Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup—New Year's Eve Edition

New Year’s Eve is upon us in Detroit and everyone is getting ready to countdown to 2012. It’s that time when we look back at the best and worst of the previous year while setting goals for the next twelve months.

I’d like to dream about what might happen in 2012 but you never know where life is going to take you. I could have never—in a million years—imagined the path that 2011 has led me down.

For now, I’ll say that we have plans to FINALLY get back to England for a vacation. It’s been over three years since we’ve seen our friends and family across the pond. Beyond that, I’ll set my goals and work as hard as ever but who knows where this crazy train that we call life might take us.

So, back to the task at hand. There are tons of fantastic events going on in Detroit this weekend. Get out and ring in the New Year, Detroit-style!

Weekend Roundup

1. 2011 Great Lakes Invitational - Get your skates on mate, it's time for college hockey in the D! Be sure to check out the "Science of Hockey" event by Michigan Tech where you can walk on water and measure the speed of your slap-shot. December 29—30.

2. Mittenfest VI - Are you ready for some music? Head to Ypsilanti to see 60 bands over 5 days while raising money for 826michigan. December 28—January 1.

3. Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted Animation Festival - Yep, it's time for some adult animation. This festival is where Beavis and Butthead and South Park were born. Not for the easily offended! December 28th & Deceber 30th.

4. Friday Night Live! at the DIA - Closing out the 2011 events is Planet D Nonet performing a Sun Ra tribute. Deceber 30th.

5. New Year's Eve Lock-In - Take the kids to Modern Skate & Surf and let them spend the night! Skaters 16 and under will enjoy pizza, contests and all night skating. December 31.

6. Motor City Funk Night NYE - Usher in the new year with three floors of funk led by Will Sessions and the Nick Speed Orchestra. December 31.

7. New Year's Allstar Showdown - Laugh your way to midnight at Ferndale's Go Comedy! Two shows plus an after party. December 31st.

8. Motor City New Year's Eve: The Drop - Detroit's own version of the ball drop is now in its second year. The Compuware atrium and Campus Martius will countdown Detroit style. December 31.

Bonus: The Detroit Historical Museum is free through December 31st.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Photo credit: steveburt1947

A different kind of Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Every week in this space I bring you fabulous things to do in Detroit. From family-friendly events to delight the kids to hipster rendezvous to the newest exhibits at our fine Detroit cultural institutions, you can always find something in the Weekend Roundup.

Today, for the first time since the summer of 2009, I’m going to break that tradition. Partly because the days on which the holiday falls. And partly because, sometimes, you need to step back and take a simpler approach.

For those reasons, I give you 5 things to do this weekend that you can do anywhere. These are things that you can—and should—do at anytime of the year but they are especially relevant around the holidays.

Weekend Roundup

1. Talk to your old people – Whether it’s your parents, grandparents or Great Aunt Betty, they won’t always be here. Spend time with them now and really get to know them. I’m betting they have amazing stories.

2. Play with your pets – It doesn’t matter how horrible your day is—take 5, 10 or 15 minutes and focus on your furball—you’ll be smiling and will have forgotten your worries before long.

3. Kiss your significant other like it was the first time – We take each other for granted way too often. Remember when you first met and the magic of that first kiss? Capture it again!

4. Take a walk in your neighborhood and really look around – We live in these places but sometimes fail to connect with our surroundings and our neighbors. Did you notice the simple—but beautiful—wreath that is hanging on the door of the house next to yours?

5. Do a good deed – There are so many to pick from here. Don’t let that unruly relative get under your skin, pay it forward, clean up an area or donate to your favorite charity. Better yet, volunteer.

So, that’s what I’m suggesting that you do this weekend. What would you add to the list?

I also like My One Holiday Wish For You from my friend Nikki Little—go read it.

Happy holidays from Detroit Moxie,

Becks

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

I don't have a lot to say today. But...

It's 56 degrees outside on December 15th in Detroit! Word.

Weekend Roundup

1. It's a Wonderful Life - Catch this holiday classic on the big screen complete with an organ performance, classic cartoon Tom & Jerry in "The Night Before Christmas", and Santa! December 16—17.

2. Snow Queen - The kids will love this original production of the fairy tale from the masters of puppetry at PuppetART. December 17th.

3. Epiphany Glass Studios Open House - Observe glass blowing at this Pontiac studio and pick up some original Christmas gifts. Glass pieces available in all price ranges as well as paintings, photos and sculptures. December 17th.

4. Christmas Open House & German Christmas Market - A great opportunity to check out the gorgeous architecture of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church and shop for last minute gifts. December 17th.

5. Santarchy! - What says Christmas more than a pub crawl with a bunch of Santa's? Don your Santa hat and jump on the bus. December 17th.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

It’s just a few weeks before Christmas and we’ve already had our first snowfall here in Detroit. I still haven’t really started my holiday shopping and I’m convinced the Christmas stockings that I bought when we moved here three years ago will never be found. So, the stockings will NOT be hung by the chimney with care.

But… I’m starting to get in the holiday spirit and am longing for my first eggnog of the season.

Weekend Roundup

1. 2nd Annual Detroit Holiday Food Bazaar (Facebook link) - A pop-up marketplace featuring a variety of local food vendors including Detroit Institute of Bagels, Simply Suzanne granola, Corridor Sausage Co. and many more. December 9th.

2. D.I.Ypsi - Indie arts and crafts in the Depot Town district of Ypsilanti. Plus food, craft beer and cocktails. December 10—11.

3. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village - Step back in time to a Christmas of the past complete with costumed villagers, a horse-drawn wagon and Model T rides. December 9—10, 16—23, 26—27.

4. Rock and Rummage: The Holiday Shopping Show - Head to The Painted Lady Lounge in Hamtramck for a unique holiday shopping event featuring vintage goods, records, collectables and more. December 9—10.

5. Ford Free Sundays at the DIA - Get your art on at the Detroit Institute of Arts and be sure to check out the Detroit Revealed photograph exhibit. December 11th.

Bonus: Russell Industrial Center Holiday Open House

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Photo credit.

Detroit Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Detroit Moxie is thrilled to share our 2011 Detroit Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts or Secret Santa presents, we have you covered.

I love all things Detroit and Michigan and like to shop locally whenever possible and this guide reflects that. Yep, I’d be pretty happy to find any of these gifts wrapped under my tree. (Hint, hint.)

Of course, I think your loved ones would look fabulous in a Detroit Moxie t-shirt. I know, shameless plug. It just so happens that all the t-shirts in the shop are on sale, just in time for Christmas. Just $15!

Get out there and happy holiday shopping!

                               

Detroit Typography Tee from Bohomodern ~ Made to order Detroit destination poster from Etsy ~ Square Detroit Map Lamp from City Bird.

                               

Detroit snow globe from the Detroit Historical Society ~ Hidden History of Detroit by The Night Train blogger Amy Elliott Bragg ~ Spirit of Detroit decal from 3 and a Third.

                                 

Show them where you're from with Michigan Mittens ~ Detroit Mitten Board from Pure Detroit ~ Keep your drinks cold with Michigan Ice Cube Trays.

                                

Mini Messenger Seatbelt Bag from Pure Detroit ~ How Do You Do by Mayer Hawthorne ~ Detroit City Bicycle Club T-Shirt.

                               

 Detroit Tigers beanie hat is perfect for the littlest fans ~ Brewed in Detroit, the Atwater Holiday Party pack is perfect for parties ~ Mittens made with smart phones in mind from Mittenberry.