The Power of Small

Today author Linda Kaplan Thayer reminded me of the value of the little things in life. In her book, "The Power of Small," she argues that paying attention to details brings big rewards to companies and individuals. Thinking big is so 2008, she said.

"Think big, big picture, don't sweat the small stuff," she said. "Look where that's left us, big bankruptcies, big trouble. If just one woman had read the fine print we wouldn't be in this mess."
Take big problems and chop them into small pieces. Give yourself the opportunity for little rewards. Collect small change.

Stop and chat with your Barista.

"We look for the big moments. We rarely enjoy the small moments," she said.


"It's like throwing out seeds every time you do one kind gesture, one small deed, you don't know how it's going to flower."
Good advice.

30-Day Yoga Challenge: Day 1

It is time.
I am putting it into the universe that I am going to do yoga for 30 days straight, beginning today.
Part of the reason I am doing this is to bring down the price per class of my new $130 unlimited month-long membership at Yoga Center for Healthy Living in Brighton.
The other reason is that it's simply time.
It's time to shed the baby weight. It's time for me time. It's time to prove to myself that I can commit to something, see it through, and hopefully change myself in the process.
It's also time to return to yoga, the practice that has sustained me for the past 20 years. I have been a fickle yogini, but I'm back.
So, my husband and I worked out a loose schedule and I started the challenge this morning.
I have to admit I was anxious. I woke up at 5 a.m. and used the time before 8 a.m. Vinyasa to bathe and do a mini-pedi to get my toes up to yoga standards.
When I arrived at the studio, owner Lee Ann Louis-Prescott greeted me at the door. I hadn't meant to share my intentions, but she was so nice I heard myself blurting out my 30-day challenge. Lee Ann gave me a fist bump and a hug and proceeded to pay special attention to me in class - even introducing me at one point. I never expected such a warm welcome. It's an encouraging sign that the stars are aligned.
Lee Ann is all about classic yoga - fire breath, Sanskrit and all. Her class had lots of vinyasas, balancing poses and advanced options.
At 90 minutes, the Saturday morning Vinyasa is the longest class at the studio. If I got to Savasana there, I can get through anything.
But tomorrow I'm doing Hatha.
I am going to be sore!

Getting Saks-y

I went to a great fashion show the other day at Saks Fifth Avenue, sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham. The show featured the latest fun trends, as worn by all the metro Detroit beauties that consistently model for Saks.

Basically if you want to be stylin' this spring, opt for feminine touches, safari-inspired looks, and cute sporty coats, like this Sinclair red bow trench, worn by Stefani of Bloomfield Hills.

Tribute to Doug Fieger

Doug Fieger performs at The Whitney in Detroit, 2005

Me with The Knack

This weekend brought sad news in the Detroit rock world with the passing of Doug Fieger, best known as lead singer of The Knack.

I was in elementary school when "My Sharona" came out and I thought it was the coolest song ever.

I was lucky enough to see The Knack perform that song and other hits during a private concert at The Whitney during Fieger Law's Christmas party in 2005. Doug was famed attorney Geoffrey Fieger's younger brother (pictured above).

The Knack rocked.

Here are some photos from the show, shot by Steve Kaufman, as well as Doug's yearbook photo from Country Day in Bloomfield Hills circa 1966.

I am proud that Doug was from The D, and that I got the chance to meet him.

Jenna Kator Handbags

The Mydols recently played a few songs at Next Stage Woman, a networking event in Grand Blanc. Judy Davids, our guitarist, was a featured speaker, along with handbag designer Jenna Kator.

I've been wanting to meet Jenna ever since I first heard about her handbags, which are all named after Michigan cities. It turns out her story is very inspiring.

Jenna, of Troy, said she was laid off from her job in advertising in December, 2008, right before Christmas.

The 32-year-old couldn't find work, and went through a dark period until her husband encouraged her to follow her dream.

"I had to reinvent myself," she said. "It was my opportunity to start my own destiny."

Kator had always loved fashion, and with the help of an international team decided to take a gamble and launch her handbag line. Her first collection was delivered in October, 2009, and her Spring 2010 line is expected soon. Kator's goals are to continue selling handbags through home parties, expand into retail stores, and have her products placed in a locally-filmed movie.

Her bags offer clean lines and sophisticated colors, and she calls them 'statement pieces.'

"They say when you have a great bag and a good pair of shoes, you'll have a nice day," she said.

Troy Signature Handbag in winter white, $79.

Housewife Picks

Wear It!
Not Your Daughter's Jeans

Don't Wear It!
Muffin top

Face It!
Rimmell Lipstick in "Temptation" (channel your inner Gwen!)

Smell It!
Aquolina Pink Sugar perfume

Mane It!
Cut and color by Irene at Flip Salon in Ferndale

Eat It!
FlatOut bread

Drink It!
Hot chocolate with butterscotch shnapps

See It!
Where the Wild Things Are

TiVo It!
Yo Gabba Gabba with Jack Black

Read It!
Diary of a Mad Housewife

Hear It!
Family Hootenanny compilation CD
(not just because the Mydols are on it!)

Click It!
Mydols.com

Use It!
Baking soda to clean your tubs and sinks

Experience It!
Preschool roller skating at Riverside Arena 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays (you can take strollers on the rink!)

Try It!
The new children's play area at Laurel Park Place in Livonia

Do It!
Avedon Fashion Photographs at the DIA through Jan. 17

Ciao CelloBella!

The Mydols practiced with CelloBella yesterday in preparation for the upcoming Garden Family Hootenanny on Sunday, July 12 at The Whitney. I have always loved the cello, dating back to the filmstrips we used to watch in music class at Beverly Elementary School, so it will be exciting to share the stage with cellist Alison Donohue (pictured above). Since the cello has a bass voice, I'll have to find a way to set my bass guitar apart within the sound.

At the Hootenanny, the Mydols will join CelloBella on "I'm a Believer," "You are My Sunshine" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Plus, we'll each do our own sets. It should be a great time.

Ultimate Family Garden Party

Try Trunkettes for Bathing Beauty

If you've had a baby, but not a Kate Plus 8-style tummy tuck, you might not be eager to don a Geftaki suit (as seen on desperate housewife Teri Hatcher in my last blog).

Trunkettes, swimsuits with mens-style bottoms yet feminine flair, are a great alternative.

The Mydols met the creators of Trunkettes when we appeared on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch last year. CEO Hilary Genga was inspired to invent Trunkettes after attending a pool party in her native L.A. While all the dads and kids splashed in the water, the moms stayed on the sidelines, ashamed to be seen in their swimsuits.

Not fair!

Trunkettes let women play like the boys - surf, swim, beach volleyball - without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction.

Hilary was so sweet she sent us all samples of Trunkettes, and I love them!

Haute Mama - Geftaki Swimwear

My friend Trisha Geftos, a designer based in Riverview, Mich., is enjoying great success with her sexy Geftaki Swimwear line.

Hot mama Teri Hatcher is the latest celeb seen in Geftaki. Paris Hilton made a splash last fall when she taped one of her fake presidential campaign videos wearing a cut-out leopard print Geftaki number while lounging poolside. Kim Kardashian is also a fan.

Here, Teri looks stunning in a two-tone bikini with python trim from Geftaki's 2009 Signature Collection.

For Teri's suit, visit http://www.geftaki.com/. For her bod, keep dreaming!

Mydols at Tempermill

Last night the Mydols recorded at Tempermill Studios in Ferndale. Founded by David Feeny, the studio is famous for its sound engineers, who have worked with everyone from The White Stripes and Eminem to The Go, Dirtbombs, and April Mydol's husband's band, Blanche.

They even have a Grammy for Loretta Lynn's "Van Lear Rose."

We recorded "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" for speakaboos.com. We also recorded a song I wrote called "6 Questions." Hopefully it will be the first of many studio dates so we can get a CD together soon.

CCS Student Exhibition Re-Cap

Last night we attended the College for Creative Studies Annual Student Exhibition Gala. After years of staying home to hold down the fort, watching the kids while Jeff attended classes at night to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts, I finally got a taste of CCS life and met his classmates, instructors and friends.

Everyone was celebrating graduation and buzzing with excitement for the future. After the exhibit, we stopped for drinks at the Bronx Bar, the traditional CCS post-graduation hangout.
The student exhibit is up through May 29, and it's known as a great place to pick up the work of up-and-coming artists while it's still somewhat affordable. I saw so many pieces I loved, and we didn't even make it through a quarter of the show before the event came to an end.

The best news is one of Jeff's paintings sold (above)!

Jeff Graduates from CCS!

Jeffrey Logan Von Buskirk,
College for Creative Studies Class of 2009 Commencement

Thursday, May 14
Detroit Opera House

Sporting the crazy cool medallion - "Graduate with Honors" - with proud pops.

Kisses for mom.


Behind every great man is a patient woman.

Entertainment Arts Department Grads

One of Jeff's classmates proves that which does not kill you only serves to make you stronger.

It took 3 1/2 years. My husband finally walked across the stage and collected his diploma last night.

He was among 24 Entertainment Arts graduates in the College of Creative Studies Class of 2009. They are an elite and talented group, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the degree takes everyone.

Tonight we'll be attending the Annual CCS Student Exhibition. Jeff is exhibiting paintings, drawings, digital art and the iPhone Apps he and Peter created through their company, Tenfold Games.

We got a sneak peek of the exhibits last night, and I can't wait to see more of the students' work ... And of course toast a glass of wine to Jeff's spectacular achievement. We are all so proud!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Monkees Mobile

Yesterday was my birthday, and also my husband's. Being born on the same day played a big part in us getting together. It was fate, afterall. But now that we've been married for some time, having our birthday on the same day isn't so great. We both want to be pampered, and neither wants to do the pampering. We both want to sleep in. Get presents. Have our cake and not have to make it too.
So our birthday ended up being somewhat of a stalemate this year.
My big highlight was leaving the house for a while to film a video with the Mydols in the authentic Monkees Mobile. The car, created in Los Angeles for the original Monkees show, is now owned by a Livonia man. He took us for a spin while the cameras were rolling. What fun!
Then, he gave each of us a small toy replica of the car to take home, so V. was the one who ended up getting a present on our birthday.
Although we did end up making a cake together, and eating it too!

Lunch with Fashion Designer Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan with Detroit area models in his Fall 2009 gowns.

Model Lauren Poole-Romeo with Naeem Khan

Internationally-known fashion designer Naeem Khan, who has dressed the likes of Carrie Underwood, Eva Longoria and Beyonce, visited metro Detroit this week to support the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Michigan Chapter.
Hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue, Somerset Collection, Khan attended a benefactor party at the home of Harriett and Sheldon Fuller last night. Today, he showed his Fall 2009 collection at a luncheon and fashion show at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills.
I had the pleasure of being seated right next to Naeem, and he was a delight.
Khan's go-glam-or-go-home attitude was reflected in his sumptuous gowns and cocktail dresses characterized by metallic textures, chunky rhinestone collars and rich fabric created by laser printing a floral design on lace using the latest technology.
"I don't hold back. You come to me for a full dose of glamour," he said. "Don't dilly dally here or there. You want attention, you're going to get attention with my clothes."
The Indian born designer, now based in New York City, is celebrating 30 years of marriage to his wife, Ranjana, who has her pick of Khan's designs.
“I created this collection in reaction to the doom and gloom that the world was falling apart. It’s scary, scary times,” Khan said. “You either went all the way up or you really sized down.”
Yvette Bing, wife of newly-elected Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, (shown here with her Saks personal shopper Samia Jallad) is a big fan of Khan's work. His fashion show was her first outing as first lady. Bing has several of the designer's pieces, including a black shift adorned with a snaking design of white pearls and beadwork.
"I wanted to wear it today but I thought it would be too formal," she said.
After snapping a few photos with the models backstage, including my good friend Lauren Poole-Romeo (picture above), Khan raced off for the airport, jetting back to NYC to accept a "Dare to Dream" award from the Diabetes Research Institute this evening.

Call Ken Dewey, director of the 5th Avenue Club at Saks, (248) 643-9000, to pre-order any of Khan's pieces.

Newspapers are Good for Something

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.