Happy Thursday!

This week went by incredibly fast, didn’t it? Maybe it’s because my week was so busy with Zhen’s birthday on Monday and then Halloween on Tuesday.

I feel like we’ve been busy with family stuff and work (me) all week long. Plus, Travis had a job interview yesterday (yay!) so we’re anxiously waiting, hoping, and praying for good news.

Zhen turned 5 on Monday!

I can’t believe it’s November, though. I mean, where did the time go? And why do I feel like I’m always asking that question? LOL Between keeping up with my kiddos reaching their own life milestones (the baby is 11 weeks old now– What?! and Zhen turning 5, and so on), and then trying to keep up with the days.

6 things that made me smile
Loving these Fall days! Cell phone pic I snapped while in Ann Arbor today.

Whew! I don’t know about, you guys, but I’m worn out! Is it the weekend yet?

But despite the busy week and a very bad day I had on Monday (that’s a whole other story), I still took the time to find 6 things that made me smile this week.

Here they are…

1. Zephaniah looking cute in his new sleep sacks.

So now that Fall weather is officially here in Michigan, it has been really chilly in the upstairs of our home. This means I have to find a way to keep Zephaniah warm. Of course, using bulky blankets are completely out of the question because he’s too little. It’s just not safe.

So I pulled out his brother’s old sleep sacks and they work perfectly. I also bought two new ones the other day because (1) they were super cute and (2) he needs them.

You can get a baby sleep bag here at Target for $8.99 and this cute giraffe one at Macy’s for $15.99 (affiliate link at no extra cost to you; just a little help to keep the blog going).

 

2. The Detroit Christmas tree has arrived at Campus Martius!

The holiday season is in full gear now! The other day I was on Facebook and got an alert that the news station WXYZ was live. They were filming the Detroit Christmas tree being set up at Campus Martius. SO exciting! I didn’t get to attend last year’s tree lighting ceremony. I am REALLY hoping we get to go this year.

The tree lighting will be on November 17th from 5 p.m. to midnight at Campus Martius. If you’ll be in the Detroit area, are you planning on going? 

Here’s a picture I snapped of last year’s tree.

The beautiful Christmas tree from last year (Detroit).

3. There’s a new Lion King coming out and it features some big-name stars, including Beyonce!

Did you hear about Disney’s new live-action film of The Lion King? Beyonce will play the role of Nala, Simba’s love interest. James Earl Jones will also reprise his 1994 Mufasa role in the film.

I’m so glad Jones will play Mufasa again. I just feel like with that deep voice of his there is no other actor who can top James Earl Jones, ya know?

Here’s the cast of Disney’s reboot of The Lion King, premiering 2019.

The Lion King
Photo courtesy @Disney official Twitter

4. #DonateMyPlate sponsored by Virgin Mobile

I love hearing stories of businesses giving back to those in need. With everything that has been going on in the U.S. lately, it’s very uplifting to hear some good news for a change. Don’t you agree?

Virgin Mobile USA is helping fight hunger by donating the monetary value of one meal to Feeding America for everyone who posts a photo of their food on Twitter or Instagram. All you have to do is use the hashtag #DonateMyPlate.

 

#DonateMyPlate | Photo courtesy Virgin Mobile USA

Additionally, Virgin Mobile donates 10 meals to Feeding America for every person who joins the wireless carrier’s Inner Circle plan. Here’s the link about #DonateMyPlate if you’d like more info: https://www.virginmobileusa.com/why-virgin-mobile/giving-back.

A Virgin Mobile rep told me there are “approximately 6 million (5,993,379) #foodgram posts on Instagram. Imagine how many meals would be given to hungry people if just some of those posts included #DonateMyPlate?”

That’s a very good point! We can help those in need by just using the #DonateMyPlate hashtag. I hope you’ll join me.

 

5. Selena Day is Friday, November 3rd.

The Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla, will be posthumously honored tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 3) at 6:30 p.m. with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I remember listening to Selena’s music when I was a teen. My sister and I LOVED her music. My favorite song of her’s is “Dreaming of You”. Do you remember that song? It’s so beautiful.

 

Remember when JLo starred in the Selena movie? I still love that movie! 

Selena starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos (You can get it at Target for $4.99.)

It broke my heart when Selena was killed. Such a tragedy. I just remember seeing it on the news and thinking, “Why would someone hurt Selena?” It makes me smile to know Selena will be honored with a star tomorrow.

“Before there was JLo, Shakira or Beyoncé… there was a transformative female artist called…. Selena,” stated Otto Padron, President of Meruelo Media and the official sponsor of the tribute, “Selena is one of the most influential music icons of the 20th century;” continued Padron, “her music, style and smile are timeless and now her star will grace our city forever.”

Eva Longoria will join Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to proclaim November 3, as the official “Selena” Day in the City of Los Angeles. While the Hollywood Chamber President/CO and Walk of Fame emcee Leron Gubler and Selena’s family will unveil her star in front of the Capitol Records building (1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, CA).

I wish I could be there.

Selena Quintanilla
HOLLYWOOD TO HONOR SELENA QUINTANILLA WITH WALK OF FAME STAR NOVEMBER 3, 2017 (PRNewsfoto/Meruelo Media)

6. Meeting and interviewing Victoria’s Secret model Zuri Tibby.

I received an invite to meet Zuri Tibby, one of Victoria’s Secret’s models. Zuri is the first African American spokesmodel for Victoria’s Secret PINK collection. Zuri was at The M Den in Ann Arbor to celebrate the new launch of their University of Michigan PINK gear. And it’s SO cute! I love it!

Here’s a photo of Michala and me with Zuri at The M Den.

Zuri Tibby
So exciting to meet VS model Zuri Tibby!

I had to bring Michala (15) along with me because duh, Mom. She loves fashion and modeling. Plus, Zuri is a little closer in age to my daughter so I knew it would be a very inspiring event for Michala. I was right, too! Michala was VERY excited to meet Zuri and even asked her about how she became a model.

I can’t wait to share my Zuri Tibby interview with you guys! Keep an eye out for that.

 

Hope you have a great weekend! I’ll be back tomorrow with two more blog posts so check back Friday. 

xoxo Jennifer

 

What made you smile this week? 

 

Also, check out: These Bartenders Know How to Make the Best Tequila Cocktails in Detroit and MO POP Interview Exclusive.

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].