LBN Self – The Vitamin Shoppe
Sara Knick, Store Manager at The Vitamin Shoppe in Auburn Hills, is passionate about helping the community lead healthy lives. Her team of wellness enthusiasts can advise on prenatals, talk through multivitamin options, and suggest the right supplements for your personal goals. The Vitamin Shoppe is ready to support your health journey!
What’s New? – Ptashka Crepes
Jenya Semenkova, manager of Ptashka Crepes, was excited to tell us about trying out for Shark Tank earlier this month. We may see her on the show if Ptashka is chosen. Also, market season is here, and Ptashka will be at Eastern Market every other Saturday and Birmingham Farmers Market every other Sunday, as well as at markets in Traverse City and Petoskey. You will also see Ptashka at the Berkley Pride Block Party on June 21. The business is just a couple years old, and is now in 150 stores in 10 states.
Dan Davis Design
Dan Davis Design is an award-winning full-service residential and commercial design firm in Ferndale that translates clients’ design aspirations into exceptional spaces with personality and intentionality. From conceptualization to furnishing to remodeling, the design team has the expertise and vision to elevate any space you give them. They believe that every client is different so every space should reflect their unique taste. The firm strives for fun, yet transparency, respecting client budgets and time.
LBN Self – Yoga Moves MS
Mindy Eisenberg, founder and director of @Yoga Moves MS, is on a mission to help people feel better through adaptable yoga. She encourages anyone living with a chronic illness to attend their live and virtual signature event, Holistic Health and Wellness Forum for MS, on May 21st. Learn more and register here: https://yogamovesanybody.org/holistic-health-forums/
Leon & Lulu
Leon & Lulu, a destination lifestyle store in Clawson, offers a curated mix of home décor, gifts, apparel, and furniture—all housed in the former Ambassador Roller Rink. While the space has been transformed into a vibrant retail destination, nods to its roller rink past remain, including the original maple floor and playful touches throughout. The store regularly hosts community events and pop-ups, blending fun, function, and a sense of history in a truly unique shopping experience.
What’s New? – Rochester Mills Beer Co – Mother’s Day
Jon Lapolla, director of marketing and sales for Rochester Mills Beer Co., told us about the eatery’s upcoming Mother’s Day brunch, featuring chicken and waffles, salmon, a Maurice salad, a mimosa and bloody Mary bar, and more. Reserve a table for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon or 1 p.m., or come for dinner, which includes the restaurant’s full menu. Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill in downtown Rochester, Rochester Mills not only makes and serves beer (20 taps available), but offers a full bar and many great choices for lunch or dinner.
What’s New? – Perfect Pairing Market
Yolla Awad, owner of Perfect Pairing Market in Farmington Hills, told us about the market’s Mother’s Day offerings. The specialty wine, cheese and food store is offering gift certificates, monthly wine subscriptions and a customizable gift box that can include wine and specialty goods like Cherry Republic jams. One other unique Mother’s Day offering is a bottle of wine of your choice adorned with flowers from a local shop – a great presentation for mom. Stop by Perfect Pairing on 10 Mile Road for wine and goods you can’t find elsewhere, or just to enjoy a glass of wine at the wine bar.
What’s New? – Farmington Farmer’s Market
Peggy Castine, a volunteer and website editor for the Farmington Farmers Market in downtown Farmington, stopped by to give us a preview of this year’s market, opening May 3 at 9 a.m. Opening day will feature the ringing of the market bell by a farmer from Two Tracks Acres, a new organic farm featured this year, plus a color guard, the national anthem and more. We look forward to flower day at the market on May 10, plus favorites like strawberry shortcake day in June and the second annual apple dessert bake-off in September. See the website, www.farmingtonfarmersmarket.com, for a weekly schedule of events and a list of vendors.
GEMU Clawcade & Playground
Wen Chen is the co-founder of GEMU Clawcade and Playground, an exciting new entertainment destination located inside Oakland Mall. Created in collaboration with her mother, Grace Chen, GEMU blends interactive playground elements with arcade claw games to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for families in Metro Detroit. With a mission to spark joy and bring families together, Wen and Grace have crafted a fun, colorful, and welcoming space.
What’s New? – Birmingham Farmer’s Market
The Birmingham Farmers Market is kicking off May 4 at 9 a.m. and will run Sundays through October 26. Jaimi Brook, the market manager, stopped by to give us a preview of what’s to come, including the strawberry jam-boree, super farmer day, corn festival and harvest festival. Located at 660 N. Old Woodward, the market features 50 vendors weekly and offers artisan goods in addition to fruits, vegetables and plants.
What’s New? – The Student Connection Summer Learning
What is summer learning loss, and should parents really be concerned about it? Brigid Godvin, Director of The Student Connection in Bloomfield Hills, shares some fun summer learning tips and tools to help parents prepare kids for the fall. Be sure to check out the free resources on https://thestudentconnect.com/!
What’s New? – Cannelle by Matt Knio
Matt Knio, owner of Cannelle in downtown Farmington, Birmingham and other locations, stopped by to tell us about the artisan bakery’s tradition of making chocolate Easter eggs with candy inside. You can get eggs with hazelnut and caramel, pistachio and more. Matt also mentioned Mother’s Day cakes with customized designs, which are available to order before Mother’s Day on May 11. Otherwise, stop in for Cannelle’s famous croissants and other pastries.
What’s New? – Never Forgotten Bakery
Michelle Neal, owner of Never Forgotten Bakery in Farmington, always has something new to share with us. This time around, she’s showcasing her Nancy Janes chocolate mint cookies, plus two other sweet treats involving bread and sprinkles. For the upcoming Easter holiday, Never Forgotten has decorate-your-own Easter cupcakes. For Mother’s Day, the bakery is offering decorate-your-own cakes, whereby customers can draw their designs and have them printed on rice paper to put on a cake. Michelle also gave us something to look forward to, as Never Forgotten’s new veggie bread is coming soon and will be available as a savory good.
Birmingham Balloons
After learning that Party City was closing, Shawn Marcis saw an opportunity. Instead of asking the question, “Where are we going to go to get balloons?”, she started her own business with Birmingham Balloons. As a busy mom of three, she understands how challenging it can be for parents to balance work, family, and creating memorable moments for their children. That’s why she built Birmingham Balloons with flexibility in mind—offering custom balloon bouquets and helium delivery services that make celebrations effortless. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or corporate event, Shawn’s goal is to help parents and party hosts bring their vision to life while making the process as stress-free as possible.
Rositas Cocina
Patrick Henderson, co-owner of Rosita’s Cocina, with locations in Royal Oak and Shelby Township, plus a cafe and market in Utica, told us about this Colombian restaurant, founded by his wife. The eatery serves all gluten-free meals, including 20 different empanadas and popular dishes like the grilled octopus and red snapper. The bandeja paisa is a traditional Colombian platter that’s also popular.
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