Mount Clemens, MI April 2026

INVEST IN THE WAY YOU LIVE.

ALL IN: No Sidelines Left

Hello, my friends —

Our April Investment Issue is called ALL IN because talk is cheap.

We live in a world full of big declarations and bold captions. But real investment requires action. Intention. Commitment. It means choosing to show up fully and overcoming fears.

And that doesn’t always mean money.

This month’s cover story, Redefining MVP, features Tim Tebow in a conversation that truly moved me. Tim shares his joys, his disappointments, and the moment he realized God was calling him to pursue a different kind of MVP — serving the Most Vulnerable People. It’s a reminder that the greatest returns aren’t measured in trophies, but in purpose. Scan the QR code inside to watch our Share the Lifestyle Podcast episode with Tim. It’s worth it.

But you don’t have to look nationally for impact.

Right here in Mount Clemens, we’re featuring real people creating real returns through personal investment:

A teacher investing time and mentorship into students learning a skilled trade — shaping futures that don’t always follow a traditional path.

A dog groomer who views consistent appointments as more than maintenance — often catching early health concerns before owners even notice.

A trainer encouraging those living with Parkinson’s to invest in strength and mobility, proving that time invested in movement can mean independence preserved.

These stories may not be flashy. But they are powerful.

We’re also highlighting historic preservation as a generational investment through The Great Gatsby Gala at the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site. This dazzling 1920s celebration supports one of Macomb County’s most treasured landmarks — and we’re proud to return as a sponsor. Fringe, feathers, and fedoras encouraged.

And then there’s the quiet investment that shapes everything: your mornings. The best change I’ve made this year? Reaching for a book instead of my phone. No scrolling. Just pages. The return has been clarity and calm before the noise begins.

ALL IN isn’t about going bigger. It’s about going deeper. Deeper in purpose. Deeper in community. Deeper in discipline. Deeper in faith.

So this April, where are you ready to stop talking — and start investing? I’m all in. I hope you are, too.

With gratitude,

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Janowicz | kimberly.janowicz@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Marshall Zweig | marshall.zweig@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Marshall Zweig, Kimberly Janowicz, Sophie Brock, Laura Sanchezquan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Larry Ireland, Michelle Rutkowski, Taylor Jacobs, John Richmond

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

April 2026 Visit our Instagram

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

LEARN THE SECRET TO UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE AND DISCIPLINE FOR YOUR CHILD

My son has been a student at Romanelli’s for over five years. I cannot express how great this dojo is. My son’s first experience with karate was through a school organization, and that teacher clearly did not know how to deal with young children. The instructors at Romanelli’s are unbelievably GREAT with children of all ages. They naturally modify their teaching styles and expectations based on each child’s individual age, level, and individual needs. The growth my son has shown in both self-esteem and physical abilities is un unbelievable. I would HIGHLY recommend this dojo for children, teens, and adults.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Bill Moore kicked off KiwanisFest: Life’s A Beach Bash fundraiser, presented by Russ Milne Ford. 2: Attendees raised funds for local children and families in need. 3: The theme, Life’s a Beach Bash, was a great escape from the winter cold. 4: Media Sponsor Kimberly Janowicz (left) and Silver Sponsor Erika Bradbury. 5: Platinum Sponsor Andrea and Mike Yeip of Cabinetry by Better Bilt with friends. 6: Guests enjoyed a “Taste of Macomb” with over a dozen local restaurants to choose from. 7: Kiwanians Harry Midgeon and Stan Hirt with family.

Photography by Kimberly Janowicz & Erika Bradbury

BECAUSE

When was the last time you invested in your emotional well-being?

The most valuable returns aren’t always financial. Stacie and LeAnn at ASK Psychological Services help clients work through stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges — building confidence, communication skills, and emotional strength that pays dividends for years to come. Healthy relationships. Clearer thinking. Greater peace. That’s a return worth pursuing.

New clients welcome. Book today.

askpsychologicalservices.com (586) 800-2374 85 N Main St, Suite 101 Mt Clemens, MI 48043

Welcome Mason Golf Clinics

We’re excited to welcome Mason Golf Clinics to the Mount Clemens City Lifestyle family. Led by Lindsey Mason III, a former golf professional with 35 years of experience, the program offers individual and small-group instruction at C.J. Barrymore’s and Cherry Creek Golf Club. With a one handicap and more than 20 students earning full college golf scholarships, Mason inspires players to elevate their game. Book a lesson: masongolf-golfclinics.com or call (313) 633-5904

Congratulations to Regina High School’s newly formed DECA Chapter for sending ten students to the state competition its first year! Each competitor completed a 100-question exam and a role-play to qualify, earning medals for top exam scores, role-play performance, and state qualification. Qualifying students represented each class at Regina. The group is seeking sponsors as they prepare to head to states. Contact DECA advisors Shelby Antoon (class of ‘15) or Bailey Rothe at (586) 585-0500 to support the team.

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Step Into Summer with LivFit Walking Club

Looking for a simple way to move more and meet new people? The LivFit Walking Club, organized by AJ Moore of LivFit Training LLC, offers free, weekly community walks in Mount Clemens and Harrison Township. Designed for all fitness levels, the group typically covers three miles while building connection and healthy habits. Follow LivFit Training on Facebook or Instagram for meet-up details and weekly updates.

Photography by Kelly Hughes

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Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

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.

Welcome Home

Buy, build, remodel, or refinance

You’ve

For Real Returns, Invest Here

In a classroom, a gym, and a pet salon, three Mount Clemens locals offer guaranteed returns on your investment

ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY IRELAND, MICHELLE RUTKOWSKI, TAYLOR JACOBS

LARRY IRELAND

INSTRUCTOR, HVAC / CTE

Larry Ireland’s parents retired from Chrysler. He tried to follow that road. It was not his future.

HVAC changed everything.

“It gave me financial security and a purpose,” he says. “There’s nothing like walking into somebody’s house when they’re uncomfortable, and walking out because you solved the problem.”

What he paid $15,000 to learn, he now teaches—for free. Through dual enrollment with Macomb Community College, students can earn both a district certificate and a two-year degree.

When Larry himself graduated, a seasoned contractor offered him a 50/50 partnership immediately. That’s not hourly wage territory.

For the skeptics: “Grab a globe and spin it,” Larry says. “Tell me where HVAC doesn’t apply.” Translation: climate control tech is everywhere. And someone has to keep it running.

Larry also names a misconception: trade school isn’t for students who struggle academically. Two of his students graduated top five in their class. “It’s for everybody,” he says. “And not just men, but women as well.”

Larry’s climate control technology program at Mount Clemens Community Schools is the only one of its kind in Macomb County. Any county high school student can attend, tuition-free. Open enrollment starts in June. Contact John Pittman: pittmanj@mtcps.org or (586) 461-3761

“Every six minutes, someone’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s. If that’s you, you’re who this room was built for. Some clients have had it four weeks. Others for twenty years. Everyone’s equal the moment they walk in.”

MARK LOSINSKI

HEAD COACH, ROCK STEADY BOXING

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in the world, affecting nearly one million Americans. There is no cure.

Mark Losinski isn’t waiting for one.

Mark is head coach of Rock Steady Boxing at the Macomb Family YMCA in downtown Mount Clemens. It’s a nationally accredited program designed exclusively for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Rock Steady Boxing began in Indiana around 2006, when a prominent lawyer with Parkinson’s hired a Golden Gloves boxer to train him. Today it’s a national program.

And Mark, a retired colonel who commanded medical units and served as deputy state surgeon, has added something even the national network envies: a pool.

In water, Mark says “we found the ‘on’ button. They walk around like you and I.” Clients who freeze on land, whose feet stop moving even when their brain says walk, turn figure eights in the water. One man’s wife stood poolside in tears: she hadn’t seen him move like that in thirty years.

Mark opens sessions with a simple question—like “What’s your favorite color to paint a wall?”—that gets brains firing and voices projecting. From there, the session might mean boxing combinations (called out in words and numbers, because Parkinson’s changes how the brain processes language), bag work, aquatic therapy, or a session led by a visiting therapist.

Maybe more than anything, if you’ve got Parkinson’s, this is a community. “The program’s not a cure,” Mark says. “But it gives people power.”

Mark tells me every six minutes, someone’s diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “If that’s you,” Mark says, “and you’re feeling alone, you’re who this program was built for. Some clients have had it four weeks. Others for twenty years. Everyone is equal the moment they walk in.”

ROCK STEADY BOXING

Rock Steady Boxing isn’t covered by insurance, but thanks to a 2025 Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant, eligible participants can enroll at no cost. The grant supports Parkinson’s-focused exercise, wellness, and education for participants. Donations can be directed to the Macomb Family YMCA, and designated for Rock Steady Boxing. Donations help sustain the program beyond the grant period.

Volunteers are also welcomed as “corner coaches.” You can offer an extra set of eyes, encouragement, and safety support during workouts and pool sessions. Learn more at rocksteadyboxing.org or ymcadetroit.org/macomb, or call the Macomb Family YMCA at (586) 468-1411.

KATHERINE ZIELINSKI

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB MASTER GROOMER

You may think pet grooming is about looking good.

Katherine Zielinski wants you to think about it differently.

“Your groomer has their hands on your dog more often than a vet does,” she says. “And because you see your pet every day, you stop noticing the changes. They unfold right in front of you and just become normal.”

Each session, Katherine looks for broken nails and paw pad injuries that dogs pick up outside. “We’re looking for lacerations, abrasions, signs of skin infections,” she says. Left unchecked, these can lead to serious mobility issues.

“We also notice allergies,” Katherine adds. “Sometimes people switch their dog’s food and we’ll see little spots of yeast coming up. We’ll tell them to change the food again before it becomes a bigger problem.”

Katherine’s team has spotted Addison’s disease (a scissor nick on the dog’s tongue wouldn’t stop bleeding) and diabetes. Caught hernias before they herniated. Found eye injuries and ear infections before they became emergencies.

Even the coat is a health report card to groomers. Diet, hormones, and age all show up in the fur.

Her financial case is crisp: “It’s the difference between a dental cleaning, and an oral surgeon pulling half your teeth.”

How often does she recommend grooming? Katherine says monthly sessions contribute more than just physical health. Dogs seen regularly are confident and easy to handle. Dogs seen twice a year, by contrast, often need a trainer first.

Katherine also encourages owners to do their own monthly self-check, using the SCENT acronym: Skin, Coat, Ears and Eyes, Nails, Teeth and Toes.

(And if your pet’s still a puppy, Katherine recommends starting grooming at 12 weeks. You can begin by getting your puppy adjusted to the sound clippers or even kitchen tongs — “they kind of sound like scissors,” Katherine says — as early as two or three weeks.)

Katherine is a Certified Canine Esthetician, AKC Master Groomer, and owner of HollyWoof Pet Salon (hollywoofsalon.com) on 14 Mile Road in Clinton Township. She also trains the next generation of professional groomers at her Eastside Academy of Dog Grooming in Mount Clemens.

Gatsby Glamour With Purpose

A DAZZLING 1920S CELEBRATION PRESERVING ONE OF MACOMB COUNTY’S MOST TREASURED HISTORIC LANDMARKS

There are fundraisers… and then there are experiences.

The Great Gatsby Gala at the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is decidedly the latter — an immersive, joy-filled evening that just happens to support one of the most important regional historic preservation efforts.

To understand the gala, you have to understand the grounds.

In 1925, the Packard Motor Car Company realized testing vehicles on Detroit streets had its limitations. The company began purchasing farmland in what was then rural Shelby Township and commissioned legendary architect Albert Kahn to design a state-of-the-art testing facility. Dedicated on June 14, 1928, at a cost of $1 million, the Proving Grounds featured rugged test roads and an exceptionally smooth 2.5-mile oval track. The track was hailed as “the world’s fastest speedway” when Leon Duray set a speed record of 148.7 mph - before they

had even installed the guard rails. He joked at the time that he didn't plan to use them that day!

The site even played a role in aviation history — Charles Lindbergh visited in 1929 to test-fly a Packard-powered aircraft. After ownership changes and decades of uncertainty — including the threat of demolition — a passionate coalition of historians, car clubs, township officials, and citizens united to save this irreplaceable piece of American automotive heritage.

Today, preservation is ongoing — and costly.

“The mission is to preserve the Packard Proving Grounds,” event planner Jeannine Morris told me. Major restoration projects, including the iconic water tower, aviation hangar repairs, and the tree-lined boulevard, can cost $500,000 or more each.

“Every ticket supports that preservation.”

And yet, the gala never feels heavy. It feels magical.

“Don’t overthink what to wear or whether you’ll know anyone — just come ready to enjoy the evening. It’s a welcoming crowd, and you’ll leave feeling part of something special.”

The Gatsby theme was chosen intentionally. The Albert Kahn architecture, built in the 1920s, provides the perfect backdrop for an era-inspired evening. Guests arrive in flapper dresses, fringe, feathers, and fedoras. The décor is stunning. Cocktails nod to the Prohibition era. During dinner, the Detroit Metropolitan Chorale will perform, adding a new richness to the evening. Fox 2 Detroit evening anchor Roop Raj returns as emcee bringing charm, wit, and energy that keeps the evening flowing.

Guests can explore the historic site to view vintage Packards and tour the former residence of the site manager, Charles Vincent and his family, details that deepen the experience reminding attendees exactly what they are helping preserve.

When I attended as an event sponsor, my guests and I were treated to pre-event rides down the tree-lined boulevard in vintage Packards — a thrilling experience. It set the tone before we even stepped into the gala.

But what surprised me most wasn’t the décor or the dancing (though yes — we danced all night). It was the connection. We made such wonderful new friends at our table that they later reached out asking if we were coming this year — and if we could all sit together. That’s the magic of this event.

Morris says that’s intentional.

“For first-time attendees, don’t overthink what to wear or whether you’ll know anyone,” she shared. “Just come ready to enjoy the evening.” She describes the gala as an opportunity to truly step back in time — to celebrate history, enjoy incredible food and drinks, and simply have fun in a beautiful setting.

“It’s a welcoming crowd,” she said. “By the end of the night, it feels like you’ve been part of something really special.”

The Great Gatsby Gala takes place Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 49965 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, along with advertising in the event’s virtual book. Tickets are limited and the gala typically sells out.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at packardprovinggrounds.org or by calling (586) 739-4800.

Dress up. Step back in time. Help preserve history.

And don’t be surprised if you leave with a few new friends.

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

habits morning for success

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day.  Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

Be Your Own Barista:

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

Get Your Steps In:

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.

Enjoy Some Breakfast:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.

Read A Book:

Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

Plant You r Kitchen Garden

A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.

GETTING STARTED

• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-to-fruit, living harmoniously in one bed.

• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).

• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!

• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!

• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)

• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

BACKYARD GARDENS OFFER FRESH VEGGIES AND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

What to Plant

Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.

TOMATOES:

They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.

EGGPLANT:

Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.

OKRA:

Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)

PEPPERS:

Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.

Flowers Bring Pollinators

Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.

HIBISCUS:

Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.

MARIGOLDS:

To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.

ZINNIAS: PLUMBAGO:

These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

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

CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS

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.

Ingredients:

• 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.

APRIL 11TH

Big Hair. Bigger Heart. The Ultimate 80s Throwback Bash.

The Emerald Theatre, 31 North Walnut Street, Mount Clemens, MI | 6:00 PM

Dust off the leg warmers and Aqua Net that mall hair. This totally rad fundraiser blends neon nostalgia with real impact, supporting local heroes like Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids, Blue Star Mothers, and Turning Point Macomb. Live bands, epic costumes, and a special guest from When in Rome? Yes, please. Party hard. Give back harder.

APRIL 11TH

Tablescapes, Teacups, and a Little Friendly Competition

Zuccaro's Banquets & Catering, 46601 Gratiot Ave, Chesterfield, MI | 11:00 AM

Hosted by the Macomb County Historical Society, the Yvonne Leslie Pottery Luncheon blends creativity and charm. Guests enjoy lunch, dessert, 50/50 and basket raffles, door prizes, and vote for their favorite “What Makes You Happy” tablescape. Tickets are $55. Proceeds support the Crocker House Museum & Gardens’ new roof project, preserving local history. Call (586) 465-2488.

APRIL 18TH THROUGH MAY 19TH

Young

Creators, Big

Dreams: Art You’ll Be Proud To See

Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Avenue, Mount Clemens, MI

Hosted by Congressman John James, the 10th Congressional District’s Student Art Competition highlights emerging artists in grades 8–12, with one piece chosen to hang in the U.S. Capitol. This inspiring exhibition at the Mount Clemens Public Library is free for families, art lovers, and the curious. For entries and details, visit theartcenter.org/exhibits.

APRIL 19TH

From Festival Fire to Roman Sunrise:

An Orchestral Journey

Macomb Center for Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI | 3:00 PM

Conducted by Andrew Neer, the Macomb Symphony Orchestra crafts a sweeping musical arc—beginning with Berlioz’s sparkling Roman Carnival Overture, moving through the youthful virtuosity of Strauss’s rarely performed Violin Concerto, and culminating in Respighi’s monumental Pines of Rome. Celebration, reflection, and triumph unfold in vivid orchestral color. Reserve tickets at macombcenter.com/events or (586) 286.2222.

APRIL 24TH THROUGH 26TH

The Magic of Cinderella Returns to the Stage

Macomb Center for Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI

The Macomb Ballet Company brings fresh magic to the beloved fairy tale with a breathtaking new production of Cinderella. Sweeping choreography, luminous costumes, and imaginative storytelling transform the classic journey from hardship to hope into a visually stunning experience. It’s romance, wonder, and theatrical beauty—perfect for the whole family. Reserve tickets at macombcenter.com/ events or (586) 286.2222.

APRIL 25TH

Champagne, Jazz, and a Night in the Roaring Twenties

Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI | 6:00 PM

Step into pure Gatsby glamour at the Great Gatsby Gala Fundraiser, hosted at the iconic Packard Proving Grounds. This immersive Prohibition-era soirée features dinner, crafted cocktails, dancing, and Fox 2’s Roop Raj as Master of Ceremonies. Dress to impress in your finest 1920s-inspired attire! This dazzling fundraiser sells out quickly and supports preservation of this historic treasure. Tickets: www.packardprovinggrounds.org/GreatGatsby

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