Meet Lauren
Kids: Ava (3) and Louie (1)
Hometown: Birmingham
I’m a mom, wife, business owner (an independent consultant for Rodan + Fields) and always on the go with the kids. I’ve lived in Birmingham for 11 years and love it. Shops, restaurants and activities are a 10 minute walk and there are plenty of parks for the kids. They have a lot of energy so we spend our days at parks, farmer’s markets, and on rainy days places like Bounce U, Detroit Kid City and the Outdoor Adventure Center.
WHISTLE STOP DINER // BIRMINGHAM
We’re early birds and come here for coffee and breakfast. We sit in the backroom, the kids play with the trains and we get to enjoy hot coffee! Breakfast is delicious (anything and everything) and it doesn’t break the bank.
DETROIT ZOO // ROYAL OAK
We are huge fans of the zoo! We pack up for the morning and spend our time riding the train, visiting animals and in the summer the kids love the splash pad in front of the penguin exhibit. In the fall we go to the Holiday Lights. We’ve taken my daughter every year and she loves it. We invite the grandparents and stroll the zoo with ooo’s and ahh’s from the kids. We typically go when it first opens in mid November because Michigan weather can never be trusted and I’m not one for super cold weather.
HERITAGE PARK SPLASH PAD // FARMINGTON HILLS
This splash pad is truly amazing. It can get crowded but it’s a true splash pad – and it’s huge!
BLAKE’S ORCHARD // ARMADA
This is our new favorite cider mill because it has a little something for everyone. Farm animals, a ton of play structures, apple picking, delicious cider and donuts and for mom and dad… a winery! A bit of a hike but worth the trip.
BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY // BIRMINGHAM
When we want something free – which let’s be honest is most of the time – we love our local library. They have a great play area for all ages and classes with story time and music.
“First, find your mom tribe. Lean on them and love them hard. Having that support as a mom makes it easier and a lot more fun. Second, the days are long but the years are short. Just remember to be present when you can and it’s ok to have a glass of wine at 3pm on a Tuesday. Parenting is hard.”
