Local Services

Skull Island Camp

Set Sail for Summer Fun Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Skull Island Camp In 2003, Kathryn Chipman’s children were unsatisfied with day camp. “My kids hated the place I had enrolled them in. At the time, we owned a small parcel of land on Gale Island on Pontiac Lake. I suggested to my children that if they would play quietly so I could finish my work, we would bring a few of their friends out to the island tomorrow and make our own day camp.” The name, chosen by Kathryn’s son, was...

Home + Design

Inside Accurate Cabinetry

A Conversation with Owner Wendy Anns Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Can you tell us a bit about Accurate Cabinetry and the inspiration behind its inception?   Accurate Cabinetry was born out of my passion for creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces. I noticed a gap in the market for kitchen and bath designs that seamlessly blend precision and style. I founded Accurate Cabinetry with the mission to provide homeowners with high-quality, customized...

Home + Design

Baker Blinds & Vestalia Home

Quality Design Services and Custom Home Furnishings Article by Shelley Raymond | Photography by Baker Blinds & Vestalia Home Baker Blinds & Vestalia Home began 40 years ago as one of the first true design showrooms in southeast Michigan. Not quite a furniture store and not quite the kind of design studio available only to the elite at the time, Baker Blinds bridged the gap between the two—making quality design services and custom home furnishings available to all.   Today, a wide range of...

Food + Beverage

Spring Quiche

A Light and Tasty Meal for March Article by Lauren Lane and Amy Niezur | Photography by Janie Jones Get ready for spring with the fresh flavors of your favorite vegetables and sweep away the chill of winter.  Ingredients 1 pie crust 2 cups vegetables, such as asparagus and spinach 7 large eggs, beaten 1 1/4 cups light cream 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (such as thyme or parsley) 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3/4 cup gruyere or...

Finance + Legal Services

Vantage Point Financial

Helping Your Achieve the Retirement of Your Dreams Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie “When considering financial planning,” says Ron Braun, President of the Michigan office of Vantage Point Financial, “make sure you seek out a fiduciary as they are required to put the client’s interests first.” Another important consideration is to find an advisor who specializes in retirement planning, as retirement has specific risks and strategies that differ from when you were...

Food + Beverage

Kickstand Brewing Company

World Class Beer, Uniquely Our Own Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Kickstand Brewing Company began with a small used brewing system. “At first it was a fun way to supply not only ourselves, but our friends and family as we hosted parties,” says Scott Emerick of Kickstand Brewing Company. “But soon it became much more than that. The idea that this could be bigger and better, than it could reach more than just our inner circle, that idea lit the fire and motivated us to...

Food + Beverage

West End Kitchen and Bar

It's Always a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Celebrating almost one year in business at 4135 Orchard Lake Road, West End Kitchen and Bar continues to blend upscale dining with local neighborhood comfort. West End Kitchen and Bar is the kind of place you can come for Happy Hour or a special anniversary, according to Brent Hermiz of West End, and soon it will be the place to go for brunch as well.   Pairing sleek, vibrant décor with an...

Real Estate

Selling Your Home Part 3

The Offer Article by Eve Edwards You have an offer on your house, now what? Price, terms, and conditions are your next considerations. Let’s say the offer is lower than you were hoping for, and you’d like to counter with a higher price. As the seller, you are not in a position to find out whether the prospective buyer can afford to pay more, but as your agent, I can call the financial institution for information on your buyer before you waste time on a counteroffer the buyer may not be in a...

Food + Beverage

Al Oumara Restaurant

Fresh, Made-From-Scratch Middle Eastern Cuisine Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Nazir Fayad has a long history in the food world. He began cooking at the age of 16, then traveled to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, cooking there for five years. He spent time cooking in Switzerland and the Czech Republic before moving to the United States, where after working at La Shish for a few years, he started his own restaurant, Al Oumara. Nearly 25 years ago, Nazir bought the...

Beauty

LaVida Massage of Commerce

Advanced Skin Care and Massage Since 2009 Article by Amy Niezur | Photography by Amy Gillespie Winter can bring dry skin, sore muscles from shoveling snow, and the seemingly endless gray days can make you yearn for a little something to treat yourself or a special someone this Valentine’s Day or anytime. Relief can be found at LaVida Massage + Skincare of Commerce, located on Union Lake Road. In business since 2009, LaVida promotes “personal well-being in an elegant yet casual environment”...