Local Services

A Hallmark Holiday

The Magic of Christmas Article by Margaret Carroll Christmas is deeply woven into the fabric of family life. It is a rich tapestry of celebration, spending time with those we love, and honoring the memory of those forever in our hearts. It is a time on every level of homecoming. For everyone who wants to open their doors and share their hospitality, there is a place that offers one-stop shopping to help deck the halls: Kristi’s Hallmark on Greater Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores. “We are here...

Life + Culture

The True Meaning of Christmas

Celebrating in our Catholic Schools Article by Sue Baldani Catholic schools strive to integrate high-quality education in a faith-based atmosphere, and this combination is most prevalent during the Christmas season. While most students are excited about the presents that will be waiting under the tree, the schools helps them focus on the true meaning of the season. Here, we meet three local Catholic school principals who tell us how they and their staff work to deliver this message.   Tina...

Life + Culture

Shopping from your Heart

Preserving our Community Article by Margaret Carroll | Photography by Kim Rensburg Bedford Falls is a fictional place that only exists in "It's a Wonderful Life," but Grosse Pointe comes close, especially in November and December when Kercheval Avenue is fully decked out for the holidays. Main Street Grosse Pointe, the association dedicated to maintaining the historical integrity of our downtown district, makes the annual transformation possible. The group is responsible for beloved...

Event Planning + Services

Charitable Snoopy

Mike's on the Water Creates a Unique Way to Give Article by Susan Baldani | Photography by Tim Edwards Mike LeFevre's fascination with Snoopy started in 1965 at the age of 4 when his sister was born. "My dad was coming home from the hospital with his new born daughter in one arm and a plush Snoopy in the other. I grabbed the Snoopy and the rest was history." After that, he was given Snoopy-themed items for Christmas and his birthdays. "It just kept growing from there. It's one of the...

Health + Wellness

Screen TIme

We've Been Asking the Wrong Question's Article by Tara Roberts Forty years ago, screen time wasn’t hard to define. Most families had one television with three channels, and if you were lucky enough to own an Atari, you couldn’t play it when the news was on. In a world of mobile devices, immersive digital spaces, and interactive social media, Michigan Medicine’s  Jenny Radesky, M.D. , says it’s time to move the conversation beyond screen time. “The nature of technology has changed. Now, you...

Style + Beauty

The Pearl

Grateful for our Local Couture Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Daniel Ribar When philanthropist and Carhartt heiress Gretchen Carhartt Valade passed away at her Grosse Pointe Farms home in 2022 at 97, she left behind an amazing legacy. She also left behind Capricious, a retail fashion staple in the community since 2014. Today, the boutique has been rebranded and renovated to the delight of Grosse Pointe shoppers.    This change has been led by Molly Valade, Gretchen's...

Food + Beverage

Seasonal Wine Trends

Top Picks Article and Photography by Here are some seasonal wine trends for the end of 2024: The no and low-alcohol (NOLO) Wine consumption in the low-alcohol category grew by 8% in 2023, primarily in the US, and is expected to continue to grow in 2024.  Orange wine This white wine is made by leaving grape skins and seeds in contact with the juice for a longer period during fermentation, resulting in a color that can range from pale amber to orange.  Sustainable...

Food + Beverage

Bewitched Chili

Food for your Goblins Article by Allrecipes Homemade chili that can be decorated for that spooky evening.  Ingredients 1 pound ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes 1 ½ cups water, or as needed (Optional) 1 pinch chili powder, or more to taste 1 pinch garlic powder salt and pepper to taste Directions Place ground beef and onion in a large...

Food + Beverage

A Family Affair

Getting to Know The Cavallo's Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Kim Rensburg Growing up, Jimmy and Anthony Cavallo learned the pastry business from their grandfather who owned and operated 10 bakeries in their native Montreal, Canada. Later, Jimmy continued his training in pastry school, while Anthony continued to train alongside his grandfather to hone his skills. When the brothers moved to the United States, they brought their pastry chef education and experience with them. In 2007...

Food + Beverage

A Halloween Cocktail

Candy Red Apple Martini Article by Allrecipes Ingredients ½ fluid ounce butterscotch schnapps 2 fluid ounces vodka 2 fluid ounces sour apple schnapps (such as DeKuyper® Sour Apple Pucker) 2 fluid ounces cranberry juice Directions Pour the butterscotch schnapps, vodka, apple schnapps, and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker over ice. Cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Strain into a chilled martini glass to serve. Make it a...