Lauren Akers

My 2022 in three words- change, change, and change. Change in the most literal sense, we moved, completely renovated our new house, and I changed careers by going all in on my own business. Change in how I want to spend my time. Almost two years ago, I stopped posting on Instagram right after I started my own business because I didn’t have time for both. Then we started renovations on our house, and I really didn’t have time. The first year I didn’t miss the pressure of posting. But during this last year, a change has happened, and I miss the creative aspect and having a digital photo book. This year I want to start posting again, but this time for me. And lastly, change in me, how I want to feel, how I want to spend my days, and who I want to be. This year I want to stop worrying and start living for the small moments each day. #my2022 #newyearsgoals #detroitmi #newyearsintentions #changeyourthoughts #mindsetchange #whatif

I need to brag about Camden for a minute. Not only is she an all-around outstanding teen. But this weekend, Camden had over 8 inches of her hair cut off so she could donate it to @wigs.for.kids!!! And to top it all off, we all love her new haircut! Swipe to see how long her hair was before 💇‍♀️

What time do you usually go to sleep?💤 Typically I’m not heading to bed till around 10:30ish. But for the second night in a row, I’m in bed before 8:30 and hoping to be sleeping by 9. What are your tips for falling asleep fast? I know that being on my phone posting isn’t helping the situation 😉.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day 🍀☘️🍀 No green beer this year, just a Chai Tea Latte. I remember the days when St. Patrick’s Day meant figuring out which Irish bar me and my friends were going to. Now I’m making sure the leprechaun comes and creating green-themed snacks. Did you venture out safely today, or was it just another Wednesday?

One of the many things I have missed during this last year is checking out new (and new to me) restaurants. But since the sun was shining on Sunday, we decided to check out @thecongregationdetroit. Their outside sitting area was charming, the drinks were delicious, and the food was great (they even had gluten-free bread)! We will definitely be back! Do you like to check out new restaurants, or do you like going to your usual spots?

Despite it being my second time having a birthday during COVID, Steve and the kids made it a great one! From dinner in an igloo, homemade birthday cards (my favorite), decorations, desserts, and the most thoughtful gifts. Leighton gave me a book of cleaning coupons (speaking my love language), Camden remembered I wanted to a loopy case and Jared got me flowers in addition to a gift!! I’m not sure how I got so lucky!!

Cheers to my birthday weekend! Last year during my birthday weekend, Michigan shut down. So here’s to hoping it goes a little bit better🤞. What are your plans this weekend?

How was your Thursday? Mine was pretty great!! Today I received the best early birthday present, I am now fully vaccinated! I couldn’t help but smile the whole time, and I even got a little choked up. It’s going to be a great day when everyone can receive the vaccine, and we can safely return to normal!

This weekend we celebrated Steve’s birthday! 🎉🎈🎂 The kids even made him dinner from scratch. Jared made a Caesar salad, Camden made chicken paprikash, and Leighton made tapioca pudding. How have you been celebrating birthdays during this past year?

Beautiful girls, you can do hard things. Beautiful [smart, hardworking, determined, witty, creative, talented, capable, strong, fabulous] girls, you can do hard things. 💕 ⬆️That’s how that quote should read! Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women in my life. But especially to these two, I am so lucky to watch you grow into amazing young women. I can’t wait to see where life takes you two because I know it’s going to be fantastic, just like you are!

I’m now the kind of person whose St. Patrick’s Day plans include trying to figure out what treats I can add to fruit kabobs, to make them St. Patty’s Dayish.🍀 Today on the blog, I’m sharing not one, but two different St. Patrick’s Day fruit kabobs. What is your favorite St. Patrick’s Day treat or tradition?☘️

We are ready to go the beach in bathing suits, not winter jackets, gloves, and hats! But Lake Michigan sure is pretty even when the pier is covered in ice 🥶. Is the weather getting nice by you yet?? Michigan can’t make up its mind, Sunday was 60, and today was in the 30s.

Smiling because not only is it a new week, but it’s a new month. After a crappy week last week, I was excited for a fresh start. The sun was out today and yesterday it was almost 60 degrees, that’s enough to be excited for right there! What are you excited for in March??

After the first snow, do you actually enjoy playing outside with your kids? If there is any snow on the ground, Leighton repeatedly asks if I want to go outside and play. Usually, I say I will go out for a few minutes and watch her play, or I tell her to take the dog outside. Because I have 100 other things to do... vacuum, dishes, laundry, and the list goes on. But when I actually put on all my snow gear and go outside to play with her, Leighton is so happy. And I quickly remember that they are little for only so long, pretty soon she won’t want to play with me and that there will always be a house to clean. So here is your reminder to put away your to-do list and play while they still want to play with you!

Tell me something good that happened this weekend? After a very “Monday” Monday and the gloomy weather, I want to hear all the good things to brighten the day.