Life + Culture

Family Time is the Best Investment

These simple, yet intentional ideas can make the best memories Article by Amy Salvagno Eat dinner together as a family.  This meaningful time around the table is where connections happen. Let everyone share good moments from the day or something they struggled with. Create a jar of conversation starters, exchange giggles and cook up something delicious. Create family traditions Build weekly or monthly traditions – movie nights with popcorn, board game marathons, a gratitude jar, evening...

March 2024

Food + Beverage

Carrot Cake Bars

Gather your family together to bake these cheesecake-swirled dessert bars, perfect for spring Article and Photography by Amy Salvagno Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup light brown sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon  1/4 teaspoon baking powder  1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup shredded carrots Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8×8 baking pan with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper and lightly...

March 2024

Home + Design

Jumpstart Your Garden

How to start flowers and vegetable seeds indoors Article by Amy Salvagno As the sweet fragrance of Spring draws near, our gardens beckon to be brought back to life. Whether it’s flowers or vegetables, you can get a jump on the planting season by sprouting seeds indoors. Then you’ll be ready to sow as soon as the weather warms up. Katie Baker is Vice President of the Macomb County Master Gardener Association Board. She and her fellow master gardeners share what you need to know to successfully...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Vantage Point Financial

Helping Your Achieve the Retirement of Your Dreams Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie “When considering financial planning,” says Ron Braun, President of the Michigan office of Vantage Point Financial, “make sure you seek out a fiduciary as they are required to put the client’s interests first.” Another important consideration is to find an advisor who specializes in retirement planning, as retirement has specific risks and strategies that differ from when you were...

February 2024

Home + Design

Inside Accurate Cabinetry

A Conversation with Owner Wendy Anns Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Can you tell us a bit about Accurate Cabinetry and the inspiration behind its inception?   Accurate Cabinetry was born out of my passion for creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces. I noticed a gap in the market for kitchen and bath designs that seamlessly blend precision and style. I founded Accurate Cabinetry with the mission to provide homeowners with high-quality, customized...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Kickstand Brewing Company

World Class Beer, Uniquely Our Own Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Kickstand Brewing Company began with a small used brewing system. “At first it was a fun way to supply not only ourselves, but our friends and family as we hosted parties,” says Scott Emerick of Kickstand Brewing Company. “But soon it became much more than that. The idea that this could be bigger and better, than it could reach more than just our inner circle, that idea lit the fire and motivated us to...

February 2024

Local Services

Skull Island Camp

Set Sail for Summer Fun Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Skull Island Camp In 2003, Kathryn Chipman’s children were unsatisfied with day camp. “My kids hated the place I had enrolled them in. At the time, we owned a small parcel of land on Gale Island on Pontiac Lake. I suggested to my children that if they would play quietly so I could finish my work, we would bring a few of their friends out to the island tomorrow and make our own day camp.” The name, chosen by Kathryn’s son, was...

February 2024

Home + Design

Baker Blinds & Vestalia Home

Quality Design Services and Custom Home Furnishings Article by Shelley Raymond | Photography by Baker Blinds & Vestalia Home Baker Blinds & Vestalia Home began 40 years ago as one of the first true design showrooms in southeast Michigan. Not quite a furniture store and not quite the kind of design studio available only to the elite at the time, Baker Blinds bridged the gap between the two—making quality design services and custom home furnishings available to all.   Today, a wide range of...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Spring Quiche

A Light and Tasty Meal for March Article by Lauren Lane and Amy Niezur | Photography by Janie Jones Get ready for spring with the fresh flavors of your favorite vegetables and sweep away the chill of winter.  Ingredients 1 pie crust 2 cups vegetables, such as asparagus and spinach 7 large eggs, beaten 1 1/4 cups light cream 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (such as thyme or parsley) 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3/4 cup gruyere or...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

West End Kitchen and Bar

It's Always a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Celebrating almost one year in business at 4135 Orchard Lake Road, West End Kitchen and Bar continues to blend upscale dining with local neighborhood comfort. West End Kitchen and Bar is the kind of place you can come for Happy Hour or a special anniversary, according to Brent Hermiz of West End, and soon it will be the place to go for brunch as well.   Pairing sleek, vibrant décor with an...

January 2024