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 @lesliejcpa on Instagram? Local mom Leslie is a certified public accountant and the owner and founder of Leslie M. Jones, CPA PLLC. 

Meet Leslie

Hi! I am Leslie M. Jones, wife to Anwaar who has had a long professional career with the Department of Defense, and mother to Abigail (or Abby) who is 3 years old. I am a Certified Public Accountant, and Owner/Founder of Leslie M. Jones, CPA PLLC, which is a tax and accounting firm serving individuals and small businesses. I started my accounting firm 3.5 years ago right after Abigail was born. My firm is committed and passionate about the success of our clients, offering a personalized experience based upon client needs. I take pride in educating clients and assisting with meeting business and financial goals. Additionally, I am an adjunct professor at Oakland Community College and I help manage a family-owned Automotive business, Second Avenue Automotive. 

With everything I have going on with work, being a wife and mother, my plate is full! However, spending time with family is most important to me. Abigail is literally a blessing in the flesh for our family, as I had difficulties conceiving and carrying a prior pregnancy to full-term. My perception of life is to live to the absolute fullest and doing what we love the most which is to enjoy life and be happy! All while trying to inspire others to just live in the moment and don’t let the worries of tomorrow or the past ruin the “today.” We are always on a new “adventure” (Abby’s words) riding bikes, taking long walks, watching movies, dining out, shopping, traveling, dancing, playing hide & seek, snow & seek, and snowball fights.

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

  • Playing Twister (Abby’s favorite)
  • We love dining out
  • Walking the trails in our neighborhood

 

Favorite Places To Go:

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

Favorite Family Friendly Restaurants:

Best Park/Playground: Heritage Park (Farmington)

​The trails are nice to walk, the splash pad, the nature center, and the playground. Abigail even did a nature camp there this past fall, which she loved!

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Hayrides!

Any cider mill where there are hayrides in the fall. We’ve been going on hayrides since Abby was a baby. The entire cider mill experience has been a family favorite for the past few years. It’s relaxing, the scenery, the crisp fall weather, warm apple cider, donuts, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

Your Mom Must-Have: A “Village” of Support

My go-to mom must-have would be to obtain “a village” – other mom friends and family support. There is no manual to being a mother, and sometimes it is not an easy task. Having the support and conversations with other mom friends, especially with children of the same age, is so refreshing. My other must-have is moms should take some time to themselves. I believe it’s so important! In order to be the best mother ​to my daughter, I have to be the best to myself so she can get the best version of me.

Best Winter Destination or Event: Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)

We love the Detroit Zoo Wild Light Show!

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Positive Growth

A lot of times I am not sure how I manage to accomplish everything that I do successfully while remaining humble and peaceful at the same time. I am proud of myself for constant positive growth. 

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