A different kind of Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Every week in this space I bring you fabulous things to do in Detroit. From family-friendly events to delight the kids to hipster rendezvous to the newest exhibits at our fine Detroit cultural institutions, you can always find something in the Weekend Roundup.

Today, for the first time since the summer of 2009, I’m going to break that tradition. Partly because the days on which the holiday falls. And partly because, sometimes, you need to step back and take a simpler approach.

For those reasons, I give you 5 things to do this weekend that you can do anywhere. These are things that you can—and should—do at anytime of the year but they are especially relevant around the holidays.

Weekend Roundup

1. Talk to your old people – Whether it’s your parents, grandparents or Great Aunt Betty, they won’t always be here. Spend time with them now and really get to know them. I’m betting they have amazing stories.

2. Play with your pets – It doesn’t matter how horrible your day is—take 5, 10 or 15 minutes and focus on your furball—you’ll be smiling and will have forgotten your worries before long.

3. Kiss your significant other like it was the first time – We take each other for granted way too often. Remember when you first met and the magic of that first kiss? Capture it again!

4. Take a walk in your neighborhood and really look around – We live in these places but sometimes fail to connect with our surroundings and our neighbors. Did you notice the simple—but beautiful—wreath that is hanging on the door of the house next to yours?

5. Do a good deed – There are so many to pick from here. Don’t let that unruly relative get under your skin, pay it forward, clean up an area or donate to your favorite charity. Better yet, volunteer.

So, that’s what I’m suggesting that you do this weekend. What would you add to the list?

I also like My One Holiday Wish For You from my friend Nikki Little—go read it.

Happy holidays from Detroit Moxie,

Becks

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

I don't have a lot to say today. But...

It's 56 degrees outside on December 15th in Detroit! Word.

Weekend Roundup

1. It's a Wonderful Life - Catch this holiday classic on the big screen complete with an organ performance, classic cartoon Tom & Jerry in "The Night Before Christmas", and Santa! December 16—17.

2. Snow Queen - The kids will love this original production of the fairy tale from the masters of puppetry at PuppetART. December 17th.

3. Epiphany Glass Studios Open House - Observe glass blowing at this Pontiac studio and pick up some original Christmas gifts. Glass pieces available in all price ranges as well as paintings, photos and sculptures. December 17th.

4. Christmas Open House & German Christmas Market - A great opportunity to check out the gorgeous architecture of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church and shop for last minute gifts. December 17th.

5. Santarchy! - What says Christmas more than a pub crawl with a bunch of Santa's? Don your Santa hat and jump on the bus. December 17th.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

It’s just a few weeks before Christmas and we’ve already had our first snowfall here in Detroit. I still haven’t really started my holiday shopping and I’m convinced the Christmas stockings that I bought when we moved here three years ago will never be found. So, the stockings will NOT be hung by the chimney with care.

But… I’m starting to get in the holiday spirit and am longing for my first eggnog of the season.

Weekend Roundup

1. 2nd Annual Detroit Holiday Food Bazaar (Facebook link) - A pop-up marketplace featuring a variety of local food vendors including Detroit Institute of Bagels, Simply Suzanne granola, Corridor Sausage Co. and many more. December 9th.

2. D.I.Ypsi - Indie arts and crafts in the Depot Town district of Ypsilanti. Plus food, craft beer and cocktails. December 10—11.

3. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village - Step back in time to a Christmas of the past complete with costumed villagers, a horse-drawn wagon and Model T rides. December 9—10, 16—23, 26—27.

4. Rock and Rummage: The Holiday Shopping Show - Head to The Painted Lady Lounge in Hamtramck for a unique holiday shopping event featuring vintage goods, records, collectables and more. December 9—10.

5. Ford Free Sundays at the DIA - Get your art on at the Detroit Institute of Arts and be sure to check out the Detroit Revealed photograph exhibit. December 11th.

Bonus: Russell Industrial Center Holiday Open House

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Photo credit.

Detroit Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Detroit Moxie is thrilled to share our 2011 Detroit Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts or Secret Santa presents, we have you covered.

I love all things Detroit and Michigan and like to shop locally whenever possible and this guide reflects that. Yep, I’d be pretty happy to find any of these gifts wrapped under my tree. (Hint, hint.)

Of course, I think your loved ones would look fabulous in a Detroit Moxie t-shirt. I know, shameless plug. It just so happens that all the t-shirts in the shop are on sale, just in time for Christmas. Just $15!

Get out there and happy holiday shopping!

                               

Detroit Typography Tee from Bohomodern ~ Made to order Detroit destination poster from Etsy ~ Square Detroit Map Lamp from City Bird.

                               

Detroit snow globe from the Detroit Historical Society ~ Hidden History of Detroit by The Night Train blogger Amy Elliott Bragg ~ Spirit of Detroit decal from 3 and a Third.

                                 

Show them where you're from with Michigan Mittens ~ Detroit Mitten Board from Pure Detroit ~ Keep your drinks cold with Michigan Ice Cube Trays.

                                

Mini Messenger Seatbelt Bag from Pure Detroit ~ How Do You Do by Mayer Hawthorne ~ Detroit City Bicycle Club T-Shirt.

                               

 Detroit Tigers beanie hat is perfect for the littlest fans ~ Brewed in Detroit, the Atwater Holiday Party pack is perfect for parties ~ Mittens made with smart phones in mind from Mittenberry.

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Today is World AIDS Day. I have lost a family member and friends to AIDS or complications from AIDS. I rode a bicycle from Minneapolis to Chicago—that’s 500 miles in six days—to raise money for AIDS care organizations in Chicago. Yeah, I know, I still need to write about that.

The goal is zero by 2015 and it's possible. That’s zero new infections, zero AIDS related deaths and zero discrimination. We can do this.

Check out World Aids Day Detroit and their 30 Years of AIDS: Getting to Zero event. Donate. Get involved. Get informed. We can do this.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming. It's going to be a fantastic weekend in Detroit. Noel Night is one of my favorite ways to get in the spirit of the season.

Weekend Roundup

1. Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas - Hit the Magic Stick to hear the big voice of Detroit native Jessica Hernandez. Bear Lake and The Juliets round out the evening. December 2nd.

2. The Potters Market - The largest pottery show in the country features over 130 potters and fills a 12,000-square-foot space. December 2—4.

3. Somerset Collection CityLoft - The popular pop-up shopping experience is back for the holidays featuring about 30 stores. December 1—3.

4. Detroit Urban Craft Fair - The 6th annual event takes place at the Masonic Temple this year and is a THE place to snatching up fun, quirky, crafty gifts this holiday season. December 3—4.

5. Noel Night - It's all happening in Midtown on Saturday night! Over 60 venues, including the DIA and the Detroit Historical Museum, open their doors free of charge. Shop at fabulous stores such as 71 Pop, Leopold's Books, City Bird and the brand-spanking-new Nest. Horse-drawn carriage rides and entertainment round out the evening. December 3rd.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!