Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! Hungry Howie’s appreciates Moms and joins LittleGuide Detroit in spotlighting a local Mom each week in the #MomLife series. To take one thing off her plate and give her more time for fun, Hungry Howie’s is giving each week’s featured Mom a free pizza dinner for her and her family to enjoy. Thank you Hungry Howie’s for being the Official Pizza of Moms.

Are you following @Drbarnesholiday on Instagram? Kristen is mom to two kiddos along with the founder of @ClearlyFemale, a new women’s clothing brand. 

Meet Kristen

My name is Kristen Barnes-Holiday, Ph.D. and my children are Rhys and Rhèa. I am a full-time college professor, and I’m also the founder + CEO of a women’s clothing brand, Clearly Female. 

In addition to being a proud girl mom, I’m also a devoted wife and dog mom. In my spare time, you can catch me perusing Pinterest looking for interior design inspiration OR reading AND relaxing on my newly renovated sunporch.

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

  • In-home movie nights
  • Visiting parks throughout the Detroit Metro area
  • Gathering for a meal at the dining room table without technology (and tons of conversation)

 

Favorite Places To Go:

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

Favorite Family Friendly Restaurants:

Best Park/Playground: Lathrup Village Municipal Park (Lathrup Village) 

My children enjoy Lathrup Village Park because it is quaint, beautiful, and typically has very few people SO my children are allowed the opportunity to explore freely (and safely) especially as we are in the middle of a pandemic.

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Eastern Market (Detroit)

We REALLY enjoy the Eastern Market. The atmosphere is amazing (and excited my children). We love looking at + purchasing fresh flowers as well as fruits and veggies.

Your Mom Must-Have: Asking for Help

Finally realizing that I was not a “superwoman” made my life much easier. I now hire as I see fit, which includes but isn’t limited to assistance with childcare, meals, and house cleaning (which gives me the space to have much-needed me-time, a healthy work/life balance, AND be a better mom and wife).

Best Fall Destination or Event: Visiting Apple Orchards

We LOVE visiting apple orchards throughout the tri-county area. Although we’ve been to a fair share, I do believe that Yates Cider Mill is our favorite. We love the beautiful landscape, including all that nature has to offer AND we too enjoy the donuts and frozen cider. (Above all, we were happy to learn that Yates opens in the spring. This was our first year going to the orchard in the spring.)

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Staring My Own Business 

Last November (in the midst of a pandemic) I started a business that I’ve been wanting to start for 10 years. I’m now the Founder + CEO of Clearly Female—a women’s clothing brand where fashion, women’s empowerment, and self-reflection intersect. I am VERY proud of this accomplishment.

Our #MomLife Series is Presented by Hungry Howie’s – the Official Pizza of Moms!