Merry Christmas from Monkeys & Mayhem! 

Today is Abraham Lincoln's Birthday. Hooray! What a stylish guy- avant garde, if you will. He was ahead of his time obviously, (the beard) + now he's oh so chic & updated, graffiti-style! He's chillin' here on a railroad tunnel. 

Once upon a time, we made the modern version of botanical easter eggs using regular dyes. Today we bring you the real deal for your egg-dyeing enjoyment.

My daughter asked my gma if we could dye eggs using her traditional onion peel and plant clipping method. So, without further ado, here is the process that will yield shiny brown eggs with a unique design.

Instructions + play-by-play pics below. Just click on Read More                ↓↓↓

We like to visit the Detroit Historical Museum once every few weeks because there is always so much to do and see. There is an evolving collection of work the museum selects for the space, and the shows are always exceptional. 

But wait- There's More! Click 'Read More' to get the full scoop...         ↓↓↓

These sweet little nests are perfect for spring, and can be filled with Easter candy that will probably be making its way into your home in obscene amounts. Toddlers and big kids can definitely help with this edible project. Drop some off at the easter open house, and keep a tray for an afternoon treat little bunnies can munch on.

But wait- There's More! Click 'Read More' to get the recipe + a play-by-play ↓↓↓

So ya wanna be hardcore? Go to Hamtramck for your paczki.

The Hamtramck paczki scene is one from which legends are born. Detroiters stand in line with their salted boots, bundled up with scarves and mittens, as television crews interview those waiting their turn to order their Polish treat. It is the heavyweight championship of the world- Hamtramck style, where only the hardcore survi- I mean- eat paczki. 

Those [two] boxes of paczki from the grocery store I paraded on instagram were only a countdown to the main event, a 'warm-up,' if you will. So this morning, everyone bundled up and we hit Hamtramck. 

But wait- There's More! Click 'Read More' to hear how it all went down...   ↓↓↓

Ta-da! The punk from Punxsutawney saw his shadow this morning. Where does that leave us? With six more weeks of Winter, of course. This should come as no surprise since March 20 is the actual first day of spring, so really- it's going to be almost seven more weeks until spring. It's the same every year. I still love Punxsutawney Phil  + his taciturn predictions. 

Santa Claus is coming to town, which means the Wayne County Lightfest is in full swing! Take a journey down Hines Drive and peer out the windows of your car as you pass by holiday-themed decorations depicting snowmen, reindeer and larger-than-life toys. The four-mile drive features over 45 scenes in a dazzling array of colors. 

This spectacular seasonal route offers children and adults a great opportunity to create a family tradition. Turn on the heat full blast, listen to some Christmas classics and create memories that will last long after the ornaments are boxed up and placed back in the attic. For some added enjoyment, celebrate at home with hot chocolate, marshmallows and a candy cane, or a batch of favorite cookies!