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! We’re asking local Metro Detroit families to share their favorites, to help you find yours.

 

Are you following @brooklynlamb on Instagram? Brooklyn is a local artist, the owner of Brooklyn Lamb Art, and most importantly mom to two little ones. She specializes in large scale animals, personalized murals, and offers fun Virtual Paint Workshops for people wanting to learn how to paint! And since we LOVE supporting local mom/female-owned businesses, be sure to check out Brooklyn’s custom paintings or sign up for one of her upcoming painting classes.  

 

Meet Brooklyn

I’m Brooklyn, mama of two girls: Cosi, 7, and Indie, 5. I am a full-time artist who works from home to spend as much time with my kiddos as possible. I have been painting portraits for about 20 years, but really found my calling once my oldest daughter was born. She gave me that oomph in my passion and direction in my journey.

 

I have been painting large scale animals for the past 5 years and have recently gotten into murals. I really wanted my girls to know how important it is to have a passion and to act on it! I have had my studio doors open to them so that they can feel, see, dream up their own love of creativity. I paint all over my walls because when someone walks in through the front doors, I want them to feel like they’re in another part of the world. To fully experience their senses, and perhaps kindle their own love for creating. I love to give, and by creating paintings or murals for other people, I am giving the best of myself. And it feels so good.

 

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

  • Family Movie Night, every Friday. Pizza, a non-cartoon movie, and ice cream.
  • Tennis
  • Picking Strawberries at Blake’s and making jam afterward

 

Favorite Places To Go:

 

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

 

Favorite Recipes:

  • Beignets! (It’s my secret recipe I finally made perfect during quarantine)
  • Ropa Vieja 
  • Tacos, any kind

 

 

Best Park/Playground: Bauervic Woods Park (Southfield) 

It is a multi-age group playground that is nestled into the heart of a deep forest. The woods have a fairy tale presence that includes some pretty rad teepee structures made out of tree branches. It is also located right next to Southfield Public Library where they have a sleeping baby dragon and a treehouse to sit in.

 

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Opening Day @ Spencer Beach (Rochester) 

It’s like a mini Stoney Creek, with a beach on a huge lake that you can paddleboard on. It includes tons of trails that are easy to run/bike on, and tennis courts surrounded by woods.

 

Your Mom Must-Have: Essential Oils

Since my oldest was a baby, she had chronic ear infections, upset tummy, rashes, and didn’t sleep much. The oils worked so fast, smelled so good, and I have them in every room of the house for a hundred different remedies. My go-to is Doterra.

 

Best Winter Destination or Event: HOME

Usually, we are traveling somewhere warm in the winter, so we haven’t nailed down a favorite winter tradition. So we are usually in the hot tub watching snowflakes fall down on our hair and melt instantly. And really, just the everyday occurrence of seeing my kids play in the snow with our puppy makes me happy.

 

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Being a Role Model to my Girls

Being able to work from home and feel like a good mom while I was barely getting any sleep the first 5 years of mamahood. I had to fight for it (mentally, emotionally) within myself. But now, my girls have their own made-up businesses that they created in order to help people in need. So that definitely makes me proud.

#MomLife is the best life, if you’ve got more love to give, learn about becoming a foster parent at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website, Raise Hope & Foster Dreams.

 

 

 

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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.