunity quickly evolved into a career.

“Fourteen years later, here we are,” Matt says.

Dad Jeff says one of their greatest strengths is trust.

“A lot of partnerships in real estate don’t work out,” he says. “Because we trust each other completely, there’s never competition between us. As his father, I want him to succeed.”

Father-and-son team Jeff Barker and Matt Barker

Their two-generation approach also brings a broader perspective to clients navigating today’s rapidly evolving real-estate market.

“Real estate has changed tremendously over the last 30 years, since I started,” Jeff says. “Having both a younger and an older perspective really benefits our clients.”

That perspective is especially valuable in Oakland County’s highly competitive lakefront market, where lifestyle matters just as much as the home itself. With nearly 400 lakes throughout the county, buyers can choose everything from quiet electric-motor-only lakes to highly active all-sports communities filled with boating, tubing and water skiing.

“Oakland County offers something unique,” Matt says. “You can wake up on the water and feel like you’re on vacation, but still be 10 minutes from Downtown Birmingham.”

That blend of serenity and accessibility continues to attract buyers seeking a primary residence that feels like a retreat.

“We have clients selling both their primary home and their Up North lake house in exchange for one lakefront property here, closer to their children and grandchildren,” Matt says. “It gives them the best of both worlds.”

Perfectly capturing that lifestyle is a home on Upper Long Lake in Bloomfield Township that the Barkers recently listed. Situated atop a half acre of land with 120 feet of lake frontage, the custom-build was designed to maximize sweeping water views and livability, maintaining a usable backyard leading to the shoreline. Natural light floods through the oversized floor-toceiling windows of the 8,000-square-foot-plus home.

“They were really thoughtful about how the home captured the water from every room,” Matt says. “Whether you’re in the great room, a bedroom or another living space, you’re constantly connected to the lake.”

The property, listed at nearly $4 million, reflects another trend the Barkers are seeing in lakefront design: a growing preference for modern architecture and Nantucket-inspired styles that emphasize clean lines, natural light and indoor-outdoor living.

Still, Jeff says the emotional connection buyers have to the water often matters more than the architecture itself.

“Some people don’t even own a boat,” he says. “They simply want to wake up in the morning, see the sunrise on the water and experience that sense of peace.”

Lakefront communities also tend to create closeknit neighborhoods, offering fireworks displays, beach associations, holiday gatherings and summer events bringing residents together.

“There’s a community aspect to lake living,” Jeff says. “People get to know each other.”

For the Barkers, helping clients find the right lakefront property ultimately comes down to understanding not only the home, but the lifestyle attached to it.

Here, that lifestyle remains as desirable as ever.

Bring Wellness Home

Infrared Sauna

Outside

the Ordinary

Former streetwear designer Jeff Piper built his career dressing icons. Now he helps design the iconic spaces people come home to.

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

Jeff Piper is a bit of a renaissance man.

A former VP of design at Pelle Pelle, a Detroitbased frontrunner in ’90s hip-hop streetwear, he dressed clients with swagger, from Destiny’s Child and 50 Cent to Deion Sanders. He spent decades traveling the world, staying ahead of the trends through Japan, China, Germany and France.

At the same time, architecture had always been a quiet passion, another outlet for his eye for design and detail. “I always loved architecture,” Piper says. “I was doing it on the side for years as a hobby.” So when the opportunity arose to work with Derek Spurlock, founder of the 30-year-old outdoor design and build firm Spurlock’s Lux Living, it felt less like a career change and more like a long-overdue arrival.

“I was always at a fork in the road,” Piper says. “I went with the apparel route, and it took off. But I never lost the love for design and building.”

When Piper came on as minority partner, Spurlock’s was a lean, highly regarded operation — Spurlock, largely a one-man show, was known throughout Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills for

exceptional old-world masonry: hand-chiseled natural stone fireplaces, pizza ovens and custom patios built the way they haven’t been built in generations. “Even today, these guys are out there hand-chiseling 300-pound rocks into a wall,” Piper says. “You just don’t see that anymore.”

The company had built a loyal following among the area’s discerning homeowners. Piper saw the potential to take it further. He redesigned the brand’s visual identity, expanded its service offerings beyond masonry into full landscape and pool design and helped give Spurlock’s what he calls “a face” — nearly doubling business in just three years.

Spurlock eventually sold to current owners John-Michael Del Valle and Nick Zimmer — and while ownership changed, Piper stayed on as the creative and operational force at the center of it all. Today, Spurlock’s is part of Zimmer’s Evergreen Landscape Group, a family of companies that also includes Willow Greenhouse in Northville — a grower of annuals and perennials from seed — and Plantsman, an integrated pest management company that brings in beneficial insects sourced from Israel to protect plants naturally. For Spurlock’s clients, this means access to premium plant sourcing straight from the greenhouse, with none of the middleman markups.

The company has since grown into a full-scale outdoor design-build firm with an in-house crew of master masons, drainage specialists, landscape teams and synthetic turf installers — plus a roster of carefully vetted subcontractors handling specialized trades like electrical and irrigation. “If you hire us, it’s turnkey,” Piper says. “Homeowners are never in the position of having to manage it themselves.”

Piper leads every client relationship from the initial concept through design, using the latest 2D and 3D rendering technology to build out every detail — lighting, plants, trees, furniture — before construction begins. The 3D platform lets clients walk through their future space virtually, from multiple angles, in day or night settings. For clients who need help visualizing,

The Spurlock’s team: Jeff Piper, Nick Zimmer and Rob Kruse

“These guys are out there hand-chiseling 300-pound rocks into a wall. You just don’t see that anymore.” — Jeff Piper

he’ll even walk a backyard with a spray can and sketch out a patio on the lawn. “We try to give them options,” he says. “It also eliminates costly change orders and delays. Clients can have total confidence that their new outdoor space will not only meet their expectations, but exceed them.”

That design rigor is more than aesthetic. Spurlock’s works with engineering firms to ensure every design meets local municipality requirements for permitting and approvals, a process they manage entirely on behalf of the client. “There’s a big difference between designing something that looks good and designing something that can actually be built,” he says. “We come from the construction side. We know what works.”

The portfolio is extensive: custom pools and spas, natural stone and porcelain patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fire features, water features, putting greens and synthetic turf. Spurlock’s is also known as one of Michigan’s largest bluestone installers and suppliers, sourcing directly from Pennsylvania — it’s a material that defines the character of their work, from a sweeping estate project in Bloomfield Hills to a recently completed public park in Northville.

“We turn backyards into unforgettable experiences,” Piper says. “From the first sketch to the final stone.”

HARDAS COSMETIC GYNECOLOGY

escape to France

A LEISURELY BARGE CRUISE ALONG FRANCE’S CANAL DU MIDI OFFERS A QUIET LUXURY ESCAPE

THE SOUTH

of

There is something a bit magical about the South of France. It conjures images of rolling hills set along the Mediterranean, vast vineyards and olive trees swaying in the breezes. The images come to life when you book a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways ( EuropeanWaterways.com). It offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s slow pace.

Canal du Midi is a 330-year-old canal that runs from the Mediterranean coast inland through the famous Languedoc wine region. This is an opportunity for a true escape from everyday life.

WHAT IS A BARGE CRUISE?

Barges, originally used to shuttle goods along the inner waterways throughout

Europe, are now floating hotels. European Waterways operates b arges from April to October.

One of three boats to traverse Canal du Midi, Enchanté is an “ultra-deluxe” converted barge with four cabins for up to eight passengers. Each suite on Enchanté features an ensuite bathroom. All suites are on the lower level, while the salon,

CONTINUED >

dining room, open kitchen and sun deck are above. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, the staff accommodating and the pace of the barge allows you to slow down and unwind. In fact, the barge moves slowly along the canal, giving passengers a chance to stroll along or ride one of the onboard bicycles.

THE BARGING EXPERIENCE

The barging experience is not anything like other cruises. With only eight passengers (although some boats have the capacity for 10 to 20 passengers), it provides a quiet escape.

Each day, you cruise slowly along the canal, going a total distance of about 50 miles over one week. The day’s leisurely routine begins with a sit-down breakfast and specially prepared dishes from the chef. You either cruise in the morning and take a short excursion in the afternoon, or vice versa.

Lunch is a gourmet 3-course meal paired with local wines. Dinner is a beautiful production with appetizers, main course, cheese course and dessert. Again, everything is paired with both a white and red wine.

EXCURSIONS ALONG THE WAY

Throughout the cruise, there are small stops along the way. This area of France is filled with gourmet delights and history, and you have a chance to explore both during your cruise.

You’ll visit l’Oulibo, a high-end olive oil producer growing Lucques olives. Enjoy a tasting of the oils and the olives, and pick up a few to take home. Another day, you’ll taste local balsamic vinegar. This is a real treat and a unique experience sampling a variety of flavors.

During the barge cruise, you’ll have a chance to visit three of what may be the most beautiful towns in France: Minerve, Lagrasse and Carcassonne. Lagrasse is an artisan town surrounding an 8th-century Benedictine Abbey. Minerve is home to a 12th-century Cathar fort with spectacular views. Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city with 52 watchtowers and portcullis.

There is also an excursion to Narbonne, once a Roman capital. There, you’ll have a chance to wander through Les Halles de Narbonne—the indoor food market—with the chef, picking out items for him to prepare once back onboard Enchanté.

European Waterways offers the ideal escape to the South of France and other destinations across Europe.

LUXURY GRAZING TABLES DESIGNED TO IMPRESS.

Beautiful gatherings begin around beautiful food. Our signature grazing tables are thoughtfully curated to become the focal point of the celebration— abundant, artful, and impossible to ignore.

Artful charcuterie boards for gifting available.

When you want to impress, choose Grazed by Ivana.

grazedbyivana.com | 586-208-9646 info@grazedbyivana.com | @grazed_by_ivana

Eyelash Extensions

Powder Brows Tattoo

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH AUGUST Birmingham’s In the Park Concert Series

Shain Park (corner of Merrill and Bates), Birmingham | 7:00 PM

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and the whole family to Birmingham’s free In the Park Concert Series, weekly shows on Wednesdays through Aug. 26. Food trucks and other vendors on-site for purchases. On July 1 and Aug. 5, check out the Kids Zone from 4-6 p.m., with bounce houses, interactive activities, games, surprises and more. For details and specific performers, visit bhamgov.org/summerconcerts

JULY 11TH & 19TH

Family-Friendly Fishing Events at Johnson Nature Center

Johnson Nature Center, 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills | 10:00 AM

Run by Bloomfield Hills Schools, Johnson Nature Center's mission is to promote conservation and stewardship through meaningful experiences in nature. Find out what lies below the surface of the Center's pond at their Family-Friendly Fishing Events, and enjoy activities that highlight the fishing experience. Bring your own equipment or borrow from the Nature Center; bait will be provided. Pre-registration required. Johnsonnaturecenter@bloomfield.org.

JULY 11TH & 25TH

Cranbrook Gardens Tour

Cranbrook House & Gardens, 380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills | 10:00 AM

Midwest Living calls Cranbrook House & Gardens one of “7 Midwest Estate Gardens Worth Traveling For.”

Pictured left-to-right: Sue Minster, Jason M Geisz, R Adam Biswanger, Robert F Alati, Elizabeth M Silver, Robyn R Crewdson, Margaret B Ford (not pictured)

Expect nothing less than exceptional... We don’t just deliver an elevated experience, we set the standard for it.

BIRMINGHAM LEADERSHIP

Kenneth Guerriero

Kenneth

The

Facial Plastic Surgery

A trained volunteer will guide visitors through the 40-acre Cranbrook Gardens at the former home of George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth, founders of the Cranbrook Educational Community. Discover their story, the history of the property and its many sculptures and other works of art. Housegardens.cranbrook.edu.

JULY 17TH

Summer Sips at the Detroit Zoo

Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak | 6:30 PM

Summer Sips, presented by KeyBank, is summer camp for the 21+ crowd, with craft beer instead of bug juice and the Detroit Zoo as your campground. Lawn games, live music, unlimited carousel rides, after-hours access to the brandnew Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails and more — all included with your ticket. No counselors. No curfew. Just the kind of summer night that used to feel endless. Detroitzoo.org.

JULY 19TH

Super Farmer Day at Birmingham Farmer’s Market

Birmingham Farmer's Market, Public Parking Lot 6, 660 North Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham

Bring all the superheroes, dressed in costume, to help celebrate local farmers and hometown heroes at Super Farmer Day, held in Downtown Birmingham's Farmers Market (open every Sunday through Oct. 25). This superhero-themed day offers live music, food trucks, kids' activities and special events — plus a superhero meet-and-greet and visits from the police and fire departments. Downtownbirmingham.com.