All too often we take for granted the great activities available in our own backyard. If you are from the 313, 586, 810, 248 or 734 and haven't done MOST of these--get to it!
Detroit Institute of Arts
http://www.dia.org/
The weekend programming has something for everyone including Saturday Drop in workshops and Target Family Sundays. Stop at the info desk and get a list of daily activities and don't forget to hit the gift shop (one of my favorite places to buy gifts). The DIA is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Detroit Zoo
http://www.detroitzoo.org/
This world class zoo is open year round. If you visit in the wintertime, there are plenty of indoor exhibits including the Arctic Ring of Life, Amphibiville and the Penguinarium. No matter when you go, be sure to stop into the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery to check out the art exhibit, the movie on the history of the zoo and the famous butterfly house.
Detroit Science Center
http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/
As a kid, I remember awesome field trips to the Science Center. It's a fun place where young and old folks can explore while learning a thing or two. There's an IMAX theater, planetarium and a ton of hands on exhibits.
The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
http://www.hfmgv.org/
A crazy collection of artifacts and exhibits that you won't believe unless you see them yourself. The Kennedy Presidential Limo, the Lincoln Chair, Rosa Parks' bus, George Washington camp bed, and myriad planes, trains and automobiles. Plan to spend at least 4 hours in the Museum. The Village is like traveling back to a simpler time when everyone made their own candles, dishes and clothing. Visit Edison’s think shop, working farms, candle making facility and many more fun exhibits. Greenfield Village is not open in the wintertime.
Detroit Riverboat Cruise
http://www.diamondjack.com/
Captain Jack offers a wonderful, narrated tour of the Detroit River shoving off from the riverfront near the Ren Cen. Sites include Belle Isle, the Manoogian Mansion and the Hiram Walker Distillery. Open June-September.
Heidelberg Project
http://www.heidelberg.org/
Ever wonder what those graffiti dots are that you see painted on blight around town? Local artist, Tyree Guyton, mixes social commentary and politics in his crazy art installation that has taken over an otherwise desolate neighborhood. Visit the Heidelberg Project and it will start to make some sense. Tack on a trip into the city for a meal and you’ve got a day planned.
Greektown
http://www.visitgreektown.com/
Food. Casino. Bars. As far as I’m concerned, no more info required. However, if you want more details visit the link above.
Lions, Tiger and Wings, Oh MY!
http://www.detroitlions.com/
http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/
http://redwings.nhl.com/
Detroit is a great sports town. Even if you don't take in a game, head downtown for some pre- or post-game festivities.
Please share with me your favorite things to do in and around Detroit. I always love a good recommendation. And stay tuned for suggestions as to do in the area for a day trip or long weekend. Also coming-fun shopping destinations!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Back to work mission: Operation Wardrobe
-9 degrees
2 hour time limit
18 month old in a stroller
2 month old strapped to my front
outlet mall looming
My mission: Find some clothes that fit, look good and don't break the bank
Panicked yet? I was! I am returning to work on January 11th from maternity leave and refuse to spend a ton of money on clothes that I don't intend to be wearing for very long. I'm typically a size 6 but after the birth of our daughter I got used to being a size 8. However, this size 12 is entirely new to me and not something I'm handling gracefully. Last week, I was feeling brave (or insane) and pulled out THE jeans...You know the ones that make your butt look great, nothing hangs over the edge of the waistband, and give you mile long gams? I struggled to get those suckers over my thighs.
Where I work, clothing is something of a requirement, so I set out with babies and best friend in tow in search of something appropriate to wear to the office. The only sensible place I could think to shop was the outlet mall, so we headed to the nearest one with a mission: find clothes that don't suck. Megan was having a party at her house later that day and was given a strict return time by her husband. No problem....We just need a few pieces. Two hours is PLENTY of time...
Our first stop: Coach factory store. Purses and shoes are perfect buys when I'm avoiding clothes shopping. They always fit, no matter how much muffin I have on top. Oversized, super sassy, leather satchel-check! Leather writing portfolio for all those important meetings-check! Belt for the hubby so I don't take too much grief for buying leather goods instead of clothes-check! Feeling good about my finds, we proceeded down the long, outdoor mall. There are so many store fronts to pop into "just for a second" to see what we could find for the kids. I don't know about you, but the other avoidance purchase that's oh-so-fun is clothing for the babies. It's cute, it's cheap and it always fits! Carters, Gymboree, Polo, Osh Kosh, Stride Rite, Baby Gap, Old Navy...we hit them all.
As the astute reader I'm sure you are, you've probably noticed by now that I have not hit one reasonable store for accomplishing my original mission. The clock tells us that we should be leaving the mall in 20 minutes...and given all the bags and babies we were lugging, it would take at least that long to get loaded into the car. However, we were on a mission. Banana Republic outlet was having a sale...most things were 40% off the already low outlet prices. Just my size! We hurried in (after a quick stop to feed and change the crew) and snapped up everything that fit the rules a la Stacey and Clinton: thick waistband, wide legged pants; tops that fit the smallest part and flow away from the trouble spots; colors that flatter. I felt like I was on Super Market Sweep, but instead of finding the most expensive groceries, I had to find the least expensive wardrobe. There was no time to try anything on, and it was on a wing and a prayer that we made it through the store. Lincoln was screaming, Eleanor was hungry, Megan was worried and I was stressed. I managed to spend less than $300 and made it out of the store with 4 pair of pants, 5 shirts, 1 cami, and 1 pair of pajama pants (something that will certainly fit) all in sizes that should fit my new physique .
We made it home an hour after our promised return time (sorry Kyle!). The kids napped on the way and we were exhilarated by all that we had accomplished during our outing. The fashion show that evening was a success. The pants all have waistbands, the shirts are work appropriate (and baby drool free), and I feel good wearing everything. THE jeans will have to wait a few more months, but I'm determined to fit them again. Until then, I will embrace my new shape and size. After all, I have the best consolation prize-my beautiful baby boy!
2 hour time limit
18 month old in a stroller
2 month old strapped to my front
outlet mall looming
My mission: Find some clothes that fit, look good and don't break the bank
Panicked yet? I was! I am returning to work on January 11th from maternity leave and refuse to spend a ton of money on clothes that I don't intend to be wearing for very long. I'm typically a size 6 but after the birth of our daughter I got used to being a size 8. However, this size 12 is entirely new to me and not something I'm handling gracefully. Last week, I was feeling brave (or insane) and pulled out THE jeans...You know the ones that make your butt look great, nothing hangs over the edge of the waistband, and give you mile long gams? I struggled to get those suckers over my thighs.
Where I work, clothing is something of a requirement, so I set out with babies and best friend in tow in search of something appropriate to wear to the office. The only sensible place I could think to shop was the outlet mall, so we headed to the nearest one with a mission: find clothes that don't suck. Megan was having a party at her house later that day and was given a strict return time by her husband. No problem....We just need a few pieces. Two hours is PLENTY of time...
Our first stop: Coach factory store. Purses and shoes are perfect buys when I'm avoiding clothes shopping. They always fit, no matter how much muffin I have on top. Oversized, super sassy, leather satchel-check! Leather writing portfolio for all those important meetings-check! Belt for the hubby so I don't take too much grief for buying leather goods instead of clothes-check! Feeling good about my finds, we proceeded down the long, outdoor mall. There are so many store fronts to pop into "just for a second" to see what we could find for the kids. I don't know about you, but the other avoidance purchase that's oh-so-fun is clothing for the babies. It's cute, it's cheap and it always fits! Carters, Gymboree, Polo, Osh Kosh, Stride Rite, Baby Gap, Old Navy...we hit them all.
As the astute reader I'm sure you are, you've probably noticed by now that I have not hit one reasonable store for accomplishing my original mission. The clock tells us that we should be leaving the mall in 20 minutes...and given all the bags and babies we were lugging, it would take at least that long to get loaded into the car. However, we were on a mission. Banana Republic outlet was having a sale...most things were 40% off the already low outlet prices. Just my size! We hurried in (after a quick stop to feed and change the crew) and snapped up everything that fit the rules a la Stacey and Clinton: thick waistband, wide legged pants; tops that fit the smallest part and flow away from the trouble spots; colors that flatter. I felt like I was on Super Market Sweep, but instead of finding the most expensive groceries, I had to find the least expensive wardrobe. There was no time to try anything on, and it was on a wing and a prayer that we made it through the store. Lincoln was screaming, Eleanor was hungry, Megan was worried and I was stressed. I managed to spend less than $300 and made it out of the store with 4 pair of pants, 5 shirts, 1 cami, and 1 pair of pajama pants (something that will certainly fit) all in sizes that should fit my new physique .
We made it home an hour after our promised return time (sorry Kyle!). The kids napped on the way and we were exhilarated by all that we had accomplished during our outing. The fashion show that evening was a success. The pants all have waistbands, the shirts are work appropriate (and baby drool free), and I feel good wearing everything. THE jeans will have to wait a few more months, but I'm determined to fit them again. Until then, I will embrace my new shape and size. After all, I have the best consolation prize-my beautiful baby boy!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Managing memories
'Tis the end of the season and tonight the Christmas tree is coming down. Chris and I will enjoy steaming cups of salted caramel hot chocolate as we carefully wrap and store the ornaments. Every year, I get excited to find the little handmade holiday wreath with Chris' kindergarten picture in the middle. Growing up, my parents weren't the best record keepers. This didn't really affect me until recently. We have two babies and I often find myself wondering things like what was the first word I spoke, what were my parents doing when I was little, are any of these Christmas ornaments from when I was a baby...
Fortunate for some kids (not mine!), scrap booking has become quite popular. While I am not interested in this methodical documentation of our lives, I would like to leave a legacy for my kids to share with their children and grand children. Here are a few simple things we do to keep track of what's going on and, hopefully, create that legacy:
Bins
Each kid has their own 13 qt box for every year of existence (Eleanor 0-1, 1-2, etc.). I throw all kinds of stuff in the box including newspaper articles, pictures, cards received...anything I think they might find interesting in 20 years.
Notes
I don't have a ritual for doing this and, admittedly, I've not been as good about writing notes to Lincoln, baby #2. Whenever the mood strikes me, I jot a little note and toss it into the bin. Typically, it's about what they're doing lately or a ritual we enjoy together. Occasionally, the notes are about what I'm up to as a parent and things I worry about for their futures. While this might seem trivial, I know I would have loved this keepsake.
Ornament box
We have divided ornament boxes (purchased after the holidays to get the best deal, of course) for each kid. I like to hit the after Christmas sales and purchase an ornament or two for the kids. Eventually, they'll have a full box and a head start on decorating their first tree.
Pictures
I use an online photo printing and sharing site (shutterfly.com) to store, share, organize and print pictures. I keep the pictures in files according to month and year. When I'm feeling especially motivated, I turn those pictures into photo books or other keepsake gifts. My dad loved the personalized Father's Day card he received from Eleanor!
Do you have any quick and easy tips to share to keep it all together? Please, nothing that requires a glue stick, sassy scissors or photo corners!
Fortunate for some kids (not mine!), scrap booking has become quite popular. While I am not interested in this methodical documentation of our lives, I would like to leave a legacy for my kids to share with their children and grand children. Here are a few simple things we do to keep track of what's going on and, hopefully, create that legacy:
Bins
Each kid has their own 13 qt box for every year of existence (Eleanor 0-1, 1-2, etc.). I throw all kinds of stuff in the box including newspaper articles, pictures, cards received...anything I think they might find interesting in 20 years.
Notes
I don't have a ritual for doing this and, admittedly, I've not been as good about writing notes to Lincoln, baby #2. Whenever the mood strikes me, I jot a little note and toss it into the bin. Typically, it's about what they're doing lately or a ritual we enjoy together. Occasionally, the notes are about what I'm up to as a parent and things I worry about for their futures. While this might seem trivial, I know I would have loved this keepsake.
Ornament box
We have divided ornament boxes (purchased after the holidays to get the best deal, of course) for each kid. I like to hit the after Christmas sales and purchase an ornament or two for the kids. Eventually, they'll have a full box and a head start on decorating their first tree.
Pictures
I use an online photo printing and sharing site (shutterfly.com) to store, share, organize and print pictures. I keep the pictures in files according to month and year. When I'm feeling especially motivated, I turn those pictures into photo books or other keepsake gifts. My dad loved the personalized Father's Day card he received from Eleanor!
Do you have any quick and easy tips to share to keep it all together? Please, nothing that requires a glue stick, sassy scissors or photo corners!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Fortunate Dread
I am torn between feeling fortunate and feeling totally depressed.
I am fortunate to have a great job at a wonderful institution and am just wrapping up the most amazing 3 months of maternity leave one could ask for. The thought of leaving my beautiful babies for 8 hours a day has me completely depressed and distressed. Not to mention the drama associated with my work wardrobe....while this is an entirely different topic, it's one that will be getting some attention in the next few days. After all, I don't intend to be this size or shape for much longer, but I do have to acquire some clothing that is appropriate for work and the auto show floor. I digress.
My pregnancy was long and uncomfortable (why wouldn't it be with a 10+ pounder growing inside me?!) and my doctor suggested I take off early. My last day of work was in late September, nearly a month before my son was born. In retrospect, it was such a treat to have the extra few weeks to spend with Eleanor before she became a big sister. We enjoyed several trips to the zoo, long walks in the neighborhood, visits with grandpa and lunches with daddy. It was an incredible three weeks. Once Lincoln arrived, it only got better. He is beautiful and healthy and happy and his sister is in L-O-V-E!
I am returning to work on January 11. My colleagues are incredibly supportive and are like a second family to me. While I'm looking forward to being back on campus surrounded by those wonderfully creative minds, I have a minor panic attack every time I think about making the drive down I-75. I can just imagine Eleanor's face at the screen door as I pull down the driveway...I've seen it before, taut with sadness and tear streaked. I know it will only last a few minutes for her but that impression will plague me through the day. The mantra that carried me the first time I took the plunge from home to work was "I'm doing this for you, little one. I'm setting a good example. I'm providing resources for our family." I'll try those again.
Over the next 10 days I will be taking extra care to focus on what really matters.
I am fortunate to have a great job at a wonderful institution and am just wrapping up the most amazing 3 months of maternity leave one could ask for. The thought of leaving my beautiful babies for 8 hours a day has me completely depressed and distressed. Not to mention the drama associated with my work wardrobe....while this is an entirely different topic, it's one that will be getting some attention in the next few days. After all, I don't intend to be this size or shape for much longer, but I do have to acquire some clothing that is appropriate for work and the auto show floor. I digress.
My pregnancy was long and uncomfortable (why wouldn't it be with a 10+ pounder growing inside me?!) and my doctor suggested I take off early. My last day of work was in late September, nearly a month before my son was born. In retrospect, it was such a treat to have the extra few weeks to spend with Eleanor before she became a big sister. We enjoyed several trips to the zoo, long walks in the neighborhood, visits with grandpa and lunches with daddy. It was an incredible three weeks. Once Lincoln arrived, it only got better. He is beautiful and healthy and happy and his sister is in L-O-V-E!
I am returning to work on January 11. My colleagues are incredibly supportive and are like a second family to me. While I'm looking forward to being back on campus surrounded by those wonderfully creative minds, I have a minor panic attack every time I think about making the drive down I-75. I can just imagine Eleanor's face at the screen door as I pull down the driveway...I've seen it before, taut with sadness and tear streaked. I know it will only last a few minutes for her but that impression will plague me through the day. The mantra that carried me the first time I took the plunge from home to work was "I'm doing this for you, little one. I'm setting a good example. I'm providing resources for our family." I'll try those again.
Over the next 10 days I will be taking extra care to focus on what really matters.
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