Meredith Colburn | Associate Broker/Team Leader, Nanci J. Rands | Associate Broker, Jessica Weisman | Realtor® Adriane Dundon | Realtor®, Caroline Johnson | Realtor®, Lauren Colburn | Marketing Director/Realtor® Brooke Goodstein | Director of Operations/Realtor®
Highline Trading, founded by Calvin Kashat and Brandon Murad, is a trusted destination for buying, selling, and trading luxury timepieces and designer handbags. We specialize in authentic watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Cartier, and more — along with sought-after handbags from Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Goyard.
Whether you are purchasing your first timepiece or trading within your collection, we offer competitive pricing, full transparency, and expert guidance every step of the way.
Explore our collection of certified luxury watches and handbags—authentic, curated, and always in pristine condition.
Investment. By definition, it’s the act of dedicating time, energy or resources toward something with the hope of a worthwhile return. But in practice, it’s so much more.
Whether it’s our community, relationships, finances or personal growth, the things we invest in shape our futures and the lives of those around us. We can invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools and orga nizations. Volunteering and mentoring are powerful ways to contribute to future generations. On a broader scale, participating in public surveys and staying informed about city planning are investments in the places we call home.
Financial investments help us build security and achieve long-term goals, while personal investments — spending quality time with loved ones or fostering deeper connections — bring immeasurable rewards to both ourselves and the people we care about.
While the ways we choose to invest may look different for everyone, the common thread is the hope of making a positive impact. This month’s issue explores various ways we can invest in our lives — whether by nurturing our community, planning for our financial future, or prioritizing the relationships that matter most.
Every investment we make is an act of hope and commitment. As you read this issue, we hope you’ll feel inspired to invest in the people, places, and dreams that matter most to you.
Here’s to a month full of growth, connection, and meaningful returns.
Happy April!
ALI KRAMER, PUBLISHER
April 2026
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Susan Lanier-Graham, Tara Norris, Allison Swan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Adalyn Sinclair
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Over $875 Million in personal career sales (not team sales)
Over $70 Million personally sold in 2025 #1 Individual Agent at Max Broock/Real Estate One (over 2,100 agents statewide)
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Where Moments Become Memories
Secure your holiday celebrationsbooking 2026 & 2027 events
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1: Birmingham Education Foundation’s Unabashed Bash at the Daxton in Birmingham, Jan. 31, to benefit Birmingham Public Schools. Shown: Amrita Singh and Binesh Patel. 2: The BEF Board of Trustees. 3: Russell Moore, Greg Haynes, Ric Sonenklar and Jeff Voigt. 4: Birmingham Schools principals: Jill Ghiardi-Coignet, Colleen Hoyne, Joanna McKinney, Katalin Rosinski, Kate Trudel and Noelle Davis. 5: Jason Clinkscale, Doug Baltz and Mike Wicker. 6: Michigan Senator (and Groves grad) Jeremy Moss, Amy Voigt and Dr. Embekka Roberson. 7: Othamian Peterson and Dr. Susan Smith.
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Founded in 2014 by Amarilda Vucaj, Amareaux Interior Design has become a trusted partner for discerning homeowners, builders, and real estate professionals.
Whether embarking on a new build, transforming a remodel, or furnishing a residence from the ground up, our studio brings vision, expertise, and seamless project management to every step of the journey.
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Highline Trading was founded in Birmingham by childhood best friends Calvin Kashat and Brandon Murad with a vision to create a trusted destination for buying, selling, and trading luxury timepieces and designer handbags. Specializing in iconic brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Hermès and Chanel, they offer a boutique, relationship-driven experience built on authenticity and transparency. More than a luxury goods business, Highline is the product of lifelong friendship, shared vision and a commitment to excellence in every detail. Highlinetradingllc.com .
Kaishin translates to "a convergence of hearts"—that rare moment when something feels perfectly right — and izakaya is Japanese pub-style dining where guests enjoy a variety of small, shareable plates. Recently opened in Birmingham, Kaishin Izakaya is an intimate sanctuary designed and built by owner Woojin Lee, who crafted every detail from materials to lighting. Offering thoughtfully prepared dishes and carefully selected sake, Kaishin offers hands-on craftsmanship, warm hospitality and authentic Japanese cuisine where flavor and soul align. Kaishinizakaya.com.
Custom rug innovator Ernesta recently opened its Birmingham showroom. The 1,250-square-foot space features high-quality wool, natural fiber and performance rugs with custom sizing options. Visitors can explore materials hands-on and book one-on-one design consultations in the designer lounge. Founded to simplify the process of sourcing custom rugs, Ernesta has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the home interiors space with a commitment to tailored service, curated style and high-quality craftsmanship. Ernesta.com
ENT Specialists delivers comprehensive, specialized care for voice and vocal cord disorders, combining advanced expertise with a patient-centered approach.
Fellowship-trained laryngologist Dr. Eytan Keidar leads the way in diagnosing and treating complex voice conditions, helping patients restore confidence, clarity, and comfort in their voices. Dedicated to innovative, personalized care, Dr. Keidar works with patients ranging from professional voice users to those experiencing everyday voice changes, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions designed to improve vocal function and quality of life.
Supported by a highly skilled team of physicians at ENT Specialists, he provides seamless, comprehensive care for a wide range of ENT concerns — ensuring exceptional outcomes for every patient we serve.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENNA GIRARDI
MEET BRENNA GIRARDI, A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NATIVE BRINGING LUXURY TRAVEL HOME TO METRO DETROIT.
Brenna Girardi’s love affair with travel began on a childhood family trip to London — before she’d even visited another major U.S. city. Growing up in Southern California with a British stepfather meant frequent overseas adventures, and that coastal upbringing and early exposure to international travel inspired a deep curiosity.
“It shaped my love for travel and beautiful destinations — and how I see the world,” she says. “I remember being completely mesmerized during that first trip. It was Christmastime, and it felt magical.
“But it also showed me how different the world could be, and that sense of wonder never left,” she says.
After earning a business degree from Northern Arizona University, her unrelenting travel bug inspired Girardi to become a flight attendant. Based in Minneapolis, she served first-class passengers while having the time of her life traveling the world — it’s also how she met her husband, Bryan, a commercial airline pilot (and Michigan native). “That role deepened my appreciation for service at a high level,” she says.
When COVID hit, Girardi pivoted. After much research, she realized that while traditional agencies had evolved, the luxury travel advisory world was thriving. She joined a local luxury travel agency, learning the intricacies of high-touch planning, preferred partnerships and global coordination. But the entrepreneur in her was ready for more. Nearly five years into the luxury travel industry, she teamed up with Jenny Barto to create Olivette Travel Design (olivettetraveldesign. com) — a decision she calls one of the most rewarding of her life.
While in college, Girardi worked at a luxury hotel in Southern California — her first experience in hospitality. “I loved the rhythm of service and the satisfaction of exceeding guest expectations,” she says. “Over time, I’ve worked in luxury hotels, served first-class passengers and now design luxury vacations.”
Now based in Metro Detroit (though still a beach girl at heart), Girardi brings that same sense of wonder and meticulous service to every journey she designs. “Looking back, it feels like a very natural progression,” she says. “The direction of my career and business feels aligned with both my personality and my passion.”
Here, Girardi gives us the scoop on why luxury travel is worth investing in.
BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE: What exactly do you do for clients?
BRENNA GIRARDI: I focus on designing luxury trips for couples, families and small private groups. My specialty is the five-star market and highly customized, thoughtfully paced experiences. Most of my clients are founders, executives, investors and business owners. They’re disciplined with their finances and strategic with their time, but what they often don’t have is extra mental bandwidth. Travel, which should feel restorative, can easily become another project. That’s the problem I solve.
Luxury travel isn’t simply booking hotels. It’s the intentional design of an experience, from the moment a client leaves their driveway to the moment they return home. We begin with intention — is this a milestone birthday? A multi-generational gathering? A celebration after a professional achievement? From there, I curate properties aligned with their lifestyle and desires, collaborate with personally vetted partners on the ground, manage global logistics and layer in thoughtful
details that make the trip feel deeply personal. My role is to stay ahead of everything. If flights are delayed or plans shift, I am the one resolving it behind the scenes , so my clients can show up and be fully present.
BCL: What sets you apart from other travel advisors?
BG: My tenacity. I do not accept the first no. A client once came to me two months before Snow Polo in St. Moritz — everything was sold out. Hotels were full and VIP tickets were unavailable. I made call after call across Switzerland,
heard ‘no’ from many and kept going until I secured a suite at one of the top hotels, along with VIP access to the event. Luxury often comes down to access, and access requires relationships and persistence. I’m relentless on behalf of my clients.
BCL: What are some memorable trips you've planned?
BG: Beyond that St. Moritz win, I planned a trip to Albania for a client who wanted to trace his ancestral roots. We secured a local priest from his family’s remote village to accompany him and his guide as they explored their history. It was deeply personal and something he’ll never forget.
I also love planning girlfriend trips to France filled with vineyards, beautiful hotels, spa time and incredible dining. I genuinely have so much fun designing those, as if I’m the one traveling.
Multi-generational trips are especially meaningful — bringing together grandparents, children and grandchildren for shared experiences is powerful. Time together is fleeting, and I approach those trips with an even greater sense of care.
BCL: What are your personal favorite destinations?
BG: I’m a beach girl through and through, and I’m drawn to destinations that feel beautiful but also soulful — places where you can exhale, eat well and feel inspired.
My all-time favorite destination is French Polynesia. It’s the most stunning and peaceful place I’ve ever experienced. The water is impossibly clear, the pace of life slows immediately and there’s a sense of calm that’s hard to describe until you feel it yourself. Bora Bora is breathtaking, and The Brando in particular feels private, thoughtful and restorative — it’s where you go to reset and reconnect.
I am also really loving Croatia beyond Dubrovnik. The scenery is dramatic, the wine and food scene are exceptional and it still feels authentic and less saturated than other parts of Europe, giving it a sense of discovery. Pairing it with the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro is a combination I love.
For something closer to home, St. Barth’s has this chic, understated energy — it truly feels like someone placed the French Riviera in the Caribbean.
BCL: How many countries have you visited?
BG: This is very non-travel-advisor of me, but I genuinely don’t track the number. I’ve never
CONTINUED >
been focused on collecting passport stamps. I care much more about depth of experience than quantity. There are still many destinations on my list — Waiheke Island outside Auckland is high on my radar for its food and wine culture paired with local scenery. It feels refined yet relaxed, which is always appealing to me. I’d also love to explore the winelands of South Africa — the landscape, architecture and depth of wine heritage there fascinate me. Any emerging or lesser-known wine region will always capture my attention.
BCL: How does compensation work?
BG: Because this is a fully customized service, I charge a professional planning fee that ensures I can dedicate the time, research, vetting and global coordination required. In addition, I’m compensated by hotel and destination partners through standard industry commissions. Hotel pricing through me is the same as booking directly, and clients often receive additional value such as daily breakfast, property credits, upgrades and VIP recognition through my preferred partnerships.
BCL: What are your travel essentials?
JC: A travel blanket, noise-cancelling headphones, a portable power bank, electrolyte packets for hydration and a cryo roller for reducing swelling.
BCL: Any advice for maximizing value?
Consider traveling in shoulder season — April, May, September or October. The weather is often still excellent, crowds are lighter and pricing is typically more favorable. Be strategic about where you splurge. In major cities, a well-located boutique four-star property can be a strong value while allocating more budget to true leisure destinations where you’ll spend meaningful time on property. First-class train travel in Europe can also be an efficient and comfortable alternative to private drivers. And don’t forget VAT refunds in the EU for designer purchases — savings can be significant.
BCL: What would you want readers to know about your approach to travel?
BG: I truly believe travel is one of the most meaningful investments someone can make. When thoughtfully designed, it restores, reconnects and creates memories that shape families for generations. Being trusted with that responsibility is something I never take lightly.
With
An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.
Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.
A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.
Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?
A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.
Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?
A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.
Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?
A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.
“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”
Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?
A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”
Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.
This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
MEET YOUR FINANCIAL NEIGHBORS — LEADERS ON BUSINESS, COMMUNITY AND WHAT REALLY MATTERS.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Founder and CEO, Famiglia Wealth, Bloomfield Hills famigliawealth.net
BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE Tell us a bit about yourself.
JASON GEISZ I’m the Founder and CEO of Famiglia Wealth, a boutique private wealth firm in Bloomfield Hills. I’ve lived in Birmingham since 2006 with my wife, Brooke — we just celebrated 20 years of marriage and have three kids, ages 17, 15 and 11. We started in Pembroke Park and now live downtown in the ‘grid,’ which we love.
BCL What exactly do you do for clients?
JG At Famiglia Wealth, we focus on helping successful individuals, families and foundations simplify and improve the financial decisions that impact their future. We offer a planning-based wealth management process that creates deep personal relationships with clients and their other key advisors. Our industry is greying, and many families need to upgrade or switch financial advisors. We’re the preferred choice as a recognized Forbes Best in State Private Wealth firm.
BCL What are your top tips for readers?
JG Financial decisions should be simplified, not complicated. We use ‘Earn, Save, Invest, Repeat’ as a simple way to help accumulators of wealth. We believe in and deliver written plans for every client. Creating good financial habits is most important at the beginning of the journey. Later, tax-efficient investing, effective estate planning and philanthropic advice are essential. People’s financial lives are a journey — have an expert or accountability partner to ensure your outcomes meet your goals.
BCL How are you involved in the community?
JG I’m an active board member and fundraiser for several organizations, including the Karmanos Cancer Center and the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. I’m blessed to be where I am — I feel like I have to give back. It’s part of my faith and what I believe, and what we are teaching our children. I’ve also completed a marathon victory and a podium finish in triathlon — in my 40s! I’ve done almost 30 Mackinac Races and I’m an avid Great Lakes sailor.
BCL What do you love most about living and working here?
JG The parks are the highlight for sure, as is walking to town for dinner, music at Shain Park or taking the kids to the library. Downtown Birmingham is always entertaining, with plenty of dining, shopping and social options — and we support them as often as we can. Our kids have grown up here, and there’s this real sense of place. You invest in your community by showing up, supporting local businesses and being present. That’s what we try to do.
BCL Any final thoughts?
JG People’s financial lives are complex, but they don’t have to feel overwhelmed. Simplify where you can, plan intentionally and work with someone who sees the whole picture. Your financial future is worth the investment — and so is the community you live in.
Executive Sales Leader and Medicare Specialist, HealthMarkets, Farmington Hills healthmarkets.com
BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE Tell us a bit about yourself.
KURT DELFIN I live in West Bloomfield, originally from Sterling Heights. I have one son in Miami who’s aspiring to be a professional golfer, and I’m getting married in June — which means I’ll soon have three stepchildren. It’s an exciting time.
BCL What exactly do you do for clients?
KD HealthMarkets is the largest independent health-insurance agency in the U.S. I have the pleasure and responsibility of helping seniors navigate into Medicare, something I don’t take lightly. Seniors depend on their prescription drugs and the doctors they’ve had trusted relationships with for years. Most are on fixed incomes, so every dollar matters. The reality is, a large majority are in the wrong plan for their specific needs and paying way too much for prescriptions every month.
BCL What are your top tips for readers?
KD Medicare plans change every year — always contact your agent in October to make sure your doctor will still accept your plan for the next year. Prescription drug plans also change annually. Some drugs move from Tier 2 to Tier 3, which means you’ll pay a large deductible in January. Always look into this during open enrollment, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 — make a point to meet or at least talk to your agent at the end of every year. Make sure your prescription drugs will be covered and your doctors will still be in-network. Plans change every year, and so does your health — make sure you have the right plan.
BCL How are you involved in the community?
KD I’ve been involved in youth sports programs for more than 30 years. Currently, I’m the varsity coach for Bloomfield Hills High School boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams. You’ll also see me in the stands on Friday nights rooting on the local football and basketball teams. Sports and helping the community is a passion that I left the engineering field for 25 years ago. I’m living my dream and blessed to be able to do it.
BCL What do you love most about living and working in the Birmingham area?
KD The sense of community. When you’re coaching high-school sports and watching kids grow up in these programs, you see how connected everyone is. That matters. It’s not just about business — it’s about being part of something bigger.
BCL Any final thoughts?
KD Whether it’s Medicare or any financial decision, don’t go it alone. Things change every year — plans, health, circumstances. Having someone in your corner who understands your specific needs makes all the difference.
We asked local experts in their fields for advice on essential spring maintenance for decks, trees and more.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
MIKE BONADEO Owner, OPW Decks
What started as a summer job for 21-year-old Mike Bonadeo in 2004 became a 20-plus-year career — and eventually ownership of the business. In 2018, Bonadeo purchased
OPW Decks (opwrestoration.com), the pressure washing and deck maintenance company where he’d worked for over a decade, bringing his brother Nick on as a partner.
Now leading a crew of five to six workers throughout the season, Bonadeo’s business focuses on what Michigan homeowners often overlook: the surfaces that take a beating during fall and winter.
“Mold, algae, dirt and grime accumulate during the fall and winter months,” he says. “Spring cleaning gets everything ready to enjoy for the warmer weather.”
And timing matters, he says. “Late winter and early spring is a great time to contact companies,” Bonadeo advises. “By the time working weather is consistently warmer, most companies will have already been booked four to six weeks in advance.”
Bonadeo’s services cover the full spectrum of outdoor surface maintenance: wood deck cleaning and staining, brick paver and concrete work including sand application and sealing, and pressure-washing for wood and composite decks, concrete — even house -leaning using low-pressure techniques.
The spring prep isn’t just cosmetic — it’s protective. “Stain protects wood from moisture and strong UV rays,” Bonadeo says. “Getting the deck cleaned and stained in spring protects the wood and gets it ready for the hotter days of summer.” Without that barrier, Michigan’s intense summer sun and unpredictable weather can cause warping, splitting and rot.
Between professional services, homeowners can extend the life of their outdoor spaces with simple maintenance. “Keep decks and patios clean of debris, dirt and grime by using a blower, broom, water hose and light pressure-washing,” he says. “Just be careful not to remove the finish.”
His top tips for spring readiness? Pressure-wash cleaning services, deck staining and concrete sealing. These three steps set the foundation for outdoor spaces that last.
After two decades in the business, Bonadeo still looks forward to spring every year. “Warmer weather and getting back to work,” he says. “After a long winter pent up inside, we truly enjoy getting outside and working in the beautiful Michigan weather. We’re energized from the break and ready to work long hours.”
ROBERT AMEZOLA Owner and Arborist, Amezola Tree Service
Roberto Amezola didn’t choose tree service — it chose him. Growing up, he learned the trade from his father, absorbing decades of his expertise in working with old and big trees.
“My father taught me everything I know,” says Amezola, who cut his first tree at age eight. That foundation launched what would become nearly 30 years in business, starting Amezola Tree Service (amezolatreeservice.com) in 1996 and continuing strong today.
For Amezola, spring readiness isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about prevention. “Homeowners should begin thinking about tree service and maintenance in May when trees are blooming and leaves are starting to come to life again after winter,” he says. “That’s when you’re able to identify any dead limbs that can be dropped due to wind.”
Those dead limbs can be potential hazards. By identifying and removing them through tree trimming, homeowners can prevent damage to property and structures before storms arrive. It’s a simple step that saves headaches and costly repairs down the line, Amezola says.
“Trimming the center of the tree removes some weight from branches so wind can pass through,” he says. That airflow is critical during Michigan’s unpredictable spring and summer storms.
Amezola’s company offers comprehensive tree care: trimming, pruning, removals, shaping, elevating, topping, land clearing, stump removal, storm damage cleanup and tree bracing and cabling. But his real expertise lies in understanding how trees work — and what they need to thrive.
Regular maintenance matters, though the timeline varies dramatically by species. “The best recommendation is to call tree experts to find out how often maintenance is due and get it scheduled,” Amezola says. Some trees need annual attention; others can go several years between services.
His top tips for spring readiness? Remove dead branches and limbs, reduce the weight of heavy branches, eliminate tree suckers that steal energy from growth and invite disease and assess whether dying, rotten or hollow trees need removal entirely.
Tree suckers — those small shoots growing from the base or trunk — are particularly insidious. “They take energy away from tree growth and can cause problems down the line, such as disease,” Amezola says. Catching them early prevents bigger issues later.
Amezola’s favorite part of spring-season work?
“My crew and I enjoy helping clients beautify and elevate their property,” he says. “That’s the best part.”
It’s a philosophy rooted in the lessons his father taught him years ago: care for the trees, care for the property and the rest will follow.
Where Brazilian elegance meets soothing touches towards a journey into serene renewal.
Rio Palace Spa offers a healing experience with exclusive Brazilian-inspired treatments; including the renowned Brazilian Lymphatic Massage, body scrub, slimming / firming wrap, bamboo and Brazilian Tanning for a radiant, sun-kissed glow. Customized facials, using the latest Hydrafacial technology. For couples, our serene ambiance includes a fireplace and water fountain for the perfect escape. Private locations throughout, including sea salt mineral hydrotherapy and red light/infrared sauna for contrast therapy experience.
RIOPALACE-SPA.COM | 248-863-0101 | 665 S ADAMS RD, BIRMINGHAM
FOUR TIMELESS FASHION INVESTMENTS THAT WILL MAKE A STATEMENT, FROM THE PERSONAL STYLISTS AT THE SOMERSET COLLECTION.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
THE PERFECT BAG
“This spring, I’m investing in a medium-sized tan suede everyday handbag. It’s the one color I’m missing, and I think it will be the perfect addition to my lighter color palette.”
Merna Makdisi
@ablondestyling
MIDWEST MUST-HAVE
“Whether going out casually or running errands, a windbreaker is a must in everyone’s wardrobe. It’s versatile, lightweight and perfect for Michigan’s unpredictable weather.”
WHY IT’S WORTH INVESTING
“I’d invest in a beautifully tailored trench coat in a classic length. It’s one of the few pieces that instantly elevates any outfit, from denim to more formal looks. The clean structure at the shoulders and waist adds polish without feeling overdone. It’s not just outerwear; it’s a staple piece.”
CLASSIC WITH A CINCH
“The details on this bag are timeless. It features a classic silhouette that has withstood the test of time, adding a chic yet traditional flair to any outfit.”
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON AND SCHUSTER
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful.
We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.
Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook, Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.
“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”
The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side—they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.
As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.
“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”
Unlike most cookbooks, Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.
“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”
Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.
“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”
After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.
“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”
To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.
“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”
To order a copy of the cookbook visit: InquiringChef.com
Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.
• 1 pound carrots
• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• 1 lemon
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F
Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.
Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.
Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.
Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.
Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.
Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.
Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.
Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.
Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh-cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.
Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways—from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.
Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure to harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.
Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry-infused Bourbon.
Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.
Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!
ARTICLE BY TARA NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADALYN SINCLAIR
• 2 oz. cherry-sage infused Bourbon
• 0.75 oz. apple brandy or apple jack brandy
• Place over an ice ball in an old-fashioned glass
• Top with ginger beer and garnish with Bordeaux cherries and leaf of sage
• 2 oz. white rum
• 1 oz. rhubarb puree (2 cups rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)
• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• soda water
• lemon-lime soda
• ice
• Muddle mint, lime juice, and rhubarb puree in a glass or small cocktail shaker
• Once muddled, add the white rum and ice
• Top with large cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds
• Remove large shaker and pour everything into a glass
• Top with more ice
• Add soda water and lemon-lime soda (equal parts to your liking)
• Garnish with mint leaf and lime wheel
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz. simple syrup
• 2-3 cucumber slices
• 2 oz. gin
• tonic water
• Muddle basil, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices together in a small cocktail shaker
• Add gin and ice to cocktail shaker
• Shake well
• Strain over an ice ball
• Top with tonic water and garnish with basil leaf and a cucumber slice
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Curated Private Events for group sizes from 3-20ppl
THROUGH APRIL 5TH
Detroit Opera House, Detroit
Disney's The Lion King — North America’s longest-running Broadway tour — returns to Detroit for a limited fourweek engagement. Winner of six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction for Julie Taymor, the show features a score fusing Elton John and Tim Rice's songs with African rhythms by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. BroadwayInDetroit.com
APRIL 3RD-4TH
Detroit Zoo | 9:00 AM
Hop on over to Bunnyville, an egg-stravaganza for the whole family at the Detroit Zoo. Meet the Easter Bunny, have whiskers painted on your face, participate in the Golden Egg Hunt (100 Golden Eggs will be hidden throughout the Zoo), give back to the community and explore all the Zoo has to offer. Animal engagements throughout the Zoo. Detroitzoo.org
APRIL 11TH
Birmingham Shopping District 11:00 AM
Join in for a fun, family-friendly afternoon at the Birmingham Shopping District's Fourth-Annual Spring Stroll. Families will be sent on a stroll throughout the district to find participating merchants with giveaways for kids, and shopping incentives for adults. Children will be given a coloring sheet upon check-in; completed coloring sheets can be turned in at the starting location to receive a prize. See downtownbirmingham. com for check-in details.
CONTINUED
APRIL 16TH
Earth Day Celebration
Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Road, West Bloomfield Twp. | 4:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day by spending time outside enjoying nature, with WB Parks' Earth Day Celebration. Activities include recycled crafts, live animal interactions, a free tree seedling to the first 50 families and a guided nature hike on 3/4 mile paved trail — pre-registration for nature hike ($5/ family benefits the Nature Room). Free with pre-registration; dress for Mother Nature. Wbparks.org.
APRIL 18TH
Townsend Hotel, Birmingham 10:00 AM
The Glamorous Moms Foundation presents Glamorous Luncheon & Fashion Show: Vogue & Virtue High Tea. Marketplace shopping, photo opportunities, a gourmet lunch, runway show with Maximilian Furs and Kate Spade collections, silent auction and inspiring testimonials supporting women in vulnerable situations. Network with Metro Detroit executives, entrepreneurs and medical professionals while enjoying an afternoon of beauty and purpose benefiting GMF's mission. Glamorousmoms.foundation
APRIL 23RD
The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, West Bloomfield 7:30 PM
The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh — handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin' Out — features the greatest hits of these two great rock piano legends. Songs include Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Movin' Out, I'm Still Standing My Life, and many more. Theberman.org
