Issuu

The Spirit of Summer Freedom

Hello, my friends,

Summer has always felt like the season of exploration to me.

Not just travel — although I fully support a good road trip with snacks and a playlist — but the kind of exploration that reconnects us to who we are, what we value, and the memories that shape us.

I was very little during America’s Bicentennial in 1976, but I still remember the feeling of it all. There was excitement everywhere. Red, white, and blue filled the summer. Parades. Sparklers. Flags waving from front porches. It felt like the entire country was celebrating together.

Now here we are preparing for America’s 250th anniversary — and yes, I am still trying to pronounce semiquincentennial correctly (ha!) — but more than anything, this issue made me think about how important it is to pass those warm summer feelings and love of country down to the next generation.

That spirit inspired our feature on America at 250 and all the ways we can celebrate this historic milestone close to home in Michigan — from Detroit to Fort Michilimackinac and everywhere in between.

But exploration also means stepping outside our routines and seeing the world through someone else’s experience.

One of my favorite pieces in this issue follows Mount Clemens’ own Susan Laurent as she travels through Japan in search of something deeper than a vacation. Her reflections on the country’s precision, intentionality, quiet respect, and cultural rituals stayed with me long after I finished reading. Some of her observations — from silent bullet trains to the mindfulness behind a simple tea ceremony — honestly make you think differently about how we move through our own lives.

You’ll also find inspiration for your own summer adventures, including effortless vacation style ideas, a refreshing seafood gazpacho recipe perfect for warm evenings, and an inspiring mindset feature with Jen Cohen reminding us that sometimes success simply comes from continuing to show up.

Whether your summer includes a passport, a weekend Up North, a backyard barbecue, or simply slowing down long enough to enjoy the people around you, I hope this issue inspires you to explore something meaningful.

Happy Birthday, America!

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Janowicz, Marshall Zweig, Courtney Stone

Smith, Alyssa Lavy, Kali Kasprzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Susan Laurent, Sierra Picotte, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

UPSCALE BOUTIQUE

inside the issue

Rediscovering America at 250

From

In Japan, everything is intentional. That’s a language this Mount Clemens practitioner already spoke.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Commissioner Miller with 127th Wing leaders Lt. Col. Shannon Vickers and Col. Bryan Amara 2: Representative Denise Mentzer honored at the MPFFU convention for securing over $5 million in grants. 3: Award recognizing Denise Mentzer’s longtime support of Michigan professional firefighters and their communities. 4-6: Disco the Frog and Raya joined 70 volunteers for Mount Clemens’ 3rd Annual City-Wide Clean-Up. 7: Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Police Academy!

Whether you're searching for waterfront views, walkable neighborhoods, or simply a fresh start, finding the right home is about creating the life you want to live every day.

KRISTIE LOHMANN REALTOR ® Associate

Your Next Adventure Starts Here

City Lifestyle is excited to welcome Jeffrey Leonardi and Travel Time Vacations & Cruises as a new community partner. From unforgettable cruises to custom vacation experiences, Travel Time Vacations simplifies travel planning with expert guidance, exclusive opportunities, and personalized service designed to make every journey seamless and memorable. Ready to explore? Contact Jeffrey Leonardi at jeffrey@586travel.com or call (586) 323-6100.

Mount Clemens Beautification, Martha T. Berry, and UD Mercy are creating therapeutic courtyard gardens for seniors. Supported by a $10,000 donation from the Lions Club of Mount Clemens, plans include accessible gardens, sensory spaces, water features, and gathering areas designed to promote healing and dignity. Community donations are now being accepted. For more information, contact project chair Dr. Jennifer Gale at (586) 468-4539.

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Family Summer Camp for Dog Training

Wolf Pack Dog Training’s new Family Summer Camp brings parents, kids, and dogs together for hands-on learning that creates real-life results. Families learn clear communication, positive reinforcement, and practical skills for a calmer home, while dogs build focus, obedience, and respectful behavior. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention. Call Wolf Pack Dog Training today at (586) 256-2332 or visit wolfpackdt.com to reserve your spot.

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We Heart

Community

Local isn’t small town—it’s hometown

Community matters, and it’s who we are. First State Bank is proud to support local organizations, events, and programs that help our neighborhoods thrive. From financial education programs to volunteer hours and charitable giving, we’re dedicated to making a lasting impact where it matters most: right here at home.

Rediscovering America at 250

FROM BOOKS TO ROAD TRIPS, EXPLORE AMERICA’S STORY WITH CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, FAMILY, AND PATRIOTIC GRATITUDE

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY JANOWICZ

For those of us who remember America’s Bicentennial in 1976, it’s hard to explain just how much patriotism shaped everyday life that summer.

Flags waving from front porches. Kids chasing sparklers barefoot through the backyard. Boats on the lake. The radio playing somewhere in the distance. Red, white, and blue everywhere you look. For many of us, those memories are stitched into childhood.

My mom had this patriotic shirt with a giant “76” on it that she wore to the beach all summer long, and honestly, it was a whole vibe. Everyone had Bicentennial license plates too, which — once they expired — my dad proudly hung on the garage wall like artwork. There was pride everywhere. Families celebrated together. Communities felt connected. Patriotism wasn’t complicated — it was joyful.

This year, as America celebrates 250 years of independence, it feels like the perfect time to rediscover some of that spirit again.

As a first-generation American family, this milestone means something deeply personal to us. My family knows freedom is not guaranteed. The opportunities we enjoy in this country

are extraordinary gifts, purchased through sacrifice, courage, faith, and generations willing to fight for liberty.

So yes — enjoy the fireworks and hot dogs. But also take a little time to explore the story behind them.

READ THE WORDS THAT CHANGED HISTORY

I would bet most Americans haven’t actually sat down and read the Declaration of Independence since high school. You should.

It is bold, emotional, rebellious, and surprisingly human. The grievances against King George III reveal just how frustrated the colonies had become, but the most revolutionary idea may be the Declaration’s assertion that our rights come not from government, but from our Creator. That belief — that freedom is inherent, Godgiven, and worth defending — changed the world forever.

And signing it came with enormous risk.

John Hancock famously signed his name large enough for the king to read without spectacles, but many of the Founding Fathers paid dearly for their courage. Some lost fortunes,

CONTINUED >

“Patriotism wasn’t complicated — it was joyful. Families celebrated together, communities felt connected, and freedom was something people genuinely appreciated and proudly displayed.”

Opposite page, starting from the upper top right and going down to bottom right: Macomb250 Patriotic Cruise | The Henry Ford Museum

Take time to walk new streets in your community to see how your neighbors are celebrating.

Find reenactments across the state for a live experience.

Crocker House Museum & Gardens

Summer Reading

homes, family members, and security because they believed liberty was worth the cost.

One simple idea for the Fourth of July? Read the Declaration aloud with family or friends. Especially with children and grandchildren. History just feels different when spoken out loud.

EXPLORE AMERICA250 ACROSS MICHIGAN

One of the best parts of this anniversary is realizing you do not have to travel to Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. to experience America’s story.

Michigan is filled with meaningful events and destinations this summer. Start locally with America250MI.org and explore celebrations happening all across the state.

Here in Mount Clemens, the Crocker House Museum will host its elegant Three Wives Garden Tea on July 16th. While much of our local history begins after the Revolutionary War, the pioneering spirit born from America’s fight for independence shaped early founders like Christian Clemens and George Crocker. Guests will enjoy signature house-blended iced teas, charcuterie, and beautiful garden surroundings that celebrate both hospitality and heritage.

Macomb County is also planning the massive Macomb Patriotic Cruise on July 25th, traveling up Gratiot Avenue through Eastpointe, Roseville, Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Chesterfield Township, and Richmond — a rolling celebration of patriotic pride and community spirit.

In Metro Detroit, The Henry Ford will host the remarkable Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation from July 9–26. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see original founding-era documents including the Treaty of Paris, George Washington’s Oath of Allegiance, and Senate markups of the Bill of Rights.

And if your summer plans include heading north, make time for Colonial Michilimackinac. Standing inside the fort overlooking the Straits, it becomes a little easier to imagine what life looked like in 1776 on the edge of the British Empire.

HISTORY THAT READS LIKE ADVENTURE

If you really want to connect with America’s founding story, skip the dry textbooks.

One of my favorites is 1776 by David McCullough, which honestly reads more like an action novel than a history book. I will never forget the descriptions of what soldiers endured at Valley Forge — the hunger, the frostbite, exhaustion, and perseverance. It gave me an entirely new appreciation for the sacrifices made for American independence, and honestly, I was surprised we never learned more about it in school.

I also highly recommend the “Real Series” by Andrew M. Allison and Jay A. Parry, including The Real George Washington, The Real Thomas Jefferson , and The Real Benjamin Franklin. Franklin, my personal favorite, especially comes alive on the page — witty, inventive, endlessly curious, and far more colorful than most of us were taught in school.

I’d also recommend Betsy Ross and the Making of America by Marla R. Miller, which I actually picked up while visiting Philadelphia. It is a wonderful reminder that America was built not only by famous leaders, but by ordinary people too.

“My family knows freedom is not guaranteed. That’s why America’s 250th anniversary feels less like a celebration — and more like gratitude.”

WATCH HISTORY COME ALIVE

For families looking for something meaningful to watch together this summer, the HBO miniseries John Adams is outstanding. I actually still own it on disc, but thankfully you can now stream it on HBO Max.

Adapted from David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, the series follows Adams from the Boston Massacre through the Revolution, diplomacy abroad, the presidency, and his lifelong friendship and rivalry with Thomas Jefferson.

What I love most is that it reminds viewers the Revolution was led by imperfect, exhausted, courageous human beings — not marble statues.

This July also brings the release of Young Washington , focusing on George Washington’s early military experiences during the French and Indian War. The film hits theaters beginning July 3rd, so check local showtimes. It offers a fascinating look at the young leader long before he became America’s first president.

BRING PATRIOTISM HOME

America250 is also the perfect excuse to fully embrace patriotic summer style.

Set the table with blue hydrangeas, vintage flags, striped linens, and backyard candlelight. Pull out Grandma’s pie recipes. Host the barbecue. Fly the flag proudly. Turn on classic Americana music. Wear the red, white, and blue shirt.

Most importantly, gather together.

Because long after the fireworks fade, what children and grandchildren will remember most are the feelings attached to these moments — the laughter, stories, traditions, gratitude, and pride shared around the table.

Two hundred and fifty years later, America’s story is still being written.

And what a blessing it is to celebrate being part of it.

Precision and Peace

In Japan, everything is intentional. That’s a language this Mount Clemens practitioner already spoke.

ARTICLE

BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN LAURENT AND SIERRA PICOTTE

The elderly woman worked in silence. Layer by layer, fold by fold, she dressed Susan Laurent in a kimono , a traditional Japanese robe. The exacting process took nearly twenty minutes, each detail placed with the kind of ritualistic precision that signals the process is meaningful, and honorable.

When it was finished, Susan stood in Kyoto's Gion district during cherry blossom season, surrounded by women and men from a dozen countries, all wearing the same ancient garment… and something came over her.

"I felt so feminine," she says. "Like a respected feminine woman. And it just… it overtook me."

It was not the kind of moment she’d planned for. But then, Susan had stopped planning, in order to live more in the moment.

The Mount Clemens massage therapist and certified forest therapy guide had spent years doing what she calls pattern work: the deliberate practice of changing how she moved through the world. More mindfulness. More presence. Less distraction.

One day, in the middle of that process, a thought arrived without explanation: Japan

Not Europe, where she had always imagined traveling. Japan.

"I've always been drawn to it," she says, "but I never thought I would go east." The pull kept coming anyway. So she listened.

She spent six months preparing. She studied the language, read and watched other travelers' accounts, learned the protocols of the temples and the torii gates. She and her niece Sierra Picotte mapped every hotel, every bullet train, every city.

Then they went and let the country do the rest.

Snow Monkey Park, Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture

Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture

“I’d been doing all of this work, and Japan was the end note. Like it was saying, you did it.”

What Japan gave her, she says, was not transformation. She’s careful about this distinction.

"I wouldn't say the trip advanced my healing. I see it as: I'd been doing all of this work, and Japan was the end note. Like it was saying, you did it."

That moment came in Kyoto. Standing somewhere in the middle of the ancient city, she understood why she’d come. Everything she’d been working toward was simply there. Built into the streets, and the trains, and the way the chef at their restaurant would remove his shoes each time he approached a table to set down food, then return to the kitchen, put them back on, and repeat. And repeat. And repeat. All night long.

Japan's service culture appears absent, she explains: no server checking in, no refills, no ‘is everything okay?’ But that’s because they know everything’s okay.

"Japan perfects things so much," she says, "that once they give you your food, they don't need to come back. Because it's perfect."

Cherry Blossom Festival, Maruyama Park, Gion District, Kyoto Japan

Sakura Tea Afternoon at Haute Couture Café, Tokyo

Seiganto-ji Three Story Pagoda, Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture

The country operates in what she calls ”synchronized chaos.” At Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing, three thousand people move through a single intersection every time the light changes. She crossed it ten times — her hotel was next door — and never touched a single person.

"Everything is precise,” she says with awe. “It’s the most beautiful thing."

On the bullet trains between cities, on the buses, no one speaks. What’s the reason for the silence? Consideration, Susan explains: “If the person next to you can hear you, you’re too loud.”

For someone like Susan, who’s devoted her life to showing people the benefits of slowing down, the effect was immediate.

"When you feel that safe," she says, "your nervous system knows it. You're calmer. You're more conscious of things around you, because you're not on alert."

CONTINUED >

The professional dimensions of the trip ran alongside everything else. Susan sought out training in Japanese bodywork traditions, and what she found in the treatment rooms confirmed what she was absorbing everywhere else. In Japan, she explains, women's healthcare includes things that rarely appear on American treatment menus: post-birth abdominal work, lymphatic support, breast care.

And after treatment, the session doesn’t simply end. The practitioner sits with you.

There’s tea.

"You don't just get your massage done and leave," she says. "They stay with you for a few minutes to make sure everything is okay. It's very intentional."

She recognized this immediately: her forest therapy practice is rooted in shinrin-yoku , the Japanese tradition of forest bathing, so it’s always ended with a tea ceremony. Susan had been doing a version of this for years. Now she was sipping it in the country that originated it.

The tea after the massage is relational. The matcha tea ceremony she took part in, in Osaka, was choreographed ritual, every centuries-old gesture

Nachi Falls, Nachikatsurra, Wakayama Prefecture

Kurama-dera Temple Vortex, Mount Kurama, Kyoto, Japan

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

prescribed: bowl turned, whisk moving in a specific pattern. Susan was struck by the measured pour, the deliberateness of it. She's already decided to bring it into her forest therapy sessions.

She brought other things home too, things less easily named. She stopped eating American food. She went straight to the Asian market when she landed, and that’s where she shops now. She also cooks every meal now, placing intention into what she prepares, the way she watched Japanese chefs place intention into theirs. The family eats with chopsticks: there’s no flatware in the house.

"When you eat with chopsticks," she explains, "you can only eat what you can pick up. You're not shoveling. You're intentional."

There was a moment near the end of the trip that she returns to, standing at the gate of an ancestor shrine. She sensed almost immediately that she and Sierra didn’t belong. Not because they were unwelcome. Because the space wasn’t for them. Resplendent as it was, she realized: this is where people come to mourn.

They left quietly.

Susan had studied enough to know the difference between a tourist site and a living act of worship. She’d

also learned, early in the trip, that what you bring to Japan is what you receive from it. In an elevator, she and Sierra overheard an American tourist complaining, about the broken English, the repetition of arigatou gozaimasu , the inconvenience of being in a country that didn’t operate on his terms.

"I looked at my niece,” she recalls, “and said, 'You want to know what's amazing about that? We're having two totally different experiences.'"

She cried on the flight home. At the window, watching the white-gloved airport ground crew bow and wave as the plane moved across the tarmac, she wasn't certain whether she was grieving the leaving or dreading the return.

"I have never felt so safe in my life," she says simply.

She’s already planning Okinawa.

Now back in Mount Clemens, Susan’s added Japanese head and face massage, as well as Whole Woman Wellness Therapy, a restorative treatment that focuses on pelvic balance, lymphatic flow, breast wellness pathways, fascia release, and nervous system regulation. They’re certifications earned in the country that told her she'd finally arrived.

And the work — like the trip, like the tea, like the human herself — is intentional.

Susan Laurent practices at Natural Healing Therapeutic Massage, at 56 North Walnut Street in Mount Clemens. Reach her at (586) 738-4064 or nh-tm.com

Traditional kaiseki dinner at Ryokan in Nachikatsuura

TAKE YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH EFFORTLESS FLAIR

YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on.

Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:

1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET

A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offer effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.

2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE

A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.

3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL

Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men. Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.

4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE

Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.

5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses with personality is a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.

6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL

A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art— think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.

7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE

Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone— infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.

8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY

A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).

Summer Seafood Gazpacho

ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN

A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!

This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!

Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)

• 8 large tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small sweet onion

• 1 jalapeño pepper

• ½ tsp hot sauce

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• 8 oz lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)

*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.

Directions:

1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.

3. Mince garlic. Set aside.

4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.

5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.

6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.

7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!

Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.

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.

JULY 8TH

Macomb County’s Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Adlai E. Stevenson High School, 39701 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI | 6:00 PM

Visit Sterling Heights on July 8 at 6 p.m. for Macomb County’s live public reading reenactment of the Declaration of Independence at Stevenson High School. Part of the statewide America 250 celebration, 250 residents and staff will form the numbers 2, 5, and 0 on the football field during this memorable patriotic community event.

JULY 9TH - 26TH

Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI

Traveling for the first time together in history, see documents like George Washington's, Alexander Hamilton's and Aaron Burr's Oaths of Allegiance (1778); the Treaty of Paris (1783); Senate Markup of the Bill of Rights (1789); and more. Visit thehenryford.org for museum times. *Museum admission is not required. The exhibition is FREE to the public.

JULY 11TH - 12TH

10%

History Alive 250 - A Celebration of the Semiquincentennial

Chesterfield Historic Village, 47275 Sugarbush Road, Chesterfield, MI | 1:00 PM

Step into America’s history at History Alive 250, where reenactors representing military actions from 1776–2026

MASSAGE SPECIAL

CONTINUED

bring the past to life. Experience immersive battle and skirmish demonstrations, historic encampments, and living history moments showcasing generations of American service, sacrifice, and courage. Visitors will witness an unforgettable tribute to the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration through interactive experiences designed for history lovers and families.

JULY 16TH

Summer Elegance At The Three Wives Garden Party Event

Crocker House Museum & Gardens, 15 Union Street, Mount Clemens, MI | 4:00 PM

Support a signature summer fundraiser benefiting the Crocker House Museum & Gardens. This garden gathering welcomes guests for an immersive afternoon featuring seasonal grazing, signature Three Wives Iced Tea, ambient music, living history with costumed docents, blooming gardens, and beautiful photo moments. Reserve tickets today at crockerhousemuseum. org or (586) 465-2488 and celebrate summer in historic style.

JULY 25TH

Celebrate America’s 250th With Macomb’s Patriotic Cruise Event

Beebe Park, 69310 Beebe Street, Richmond, MI | 9:00 AM

Two exciting ways to join the fun! Option 1: Cruise Gratiot Avenue with fellow patriots. Arrive by 9AM at your preferred entry point (see map at Macomb250. com starting in Eastpointe). Cruise begins at 10AM and travels to Richmond. Option 2: Join the celebration at Beebe Park from 11AM–5PM featuring free food, refreshments, live music, and kids games. Visit Macomb250.com

Explore endless design possibilities through color, texture, lighting, and bold details. At CBBB, we bring your vision to life—whether it’s clean and neutral or bold and dramatic. From calming retreats to standout jewel box bathrooms, every space is thoughtfully designed around you and your lifestyle.