Kid's Stuff at Green Street Fair

I'm always on the lookout for family-friendly fun in Metro Detroit (especially if it's free), so I have to give a shout out to the 2nd annual Green Street Fair in Downtown Plymouth this weekend, May 1-3.

Never mind that one of the organizers, Mandi Buckland, was my Maid of Honor. I would recommend the Green Street Fair even if Mandi and I never sang along to Yaz records in her family camper, or lived together in the Bird's Nest on Fairbrook Ave. Or danced until 4 a.m. during Mardi Gras on St. Maarten.

Anyway, we're moms now and there's plenty for kids to do at Green Street Fair.

Fort Box, in Kellogg Park, encourages tykes to play in a city of recycled cardboard boxes, like this one Mandi made (pictured), as well as make their own fort box.

Kids will also love Carousel Acres Petting Farm and the Green Magician, as well as all the healthy snacks!

Meanwhile, moms can shop the fab green vendors, and learn from lectures in the Green Speakers Series, like "Green Crafting for the Whole Family," presented by Lish Dorset of Handmade Detroit.

So much to do! Just don't schedule anything at the Green Street Fair from 2-4 p.m. Saturday ... that's when you'll be seeing the Mydols at MamapaZOOza!

MamapaZOOza 2009

MamapaZOOza is HERE

Join mom rockers The Mydols, CelloBella, and Girls Night Out at the Detroit Zoo for an afternoon celebrating MOMs who love to have fun--lovehandles, soccer games, screaming kids and all!

You won't want to miss this pre-Mother's Day party in the Zoo's picnic area.

REDBOOK magazine will be there with TONS of giveaways for moms. The Mom Squad from Momslikeme.com will be there to pamper mamas with red carpet treatment. And look for ChefMama and The Bliss Network too!

MOMz Rock at the ZOO!

Night at Northville Downs

Last night Jeff and I double dated at the Northville Downs with Northville Record Photographer John Heider and his date, Dorie. The racetrack is ending its live harness racing season just as Kentucky Derby fever gets under way.

I love living by the track, and I've always been fascinated by the horse racing culture. On Friday night we got a behind-the-scenes tour from Publicity Manager Michael Carlo.

Mike took us to the stables, where horses, vets, state regulatory officials, crew and riders were in the midst of race night.

"We have 93 horses and 12 races tonight. It's controlled chaos," Carlo said.

We met the sparkled and fringed rodeo gal who wrangles runaway horses. We also met drivers, including Art Mc Illmurray, who recently celebrated his 3,000th win.

John and Dorie got to ride in the starting gate truck. Meanwhile, Jeff and I broke even on our bets thanks to Champagne Slammer and JL's Last Dance. We picked them simply because we liked their names (Jeff's initials are JL), and Carlo said there's no shame in that.

"There are a thousand ways to place a bet and a thousand ways to pick a horse," he said.

Northville Downs will simulcast the Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 2. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the first race posts at 10:30 a.m.

Denim Day event for HAVEN

Fashion Group International is hosting a fabulous Denim Day event to benefit HAVEN tonight at 6 p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Karen Buscemi, editor of StyleLine Magazine, is giving a trend talk, and there's a DVD of Fall/Winter 2009/10 runways from Paris, Milan and New York.
I hope Karen talks about spring and summer fashion, because I just can't bear to think any longer about tweed coats and boots with the fur.
It's time for those flip flops and sarongs! Come on spring!

Soccer Mom 101

As of this morning, I've joined the ranks of soccer mom. My 3-year-old son had his first 'game' today at Millennium Park in Northville. I think I'm more into it than he is!

V. loved the stretching and exercises, but when it came time to play 3 on 3, he refused. Instead of chasing that silly ball he attempted to explain to Coach Hein, while the game was in full play, that he had a better idea.

His method was to stand on a fixed spot mid-field and use 'the force' to move the ball, simply by waving his hand. He even went so far as to teach the hand move to his teammate, so they could use the force together.

He has already earned the nickname Storm Trooper.

Meanwhile, I was getting schooled in the ways of the soccer moms. I quickly felt part of the team. Go Liverpool!

We need shin guards, our own ball, camp chairs, or at least a blanket that folds up and has a cool handle. Anyway, I'm excited to see my teammates again, whether Verick likes soccer or not!

For him, the day ended on a good note, with Rice Krispie treats and juice boxes.

As one mom told me, "It's all about the snacks!"

I can't wait until it's our turn to bring them!

New Song: 6 Questions

6 Questions (who, what, where, when, why and how)
Von B. / Miller

You're having a party and you want me there
but you gotta tell me who what why and where
I need to know the time, place and date
So I can hurry up now and not be late

Chorus:
Who what where when why and how
You've got to tell me please tell me now
Who what where when why and how
You've got to tell me please please tell me now

You're writing a story and it's gotta be good
Cause it's going in the paper in your neighborhood
You tell the chief please just the facts
There are six little questions you need to ask

Chorus

There's somebody special you want to greet
but you don't know what to say when you finally meet
Just talk to them and you can't go wrong
Remember six questions by singing this song

Chorus

Happy Easter!