Home + Design

Legacy By Design

Thoughtful interior design, lasting relationships and a legacy that continues to shape beautiful homes. Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa For nearly three decades, Michael Rowley watched his wife do what seemed impossible. Darla Rowley could walk into an empty space, study it for a few moments and envision a room that didn't exist yet. She didn't need sketches. She didn't need computer renderings. She could simply picture it – the furniture, the colors, the flow of the...

Life + Culture

Color, Culture & Timeless Style

Discover how one Troy family is bringing India's vibrant fashion traditions to everyone Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa Step inside Sanskriti Fashion in Troy, and it's almost impossible to know where to look first. Brilliant jewel tones. Intricate embroidery. Flowing fabrics. Every rack feels like a celebration, inviting shoppers to discover clothing that's as joyful as it is beautiful. For owners Narendrakumar Patel and Madhurika Patel, the boutique is much more than...

Beauty

Dressed for Life

The art of personal styling begins with confidence, self-discovery and dressing for the life you live today. Article by Margaret Meyer Haight | Photography by Liliya Tsytser Photography Most women have experienced it. Standing in front of a closet full of clothes with that discouraging feeling that there’s nothing to wear. Not for lack of choices, but because somewhere along the way, life changed and the woman in the mirror changed with it. Maybe it was motherhood, a changing body or an empty...

Style + Beauty

Fall With Impact: Ladies Style Edit

Beyond beautiful interiors, discover the fall favorites of these stylish women Article by Margaret Meyer Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa I think we can all agree that Michigan summers are pretty spectacular. Sunshine, dinners on the patio, weekends at the lake.  But to be honest, somewhere around the end of August, I’m looking forward to fall. The colors always remind me that fashion is art. I'm loving unexpected pairings like army green with dusty pink and espresso with smoke blue...

Local Services

Happy Dog, Happy Home

The Dog Wizard shares the magic behind a well-trained dog Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa Bringing home a new dog comes with dreams of long walks, family adventures and a loyal companion waiting at the door. Shredded pillows, stolen steaks and nonstop barking? Not so much. That's where The Dog Wizard Dog & Obedience Training comes in. "We don't just train dogs," says owner Tim Siedlaczek. "We transform relationships." After more than three decades in the pet...

Education

Dreams Take Flight Over Oakland County

Hidden in plain sight: Victors Aviation's flight school inspires the next generation of aviators. Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa "Lilliana, turn left heading 270." The young pilot gently banks the airplane, lines up with the runway and begins a remarkably smooth descent. Her eyes dart between the windshield and the instrument panel as she makes small corrections, listening carefully to every detail from her flight instructor. Moments later, the wheels touch down. ...

Food + Beverage

Making Pizza And Memories

Flour Power: You can be the pizza chef at Oven 360 Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Simran Bajwa By the time the flour settled, there were smiles everywhere. Three local kids – Asher, Cayde and Ava – transformed balls of fresh dough into handcrafted pizzas. There was laughter, some friendly competition, plenty of flour in unexpected places – and the pride that comes from creating something with your own hands. That's exactly what owner Mike Spineti envisioned when he introduced...

Life + Culture

Famous Faces. Second Chances.

With the help of a host of celebrities, Christine O'Brien's photographs shine a spotlight on rescue pets waiting for a home. Article by R. Todd Haight | Photography by Christine O'Brien / Ruff Life Photography Every shelter has them. The dog that quietly watches families walk past. The cat that has waited so long, volunteers wonder if anyone will ever choose her. Christine O'Brien has met hundreds. And every time she raises her camera, she hopes to change the ending. As the pet...

Sports + Recreation

Ready, Set, Let's Play

Looking for summer family fun? These Troy attractions offer unforgettable adventures, birthday parties and excitement for kids of every age Article and Photography by Cindy Stewart Summer is a season of freedom for kids. But for parents, it can quickly become a season of hearing, "I'm bored!" Before everyone retreats to another afternoon of electronics, check out these Troy boredom busters that promise hours of active, memorable fun. Escape Entertainment Center: Bowling and more for kids of...

Travel

Postcards from Cindy

Welcome to Wilmington, North Carolina, Where Southern Charm Meets the Allure of the Coast Article and Photography by Cindy Stewart Sometimes the best vacation spots are a short journey from home. Wilmington, North Carolina is less than a two-hour flight from here, an historic coastal city on the Cape Fear River. Enjoy its riverwalk lined with more than 200 cafes, shops and bars, plus coastal charm and year-round appeal. This is a very walkable city. Do you love history? Tour beautiful...