#MOMLIFE with Rachel

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 @rachel_wifelife on Instagram? Rachel is a local mom of soon-to-be three littles and the blogger behind Rachel Wife Life, where she shares fun learning activities for kids and some of our favorite parenting tips about incorporating gentle parenting into your everyday life. Rachel is sure to be one of your favorite new additions to your digital #MomSquad!

Meet Rachel

Hi! I’m Rachel. I love being a metro Detroit mom! I was a high-risk ultrasound sonographer for 7 years and recently became a full-time mom. I’m happily married with 2 little boys, Gabriel (3) and Joseph (1), and another little boy on the way! I began blogging when I noticed that people were intrigued by my unique parenting methods and constantly wanted to pick my brain. We practice the Montessori method in our home and model “respectful/attachment parenting.” I’m also very holistic with the foods/products I buy. I decided to place all of my knowledge on one platform (@rachel_wifelife) where I can share tips and tricks on babies, toddlers, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and just day-to-day mom hacks.

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

Picnics in the park
Family walks
Feeding ducks in the pond

Favorite Places To Go:

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

Favorite Recipes:

Best Park/Playground: Rochester Municipal Park (Rochester)

My family and I live in Rochester Hills and it’s home to some of the most wonderful parks. A favorite of ours is the Rochester Municipal Park, which features multiple play structures, scenic paths, ponds filled with friendly ducks, bridges, and a very short walk to the local Dairy Queen, which makes for such fun summer memories with the family!

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Light the Village (Rochester Hills)

Our favorite annual event to attend is the Rochester Village “Light the Night” event. There is a stage where Christmas performances take place, tents with several vendors, a train ride for the kids, an appearance from Santa and other characters, a firework show, and then a countdown to when all of the buildings, covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights, turn on for the very first time. It’s absolutely magical!

Your Mom Must Have: Miss Fong Diaper Backpack

A mommy must-have of mine is my backpack diaper bag. It’s convenient to throw it on my back when my hands are full! I purchased mine off Amazon at a very reasonable price and the quality is impeccable. It’s a camel-colored leather backpack/tote with insulated pockets, a wipes pocket, and several outer pockets as well. It also contains stroller straps, which definitely come in handy! The brand is Miss Fong.

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Teaching My Kids Real-Life Skills

A huge accomplishment of mine has been watching my young kids flourish in the kitchen. Our Montessori lifestyle includes a lot of practical life skill practice. I’ve watched my boys go from mess to master when they’re cooking with me. It’s amazing to see just how much children are capable of when we give them the opportunity!

Photo credit: @rachel_wifelife

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.