#MOMLIFE WITH LINDSAY OF THE BARRE CODE

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 @lindsayirrer on Instagram? Lindsay is the co-owner of The Barre Code Metro Detroit, a female owned, female run fitness studio with locations throughout Metro Detroit. She’s also a fellow #boymom to two little guys.

Meet Lindsay

Hi! I’m Lindsay Irrer. I’m the co-owner (alongside my best friend, Janelle!) of The Barre Code women’s fitness studios in Birmingham, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak and Northville. We offer cardio, strength training, and restorative stretch group classes that are intentionally designed to help women find appreciation and love for their bodies within every stage of their fitness journey. As moms ourselves, we take great responsibility in caring for women during their prenatal/postpartum years. It is an honor to be a source of positivity and self-care for them during those turbulent and busy times.

I married my 8th grade boyfriend, Alex, who is also an entrepreneur. (Two of us under one roof certainly makes life interesting!) We have two little men that bring so much love and fun to our world. Tatum is four and we joke that while he looks just like his dad, his personality is a miniature version of his mama – we are truly two peas in a pod. Luca just turned one, and was born during the peak of pandemic uncertainty time in April 2020, which included an unexpected NICU stay following his delivery. Luca means “bringer of light” and his jolly little soul has been a gigantic source of positivity during this trying year – we are forever grateful to have him healthy and home, and have a newfound respect for the incredible staff at Beaumont Hospital who took such good care of us during those challenging days.

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

Stroller walks
Boating
Spending time in Northern Michigan

Favorite Places To Go:

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

Favorite Family-friendly Restaurants:

Best Park/Playground: Royal Oak Neighborhood Parks!

I have lived in Royal Oak for the last decade, and in that time each of my homes has never been more than a block or two from a park! I love that about our city, because they serve as a wonderful community hub to bring the neighborhood together. Our current favorite is Bicycle Hill – it is great for sledding!

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Christmastime in Downtown Detroit

Downtown Detroit is simply magical at Christmastime. Holiday shows at the Fox Theatre, ice skating at Campus Martius, grabbing a cozy meal and playing board games at the Cadillac Lodge – it is a must-do for us every year.

Your Mom Must-Have: A Village

Parenting is wonderful but exhausting, and having a support system of fellow parent friends to relate to, family to lean on, and childcare that we trust, is everything. My husband and I aren’t from this area originally, so this was something we really had to make a priority to develop. We couldn’t do it without the many wonderful individuals in our support system that love our children (and us!) as we navigate this journey together.

Best Spring Destination or Event: Easter celebration at our local church

We belong to Kensington Church, and their Easter celebrations every year are filled with so much hope and joy.

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Creating a sense of community for myself + others

Growing up as a dancer, the studio was my second home and dancing was my source of self-care and practice for inner and outer wellness. After graduating from college, I moved to the Metro Detroit area and honestly, felt a little lost and disconnected. It was through a generous amount of work and self discovery that I identified that the connection from belonging to something, and the energy of group movement, were what I was missing in my life. I’m extremely grateful that our studios have welcomed this needed element back into my world, and am humbled and proud that we can serve others in our community by providing that for them as well.

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

Photo by Anthony Lanzilote

About Ashley Hubbbard-Porter

Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.