Home + Design

The Stylish Life

Stylist Aarika Lauryn shares her local picks for a life well lived Article by Aarika Lauryn Puffer Reds Puffer Reds is a gem. It’s a staple in streetwear and footwear in the Ypsilanti area, and it's been family owned and operated since 1979. It's such a great place to go to find everything from your basic streetwear staples to the latest sneakers and sought after streetwear brands.   The Get Up Vintage  I absolutely adore this store and all the unique vintage finds. In a world filled...

Life + Culture

The Culture We Wear

Bestselling author Dr. Marcus Collins explains why style is far more than fashion — it's a reflection of culture, identity and belonging Article by Maria Karpiel Don't you love it when a conversation makes you stop and think, "Huh... I wonder why that is?" Not because someone is preaching or lecturing, but because they've made you curious enough to pause and reflect. To see something you've encountered, or a choice you've made without even realizing it, in an entirely different way.   That's...

Home + Design

Intentional Style, Enduring Design

At Architectural Resource, sustainability is a natural extension of good design Article by Lindsey Dodge | Photography by Stacy Anderson and Jim Haefner Photography For founder Michael Klement and his team at Ann Arbor's Architectural Resource, nature and design aren't constraints — they're collaborators.   For 35 years, that philosophy has informed every project the firm undertakes, from stage one to completion, from modern homes to thoughtful renovations in Ann Arbor's historic...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Spotlight

Actress Nicole Forester on family, fashion, and choosing Ann Arbor Article by Maria Karpiel | Photography by Kelly Ridenour Hollywood has a way of creating larger-than-life personalities. Nicole Forester isn't one of them.   An Emmy Award-nominated actress, Forester has built an impressive career in television and film, appearing in beloved shows including Guiding Light, Chicago Fire, Monk, Two and a Half Men , and the acclaimed political drama Boss , while sharing the screen with some of...

Life + Culture

Style, Strength, and Second Chances

Dress for Success Michigan goes beyond clothing to provide women the essential tools to realize their full potential Article by Emily Klimas She walked through the doors with nothing left to hold but her children’s hands and the heavy, quiet silence of starting over. Having fled a domestic violence situation, she arrived in Michigan without a familiar face, a home, or a blueprint for what came next. But as she stepped across the threshold of Dress for Success Michigan, she didn't walk into a...

Arts + Culture

The Case for More Awe

Driven by its belief that gathering for live performance matters, UMS makes the arts accessible for kids Article by Lindsey Dodge Before the first note is played, before a dancer crosses the stage, before the lights shift or a story begins, something else can happen.   A child walks into Rackham Auditorium and looks up.   The ceiling is hand-painted and ornate. The seats are lush velvet. The room itself feels different from the rooms of ordinary life. And for some students arriving for a...

Life + Culture

Healing Through Connection

Ele’s Place has created a sanctuary to ensure no child in Michigan grieves alone Article by Emily Klimas | Photography by Jeremy McGrew Photography Walk through the doors of Ele’s Place in Ann Arbor, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the walls lined with small hearts. Each represents a sacred memory, lovingly decorated by a child honoring a loss.   In the pre-K room, you can sense the echoes of children — tiny hands on short tables, a silhouette in the quiet corner, the chaos of games. ...

Life + Culture

Meet Me at the Park

Six Washtenaw County parks where kids, pets, and families can explore, play, and make memories Article by Maria Karpiel From splash pads and storybook trails to historic mills, playgrounds, and off-leash adventures, Washtenaw County is filled with outdoor gems for families and their dogs. We asked Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Director Meghan Bonfiglio to share the destinations she recommends most for kids, pets, and unforgettable days outdoors.   Nelson Meade County...

Life + Culture

Bringing NASA to Storytime

Former NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Kathryn Clark is helping children discover the wonder of science Article by Maria Karpiel | Photography by Abbie Buhr Dr. Kathryn Clark has served as NASA's chief scientist for Human Space Flight, delivered lectures from the North Pole, addressed the United Nations in Vienna, landed an F-18 on an aircraft carrier, and taught aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan. Now, she’s helping children learn about science through her Skyler's Space Adventures...

Health + Wellness

Coming Full Circle

After a career as a Navy dental officer, Dr. Heidi Novak of Burns Park Orthodontics is focused on serving her hometown community Article by Lindsey Dodge | Photography by Stacy Anderson Some careers take people around the world. Others bring them home.   Dr. Heidi Novak's did both.   An Ann Arbor native, Novak grew up on the city’s west side, attending Abbot, Forsythe, Pioneer High School, and the University of Michigan dental school before joining the military. Though returning home was...