Step onto the ferry in Brooklyn or Manhattan, it will transport you to a land filled with the enchanting sights and sounds of Fete Paradiso, an antique Parisian carnival that is stationed on New York's Governor's Island from mid-July until the end of September. The entire journey was like a dream, from beginning to end. 

This is the first time that the rides have left France, ever. The rides themselves were rescued from two private collections in France, then painstakingly restored by a family of artisans who specialize in meticulous workmanship. 

Fete Paradiso is an extravaganza of wonderment for children and adults. The twinkling melodies filled the air with a sound that instantly took the uber-modernized crowd back into another century, while the stunning display of rare amusement rides will have you thinking perhaps you really did take a step into a time machine and landed in another world. 

Experience the carnival like never before through the whirling of the Chaise Volante or while holding on for dear life as you enjoy the unique thrill of the Dragon Carousel as it propels forward, and then backyards, all the while daring you to not fly off. There are also the much more tame, but still awesome sailing ships, gliding to and fro in a flying journey through the sky. A toddler favorite, but older kids will want a chance to ride too.

Taking a spin on the speeding bicycle carousel is a must. There are only two of this type made in the entire world.This unique thrill ride was made in 1897 and is beyond amazing to see in action. A belt rolls the carousel into action while riders pedal furiously around and around. On this ride, everyone laughs. The suave attendant in the iconic black and white striped shirt joins in the fun, intermittently shouting commands in french and singing tunes into a bull horn to keep the peddlers riled up.

If the stunning display of vintage rides were not enough, there is a biergarten- fashioned from a bumper car pavilion from 1900, and food- crafted by Le Gamin, a French bistro in the city. The selections are fit for gourmands who will relish every bite of salad Niçoise or Croque Monsieur. Step right up and get a wand of flavored cotton candy- orange is the best, or taste one of the authentic crepes offered, then sit under the charming chandeliers and watch the rides spin and swirl as the carefree days of summer seem to pass by a little more slowly while on the island.

Games such as the Ball Guzzler will keep everyone entertained, as valiant attempts are made to land a ball into the mouths of celebs from the 1930s. This nostalgic game features likenesses of Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and more iconic figures from that era. Get five balls in, and score a drink on the house- for real. 

A children's carousel from the 1930s was transformed into a concert hall, where musicians and performers will entertain and delight the listeners. Soul Clap performed during the Parisian Ball event, while a host of other musicians took to the stage throughout the summer to entice revelers into a melodic daydream of old Parisian street music. 

Much more can be said about this festival, but the absolute best way to experience it, is to check it out for yourself- you will be in awe. 

The Roosevelt Park Fest 2013 featured all the things that make a festival great. DJS spinning live music, crafts from 555 Gallery & Studios, Firefighter Chili Cookoff!, killer cornhole tournament, a bounce house and beer. Did I forget to mention the most awesome thing ever... Roller Skating!!!! Because WHO doesn't LOVE skating? The Grinch perhaps. 

The festival was held under the stoic watch of Michigan Central Station, our massive treasure that will most likely be restored soon (call it a hunch) Anyway- what better way to spend the first day of fall than at a neighborhood picnic... roller skating! 

Skaters raced around a oval-shaped track. (aka: the street) Some were total pros, performing tricks and stunts that definitely were the result of some hardcore practice, while others were on skates for the first time ever. Groups formed when a bangin' song came on- think Stevie Wonder, Snoop, Hall & Oates and swayed to the beat with moves that cannot be replicated by yours truly, nor will any attempt be made. Ever.  

It was an excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends and family all chillin' at the park. Friends were made & fun was had by all. 

Detroit Design Festival 2013 featured the awesome concept that attendees could create their own path, meandering around town to check out any combination of the 60+ latest designs, innovations and installations from cutting-edge artists and designers. Happenings were conceptualized by a huge range of avant garde artists, including fashion and product designers, gallery and studio owners, cinematographers, interior and graphic designers, performance artists, boutique owners- the list is endless. 

Paths included varied categories such as the Youth Path, Community Path, Exploration Path, Enthusiast Path, Consumer Path and Practitioner Path. Stick with one specific path and attend coordinating events or choose a few from each to make your own way. Exploration promotes learning about new things and this was a excellent way to introduce children to art and design concepts. There was an amazing array of activities and interactive exhibits for all ages to discover.

Children were able to draw and crawl through a cardboard city from Neighborhood Fort, check out a Lego exhibit which depicted some of the city's iconic skyscrapers, create their own mask, and scribble at an artists studio created by coG-studio, an architectural design firm which specializes in creating spaces for youth.

Sometimes babies are messy. (all the time) So when the time comes to freshen your bunting up- don't worry- caring for your baby bunting is simple. Just follow these tried + true tricks for stellar results.

Bunting Cover:
-Act quickly. Most stains can be removed if you attack them before they dry. 
-Remove lining from bunting. Turn bunting inside out. 
*RockStar Tip* For optimal results, throw into a pillow case for added protection against nor'easter grade agitation.
-Wash in cold water set to 'delicate' or 'short wash.' 
*RockStar Tip* Use a mild detergent made for a baby's delicate skin. Do not use bleach.
-Remove from washer promptly.
- Lay to dry on a flat surface. [if you can find one not covered in baby clothes!]
*RockStar Tip* Drape the bunting over a chair- the ruffles will look spectacular and fuller than if you keep it flat. [+it dries very quickly]

Removable Lining:
This can be washed, if you have ever washed an actual pillow- those are pretty similar to the results you will get when washing a bunting. 
*RockStar Tip* Go for it! 
-Wash in cold water set to 'delicate' or 'short wash.
-Remove from washer promptly.
- Lay to dry on a flat surface.
*RockStar Tip* Occasionally 'knead' the lining as you would bread dough, that will cut down on the 'lumps' that are congregating. 

Guess what! 
Buntings can be professionally dry cleaned.
Recommended for styles with lace or specialty buntings from the Christening Collection. 

Laneway happened. St. Jerome's Laneway Festival brought a unique feeling to the rolling hillsides of Meadow Brook Music Festival. The low key festival with a chill vibe kicked off its first North American event in the Detroit area. The scene was set with large sculptures, hammocks, artwork and bales of hay that were scattered on the festival grounds. The fresh atmosphere was made even better since there were no expectations. 

The laid back vibe extended beyond the fans themselves and seeped into the ones that they had come to see- the musicians themselves. From the lead singer to the hardcore drummer, the band was there to scope out the scene and become part of music history- watching it unfold from the stage and as part of the audience when they were done with their set. 

Bands performed. The music was well-curated, displaying a wide range of styles which merged together to create a cohesive roster of raw talent. It was decidedly different with a sense of familiarity all at once. Meander around to discover someone you never heard of or catch your fave band as they tear into their lyrics with a new vengeance.  

From the Pavillion stage to the Movement stage, all the artists seemed excited to be at Laneway Detroit. Down to their bones. From the synthy whispers coming from Chvrches to the bombastic bravado spewing out of Run the Jewels, an El-P + Killer Mike collab, there was definitely something for everyone, with lots of in-between to check out. 

All the bands that graced each of the five stages killed it. Heathered Pearls christened the Movement stage in the early afternoon, while Matthew Dear closed it out as the sun was beginning to fade. The Roscoe stage was home to Deerhunter and Frightened Rabbit, while the Meadow stage played host to the sexy BAMF singer from Alunageorge, flanked by media-fave Chet Faker and crowd-fave Run the Jewels.

The Derrick stage was the setting for the avant-garde Savages followed later that evening by the frenetic musings of The National. The Pavilion stage featured the impeccable CHVRCHES gave way to kinetic duo Icona Pop, who burst onto the scene until Solange staked her claim and made it her own, creating an edgy soul experience through her lighthearted yet sultry throwback sound. 

The musical factory of event crashers that is the Detroit Party Marching Band, spilled out everywhere wearing their signature flashy DPMB garb. Horns raging through the air, clanging their way with unabashed bravado from stage to stage, crowds erupted like hot magma around a volcano.

There are a lot of firsts taking place in Detroit. Yesterday Open Co. hosted a Detroit version of their awesome business conference- an all-day exploration of local companies, culminating in a networking extravaganza held at MOCAD.

Summer is here! Just kidding- it's almost over... but it feels like a sweltering hot mid-summer day, and that is whats important. So let's make a classic treat everyone loves- Root Beer Floats.*

So simple and a definite childhood throwback. Let them watch as you prepare this frothy beverage.

Ingredients:
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Faygo Root Beer
Straws & Spoons

Throw some heaping scoops of ice cream into a cup, mug, glass- whatever. Pour root beer until it almost peeks over the rim of the glass. It will bubble up like mad- embrace it. 

And- you're done. Easy as pie. [but not really because it's actually waaaay easier]

Today is a bright and clear almost Autumn day- and a great day for an adventure! Take that jar filled to the brim with pennies and head toward your local tracks with the little engineers in tow. You are about to have the most fun that pennies can buy. 

Place some pennies on the tracks and wait for the train. But watch out, you don't want to get blinded by science- the pennies often propel with a velocity unimaginable until you witness it. Not the best way to teach kids about cause & effect... Keep watch from a distance or take cover and then check out the result of a monstrous train running over tiny copper pennies. So cool, the kids will want to try this regularly. 

Sometimes the conductor is driving slowly enough to wave and chat; a really memorable occurrence when it happens.

And no, placing pennies on train tracks does not derail a train.

Warnings: 
Look to see if a train is coming before approaching tracks, & don't walk on them.
Do not be surprised if you do not hear the train- don't walk on the tracks.
Most train accidents are caused by people on tracks- do not go on tracks.
If your kids are wild or do not listen- this isn't the adventure for you.