Michigan Made ... Just in Time for the Holidays!!


 
There is still plenty of time left to buy Michigan Made products for Christmas Gifts, Holiday get-togethers, or you can take advantage of Holiday specials to get some great Michigan products for yourself or your family.

Let's support our local businesses! As we travel Michigan and connect with these business owners, we are inspired and impressed with many of their stories and journeys. Many of the companies donate to local charities. Most offer items online, many offer products through various local retailers.

Michigan Made Health and Beauty

Integrity Pure& Natural
Westland, Mi
Specializing in nature’s skincare using natural ingredients such as Natural Oils, Essential Oils, Vitamins, and Minerals.  Integrity focuses on all-natural ingredients because our bodies are designed to better absorb what nature has to offer. Handmade products.

Bee Lovely Botanicals
Unionville, Mi
Bee Lovely Botanicals is a small family business that specializes in raw and infused honey, natural beeswax lotions and lip balms, and honey cold process soap.


Change Soap Company
Oxford, Mi
Handmade, natural, quality products, more than just soap!

David Lee Naturals
Holly, Mi
Natures Cosmetics
Specializes in handmade vegan soap, essential oils, and offers a wide variety of natural skin care products. Handmade products.

Green Daffodil
Ferndale, Mi
Handmade bath & body products, unique vintage finds, artisan wares and so much more.

Mulberry Pines
Six Lakes, Mi
All natural herbs & essential oil products made only with the highest quality ingredients. Each item is hand crafted in a cozy cabin in Six Lakes, MI

SP Fine Bath and Body
Freeport, Mi
In addition to bath and body, SP also offers products for laundry and for pets.

Soulful Earth Herbals
Lansing, Mi
Soulful Earth Herbals believes that everything comes from Mother Earth with purpose and it is our responsibility to become educated on how to use her resources without harm to the environment or ourselves.

Twisted Soap Company
LaSalle, Detroit, Mi
Vast product line with some great scents!


Michigan Made Food

Yumbitz Cookies
little bitz of yum (really), that's yumbitz. first they start with love, then they add the chocolate, sprinkle it with smiles and, then you have yum. or are they bitz? yumbitz is on mission (no, not to mars, lol). focusing on hunger, they give back $$$ to help support (hungry kids) local food banks.











Pop Daddy Popcorn
Whitmore Lake, Mi
Premium Popcorn Products popped in 100% Pure Olive Oil and Sprinkled with Sea Salt.
Try the Michigan Red Popcorn. This is a red kernel grown on a farm in Ann Arbor, Michigan - no other popcorn compares! Pop Daddy is also selling pretzels now.
Pop Daddy has many gift basket options too.

Al Dente Pasta
Whitmore Lake, Mi
734-449-8522                                                                

American Coney Island
"Detroit's Original Coney"
Family Owned and Operated since 1917
American Coney Island Kits
586-219-0995









Durhams Tracklements
Ann Arbor, Mi
Smoked Salmon, Flavored Mustards
tracklements.com
734-930-6642

Good Hart General Store
Good Hart, Mi
Chicken or Beef Potpies also gifts, clothing, and other fun Michigan items
231-526-7661  

Mackinac Straits Fish
Smoked Fish, spreads, fish sausage
$50.00 min. for online orders
906-643-7535    

Cherry Republic
Glenn Arbor, Mi
Cherry Jams, Snacks, Candies, Salsas
800 206 6949

Tom's Moms Cookies
Harbor Springs, Mi
18 handmade varieties
231-526-6606 

McClures Pickles
Relish, pickles, Bloody Mary Mix
888-784-8434

National Coney Island
Many locations in the Detroit area
Since 1965
Coney Kits
586-771-7744






Pasty Central
Calumet, Mi
Meat, Veggie, and Breakfast Pasties
Pasty frozen packages, 4 to 12 in a pack
877-727-8911

Srodek Polish and European Delicatessen
Quality Sausage, Breads, and 38 varieties of Pierogis
313-871-8080

Achatz Handmade Pies
586-749-2882

Hilltop Restaurant
L'Anse, Mi
Sweet Rolls  LARGE 6 inch high cinnamon rolls
1 roll weights a POUND
order by Sunday  shipped on Tuesdays
906 524 7858

Leelanau Cheese
Suttons Bay, Mi
Smoked fish,  cheese spreads - dill, garlic, peppercorn
231-271-2600

Pinconning Cheese & Fudge Shop
Pinconning, MI
Spreads, smoked whitefish, homemade sausage and jerky, and fudge
800-678-1962

Mid East Pastry Delight
Sterling Heights, Mi
Baklava, lady fingers, birds nests
800-643-3278

Naturally Nutty Foods
Traverse City, Mi
Fun flavors, peanut butters, vanilla almond butter, chocolate sunflower butter
231-944-3684

Jampot
Eagle Harbor, MI
Monks at Holy Transfiguration
Wild harvest berries jellies, baked goods, fruitcakes
Email: skete@societystjohn.com
906-289-4388

Foods For Thought
Honor, Mi
21 years  USDA Certified Organic
Wild harvest jams, sauces, salsas
888-935-2748

Dave's Sweet Tooth Toffee
Redford Township, Mi
Jars of toffee, 5 pack samplers

Mikes Mustards
Charlevoix, Mi
Mustard varieties - lemon dill, cherry, jalapeno
231-547-0585

Pond Hill Farm
Harbor Springs, Mi
Wine, pickles, sauces, jams
231-526-3276

Rocky Top Farm
Ellsworth, Mi
Preserves, butters, toppings
800-862-9303

Better Made Snacks
Detroit, Mi
Potato chips, pretzels,  chocolate covered items
313-925-4774

Detroit Popcorn
Since 1923
Caramel, cheese, butter
Holiday Tins
313-387-1600

Germack Trading Company
Detroit, Mi
Nuts and gift baskets
Coffee, tea, and spices
2509 Russell at Eastern Market 
313-784-9484

Grocers Daughter Chocolate
Empire, Mi
Fine Artisan Chocolate
231-326-3030

Marshalls Fudge
Mackinaw City, Mi
Fudge, peanut brittle, caramel corn
800-343-8343

Murdicks Fudge
Mackinac Island, Mi
888-553-8343

Michigan Maple Farm
Rudyard, Mi
Organic fruits infused with Maple Syrup
800-506-2753

Higher Grounds Trading
Traverse City, Mi
Sampler gift boxes
231-922-9009

Leelanau Coffee Roasting
Glen Arbor, Mi
100 varieties
Gift Boxes with local dried blueberries,  pancake mixes, cherry jams
800-424-5282

Detroit Bold Coffee
Hazel Park, Mi
Whole bean or fresh ground coffee, gift packages available
248-277-2640

Lady Jane See Co.
Hadley, Mi
Hemp seeds, proteins, energy bar mixes, pancakes mixes, gluten free

What-A-Ya Nuts?!
Orignally from St. Louis, but now a Michigan based company
All natural nut clusters

Seafoam Candy Company
Traverse City, Mi

Reilly Craft Creamery
Handcrafted ice cream and cheese
Produced locally and sustainably in Detroit

Great Lakes Potato Chips













Clara's Cookies
Raising money for children, one cookie at a time

Roasted Lentils by Simple Supple Foods

Simply Smart Living
Oak Park, Mi
Vegan - Gluten Free - Non GMO
Bars for Everyone, Including Smart Kids Bars

Tassier Sugar Bush
Cedarville, Mi
Maple syrup, maple candy, maple sugar, maple cream, Maple Brew BBQ Sauce, Grammy Shorty's Special Sauce, Maple Vinaigrette, and Cinnamon & Vanilla Infused Maple syrup.

Michigan Made Products for the Home
Nature Unrefined
Jerome, Mi
Amazing pure soy wax candles from family business, operating out of their country home.



Clean Crown 
Royal Oak, Mi
Remove your bottle caps with Clean Crown. A single patent pending design for all your bottle cap removal needs. DAMAGE FREE BOTTLE CAPS. Easy to use, great designs!








Martens Printworks
Martens printworks creates original lithographs representing well-known locations in Michigan and the Great Lakes. The prints are standard frame sizes using fine-quality paper and light-fast inks.

American Forging
Millington, Mi
American Forging makes beautiful hand hammered aluminum gift ware out of recycled cans or other recycled aluminum items.

Pink & Frillos
Gowen, Mi
Modern vintage. Pink & Frillos is modern vintage mixed with shiny new and eclectic pretty. It's a creative studio, a gathering space and an inspiring shopping destination.


Michigan Made Clothing and Jewelry

Map Lady
Lansing, Mi
Jewelry made from recycled papers. Such as maps, books. sheet music, hymnals, postage stamps etc.





Mi Rootswear
Pontiac, Mi
Rooted in Michigan … MI RootsWear was founded with the goal of helping people to show the world where their roots are, and representing all that the great state of Michigan has to offer

Jasper Shore Jewelers
Negaunee, Michigan
Unique, handmade, stone jewelry and hand polished pendants made from Great Lakes stones.

Coral Sash
South Lyons, Mi
A modern boutique with vintage charm

Binks & Babs Boutique
Brighton, Mi
If you are looking for a FUN and fashionable place to shop, Bink & Babs is for you! You'll find an array of beautiful accessories including unique jewelry, trendy hats, handbags, scarves, sunglasses and so much more.


Michigan Writers
Michael Glenn Monroe


Mike is a wildlife artist and book illustrator who owns Monroe Art Studio in Brighton, Michigan.
Michael's book are nothing short of amazing. Educational and entertaining with  outstanding graphics.  You may be familiar with M is for Mitten or The Michigan Counting Book. Michael has a new book, Millie and the Moon and two Christmas books, The Christmas Humbugs and A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree - Read by Katie Couric on The Today Show.


Also, see these blog posts for Michigan based businesses: 
http://www.themichigangirl.com/2016/06/michigan-made.html
http://www.themichigangirl.com/2015/11/made-in-michigan-just-in-time-for.html
http://kww.net/buymichigannow/guide-full.php

More to come from the mind of …

Michigan Fall, Apple Season and a Fun Fall Michigan Girl Contest

For those that live in Michigan, fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year with so many colors on the trees. In addition to color tours where people drive around and see all the fall colors, Michiganders also visit apple orchards, eat apples, apple pies, and drink apple cider.



The Michigan Apple Committee is a great source of information for those interested in Michigan Apples. Each year, the committee shares a harvest schedule along with information about the different varieties. 



In honor of fall and apple season, Michigan Girl has a Fall Contest. Submit your favorite Michigan Apple Pies. We will pick some of the top vote-getters and try those pies. If our favorite is one that you submitted, you'll be entered into a drawing for special prize.

Use this link to vote for your favorite:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8FXMWXK

More to come from the mind of ...

Meandering Michigan Series: Grand River Avenue Towns, Howell, Michigan




The third stop on the Michigan Meandering of Grand River Avenue is Howell, Michigan.  While Howell is home to the Annual Melon Festival, it is also home to a charming downtown that's great for shopping, eating, and meandering around.

Downtown Howell
Shopping
Of course, we have to highlight the Heart of Michigan Store first.  So far, in all our Meanders, this store has one of the best selection of Made in Michigan products. Products include clothing, jewelry, home décor, bath & body, books, food, treats, pet products and one of our favorites, Lake Art.

If you visit the online store, they offer lots of fun Michigan gift baskets and boxes which include famous brands like Faygo, Jiffy, Better Made, Win Scheulers Cheese, Vernors or sports themed gifts with MSU, Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and others. You can also select sets that include Michigan cutting boards with cheese and sausage, nuts, popcorns, jams, jellies, or maple syrup. You can make your own gift box too.


In addition to selling Michigan Products, the store also bakes Pasties fresh daily and sell Michigan Brews and Wines from these Michigan vineyards:  Howell's Main Street Winery, Black Star Farms, Leelanau Cellars, Chateau Grand Traverse, Burgdorf's Winery, and Tabor Hill Winery.

Encore 118 is one of our new favorite stops in Downtown Howell. Tom and Cathy Bateman are the owners and they previously owned a similar store in Holly, Michigan. In addition to paints and furniture, Encore 118 offers a variety of home décor, clothing, accessories, jewelry and soaps. Many of the products in the store are made in Michigan.  Encore 118 sells Kid Rock's Made in Detroit Brand, as well as products from Detroit Scroll, and cards by Frank and Funny, cards by stand-up comics.

Much of the furniture in the store is repurposed, found at garage sales or estate sales. We could spend all day reading and looking at the fun painted signs. They have very unique and interesting sayings. We took lots of pictures. The Bateman's also offer painting workshops in the back of the store.

The Carriage House is a long-time favorite of Michigan Girl.  If you are looking for something unique, fun, or to give as a gift and you can't figure out what to give, this is the place for you. Although I was unaware, Carriage House also offers flower arrangements and based on reviews from many brides, prices are affordable and the arrangements are beautiful.

Carriage House offers cards, recipe books, wedding gifts, candles, novelties, jewelry, home décor, and things you just don't find elsewhere.  They also sell Michigan Home products from The Home T.

Zen Artisan Boutique
The Zen Artisan Boutique sells home décor, gifts, and their own spa products. While there we purchased handmade soap and a fibromyalgia tea for family member.  Zen also sells products from Kerns Wood Works, Alphabetical Architecture, and Clayton Hill Studio Kiln Fused Glass.







 Whether you are looking for cupcakes, cannolis, cheesecakes, chocolate popcorn pizza, smores on a stick, other tasty chocolate treats or maybe chocolate shaped like a high heel stiletto, a curling iron, a baby rattle, or any other occasion, The Chocolate Boutique is the place to go.

The Roost & Company is a unique Antique & Vintage store that also sells handmade  gifts. You can find  furniture including their own custom made furniture, glassware , handmade scarfs and jewelry,  signs, and more.

Jerry, one of the co-owners, started and sells Rat Rod Art, furniture and home décor created from automotive pieces and parts. This line started when a customer asked him to make a coffee table out of an old truck tailgate. The Roost & Co. has a second store in Stockbridge, Michigan.

If you are an avid knitter, you may have heard of Stich in Time in Howell. Owner Charlene Hatfield is a certified instructor from the Yarn Council of America and has been in Howell for over 25 years. She teaches classes in knitting, tatting, needlepoint, crochet, cross-stitch, and weaving. The store offers a wide variety of quality yarns. 


Dinning
Diamonds is known for steak, seafood, and cocktails as well as an award-winning Executive Chef and award winning Bartender. Diamonds won the 2015 Livingston Daily's Top Eatery Worth the Drive award and the 2014 First Place for Taste of Livingston by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce award.

With so many awards, you'd think the prices would be outrageous, while we wouldn't say it's cheap, the prices are realistic for this type of menu. Our favorite items on the menu are Spinach Dip and the Mac N Cheese, both are hot, cheesy, creamy and very satisfying.


While dinning, be sure to look at the unique pictures on the wall, like this one from the early 1900's showing patients of Dr. Erwin.


If you are looking for an authentic Irish Pub, a relaxed place to have a drink and burger, fried fish and chips, or lobster mac n cheese, Cleary's Pub is a great choice. Every Friday and Saturday, Cleary's has live entertainment.  Also, when the weather is nice, Cleary's sets up tables out front so you can relax and enjoy downtown Howell.





Mr. B's is great place to get a salad, burger, sandwich, soup as well as beef stroganoff, braised pork shoulder, perch, salmon, or mac n cheese with add ins of pork shoulder or Maine lobster.  Like Clearly's, Mr. B's also sets up tables out front.

Unfortunately, one of our very favorite stops for dinning, the Copper Pickle, closed a few years ago. It was a deli style restaurant. One of the best things there was the homemade butter. We've been told that the owners still sell their butter at the Howell Farmers Market from time to time.

Other notable places to eat are the 2 Fogs Pub, Block Brewing Company, Hog Wild BBQ, Mexicalli Allies, and the Uptown Coffee House.

Historic Attractions

As we travel Michigan, we really enjoy seeing all the historic train depots. Howell's Train Depot Museum and Caboose are great stops with plenty of history and through restoration, are a beautiful site.  The Depot was built in 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the State of Michigan's Register.

Howell's Carnegie District Library is also a Historic Michigan Site, not to mention a beautiful building. The original architect for the library was E.E. Myers who also designed the Michigan State Capitol. He was contacted in 1902 to design the Library, and it was officially opened in 1906. The library build was funded by Andrew Carnegie. The Library was restored and expanded in 1989, the process took three years and it was re-opening in 1991. The expansion took the building from 8,000 square feet to 22,000 square feet.










Outside of Town

Even the novice antiquers will spend a good hour walking through the building making it to all the booths.  One of the most interesting and unique booths we found had women's hats, clothing and jewelry. The hats and clothing were in great shape and were being sold for very reasonable prices.

To see all of the pictures from our Meander around Howell, see the full album on the Michigan Girl Facebook Page.



More to come from the mind of ...

September in Michigan


If you are looking for something to do in Michigan this month, you are in luck. September is packed with festivals, crafts, Michigan products, and lots of other activities. See the 2016 Michigan Events on the Right Blog Sidebar for the full list of events.

Here are events for this week:
The new monthly art show in Williamston is building steam and going strong! Illustration, photography, watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, fabric and textiles, fiber arts, soaps, jewelry, hand crafted goods. Enjoy a wide range of mediums and talented artisans. Excellent emerging artists, as well as established local crafters and makers. Upstairs Keller's Plaza. Free.
Saturday, September 10 at 11 AM - 6 PM

Come out and enjoy this kid's event at the farmers market. Visit with community partners, from the YMCA, DeWitt Library, Garden Club, and DARA from 5-7pm. Don't forget to buy what is fresh and in season for all the local vendors.
Tuesday, September 6 at 5 PM
Farmer's Market
Downtown DeWitt, Michigan

Fun at Uncle John's Cider Mill Hosted by Pie Hole Pizza Truck
Food Trucks, a DJ Spinning Vinyl, Cider & Donuts, Yard Games, Hard Cider, Knocerball, Bounce Houses, Jumping Pillow, Scavenger Hunts & More! $5 to Play, 5 and Under Free.
Thursday, September 8 at 5 PM to 8 PM
Uncle John's Cider Mill
St. John's Michigan

Charlotte Frontier Days
Come to Charlotte, Michigan and experience the Wild West with the whole family!! Events include Frontier Days Rodeo, Arts & Crafts, the Frontier Days Saloon, Frontier Days Parade, Car Show, Wood Working Expo, Disc Golf Contest, Dog Show,  Cornhole Tournament and much more.
There will be souvenir booths at the Old Courthouse and Frontier Market at the fairgrounds.
September 8 to September 11
Eaton County Fairgrounds
Charlotte, Michigan

Come out have some end of summer fun! Highlights: Cruise-In, Fair Exhibits, Merchant Booths, Midway, Concessions, Quilt Show, Ball Tournaments, Demo-Car Scramble, Mud Bog and Live Entertainment "Skank: 4 decades of Rock and Roll Fri. & Sat. at the beer tent. Free parking & admission to the Fair!
Sep 8 at 5 PM to Sep 11 at 10 PM
Eagle Park, Eagle Michigan

Downtown Traverse City Art Walk
A local favorite, this exhibition of local art is a self-guided tour through Downtown Traverse City with refreshments, food and music.
September 9 at 5 PM to 9 PM
Downtown Traverse City, Traverse City, MI 49685

Shop art, local, handcrafted and vintage merchandise on the riverfront! Live music and dance too. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event takes place during the River Raisin Jazzfest.
Sep 9 at 6 PM to 10 PM
Serendipitous Village, Monroe, Michigan

Lots of great shopping. Vintage, retro, Shabby Chic, Repurposed, Antiques, Industrial, Farm Style, Mid-Century Modern, and more!
Sep 9 at 12 PM to Sep 10 at 6 PM
Fowlerville Fairgrounds
8800 W Grand River Rd, Fowlerville, MI 48836-9208

The Plymouth Fall Festival is a world-class event in beautiful downtown Plymouth that is exciting and fun for the whole family. The event is committed to providing an opportunity for non-profit community organization to fundraise and continue the great work they do!
Sep 9 at 1 PM to Sep 11 at 6 PM
Downtown Plymouth, Michigan

The 20th Annual Harvest Festival
Lemon Creek Wintery will feature live music, arts & crafts, food and clothing vendors, including the "Luxe Wagon" at their 20th Annual Harvest Festival! Admission for 21 and older is $10, and under 21 are free when accompanied by an adult.
September 10 at 12 PM to 6 PM
Lemon Creek Winery & Fruit Farm
533 E. Lemon Creek Rd
Berrien Springs, MI 49103

2016 Fall Maker's & Baker's Market
Vendors included in the Fall Market offer Beaded Ornaments & Fan Pulls, Bird Houses, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Greeting Cards & Photo Albums, Crocheted Scarves, Headbands, Purses & More, Key Rings, Canes, Creative Leaves - made with real leaves and hand painted & More, AND SO MUCH MORE!
Sep 10 at 10 AM to 5 PM and Sep 11 at 10 AM to 4 PM
St. Clair Riverview Plaza
201 N Riverside Ave
St Clair, MI 48079

Wellington Farm's Fall Fest
Join artists, craftsmen, musicians and more as they converge on Wellington Farm to celebrate the beginning of the fall season. The gates to Wellington Farm, USA open at 9:00 a.m. All of the Wellington Farm, USA historic buildings will be in operation during the two-day festival.
September 10 to September 11
6944 S. Military Road
Grayling, MI 49738

One of the vineyards biggest events of the year, celebrating all things raspberry. And of course, their raspberry wines will take the spotlight - their new vintage of Rhapsody in Red & Raspberry Dessert Wine will be released.
Saturday, September 10 at 11 AM - 7 PM

What would it be like to build a vehicle with your own hands? Now, it's your turn to find out! With the help of the Tinkrlab formerly The Mini Maker, join us on the museum's third floor and learn about Michigan's past as you work on an assembly line and build a vehicle piece by piece. Free with regular museum admission.
Saturday, September 10 at 11 AM - 3 PM
Michigan History Center, Lansing, Michigan

Heritage Day is a family fun festival highlighting the grass roots farming community of Grass Lake Michigan. Events include Arts & Crafts, Bake Sale, Kid's Games, Ice Cream Social, Historical Exhibits and Demos at the Coe House Museum and more.
Saturday, September 10 at 10 AM - 4 PM
Grass Lake, Michigan

A celebration of art, music, food, photography, sculpture, literature, craft, and community in downtown Owosso.
Saturday, September 10 at 9 AM - 4 PM
Downtown Owosso, Michigan

Michigan's finest ciders and perries will be on display and ready to for you to enjoy. Chat with the cider makers and learn why Michigan makes the best ciders!
Saturday, September 10 at 2 PM - 5 PM
Uncle John's Cider Mill, St. Johns, Michigan

On Saturday, September 10th the death-defying artists of REO Town will once again face off in an all-day live art competition! Set against a backdrop of live music, local food, and Michigan brews these brave men, women, and children will paint, draw, and build their way into the hearts and minds of spectators and our esteemed panel of judges while artisan vendors display their wares to the dazzled crowd!
Saturday, September 10 at 12 PM - 10 PM
REO Town, Lansing, Michigan

ART 634 has inspired people to use mixed media and at least 70% found or repurposed items to re-imagine unwanted junk into ART. They foraged through their backyard, garage, and basement, scrounged through the recycling bin to gather bottle caps, plastic silverware, and glass, and transformed trash into treasures that will hang in the Gallery for all to see for the month of September.
Sunday, September 11 at 12 PM - 4 PM

Fall finders keepers vintage market features local artists and small shops. Everything including farmhouse finds, shabby chic, rusty treasures, Jewelry, fresh flowers, delicious foods, upscale homemade items, vintage, trendy & redesigned clothing, industrial and boho inspired goodies! One of a kind everything! SO MUCH talent in one place for you all to shop and enjoy! Free Admission.
Sunday, September 11 at 10 AM - 5 PM
Woodhaven Community Center,
23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven, Michigan 48183


More to come from the mind of  ...