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Best Mother’s Day Gifts on Amazon: 18 Thoughtful Ideas for Every Mom

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like most of us in Metro Detroit, you want to find a gift that goes beyond the usual flowers and card. Something that’s meaningful, practical, maybe even a little unexpected—but most importantly, something she’ll actually use and love. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, stepmom, grandma, or the mother figure who’s always had your back, we’ve pulled together a curated list of the best Mother’s Day gifts on Amazon for 2025. From sentimental keepsakes and pampering spa sets to tech she didn’t know she needed, these thoughtful ideas blend heart and function—and they all ship fast. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Mother’s Day gifts that will make her smile, relax, and feel deeply…

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Ferndale, Redford Union, and Southgate School Bond Proposals Approved: What’s Next for Local Schools?

It’s official: Voters in Ferndale, Redford Union, and Southgate have overwhelmingly approved school bond measures aimed at transforming their local schools. In a special election held on May 6, residents cast ballots to invest in updated classrooms, safer facilities, and brighter futures for students – all while keeping property tax rates largely in check. The result? Three Metro Detroit communities are now gearing up for major school improvements that promise to benefit families, students, and even local homeowners.

Strong Support at the Ballot Box: In an era when not all school funding proposals succeed, these three districts saw clear victories. Ferndale’s $114.8 million bond sailed through with about 70% voter approval, a landslide show of support.…

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Top Features Buyers Seek in Oakland Township

Selling a home in Oakland Township, Michigan is a promising venture – especially with the area’s robust housing market in 2024–2025. Whether you own a spacious single-family house on a wooded lot, a low-maintenance condo, or a luxury estate tucked into the countryside, it pays to know what today’s buyers want. Oakland Township offers a blend of rural charm and upscale living that attracts discerning buyers. In this article, we’ll look at the latest market data (pricing, inventory, demand) and the top home features driving buyer decisions in Oakland Township. Drawing from The Perna Team’s experience with recent buyers and open houses, we’ll also share tips for sellers on how to highlight or improve these in-demand features before listing. Let’s dive in so…

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Charming Small Towns in Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas

**Updated September 10, 2025

Michigan is brimming with charming small towns that offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, local culture, and friendly vibes. From the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula to the beachy havens of the Lower Peninsula, these pint-sized destinations prove you don’t need a big city for a big experience. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways in Michigan or an epic road trip, our guide now covers 26 of the best small towns in Michigan, 11 in the Upper Peninsula and 15 in the Lower Peninsula , that capture pure Michigan charm. Each town has its own unique attractions: think waterfall hikes, historic downtowns, cozy festivals, and maybe even a pasty or some fudge. So grab a cup of coffee (or a craft beer) and let’s explore…

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Chasing the American Dream in Metro Detroit’s 2025 Housing Market

In recent years, Metro Detroit’s housing market has transformed into a completely different beast. Just ask the Johnson family of Livonia: after months of house-hunting, they found their “perfect” starter home – only to be outbid by an all-cash offer from an out-of-state investor. Over in Detroit’s North End, Angela Williams, a single mother, finally achieved homeownership after years of renting, thanks to a special assistance program. Meanwhile, renters like the Wallace family in Royal Oak watch their monthly payment climb with each lease renewal, wondering if they’ll ever save enough to buy. These real-world stories underscore a larger reality across Southeast Michigan. The Metro Detroit housing market in 2025 is defined by surging prices, fierce…

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Rocket's $9.4B Purchase of Mr. Cooper: What It Means for Mortgage Borrowers

Rocket Companies – the Detroit-based fintech best known for Rocket Mortgage – recently announced a blockbuster deal to acquire Dallas-based Mr. Cooper Group for $9.4 billion in an all-stock transaction. This merger will unite Rocket, America’s largest mortgage originator, with Mr. Cooper, the nation’s largest home loan servicer. In practical terms, the combined company would be responsible for roughly one in every six U.S. home loans. For everyday mortgage borrowers, especially here in Metro Detroit, this “mega-deal” raises big questions: How might it affect my home loan, the local housing market, and the experience of buying or refinancing a home? Let’s break down the details in a neighborly, easy-to-digest way.

A Mortgage Mega-Deal Shakes Up the…

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$4.3M Slashed from Michigan Food Banks: What’s Next for Families Facing Food Insecurity?

On a chilly morning in Detroit, volunteers sort onions and load cars with groceries at a local church’s food pantry. For years, weekly food distribution events like this have been a lifeline for hundreds of Michigan families. From Detroit’s east side to rural Kent County, neighbors line up before dawn to fill their trunks with staple foods – canned goods, milk, eggs, produce – that help them make it through the week. Lately, those lifelines have been stretched even thinner than usual. Why? Because a massive federal food assistance in Michigan just got an unwelcome surprise: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suddenly canceled $4.3 million worth of food deliveries to Michigan’s food banks. This isn’t just a bureaucratic blip – it translates to more…

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Troy Home Values: What Sellers Should Know

Selling your home in Troy, Michigan can be a lucrative opportunity – especially given Troy’s strong housing market in 2024–2025. Whether you own a sleek condo near Somerset, a classic mid-century ranch in a quiet subdivision, or a luxury estate in one of Troy’s upscale neighborhoods, the goal is the same: get the best price for your property. This comprehensive guide will walk you through Troy home values and current market trends, including recent data on median prices, days on market, inventory, and buyer demand. You’ll learn how these trends impact what you can expect to earn from your sale and get practical tips for interpreting your home’s potential value. We’ll also highlight The Perna Team’s local expertise in Troy – including our sales track…

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Bavarian Inn Opens Michigan’s Largest Indoor Waterpark in Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, MI – Michigan’s own “Little Bavaria” just got a lot more exciting for families. The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth has officially opened Bavarian Blast, a massive indoor waterpark expansion that now holds the title of the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan. This $80+ million project has transformed the beloved Bavarian Inn into an all-seasons splash paradise, blending Bavarian-themed charm with modern aquatic thrills. Metro Detroit families and Michigan locals have a new reason to plan a waterpark weekend getaway – and they won’t even need to leave the state for a world-class experience.

Bavarian Blast, Facebook

Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark Arrives in Little Bavaria

Frankenmuth has long been a favorite Michigan family fun…

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Metro Detroit Mother's Day Brunch Guide

**Updated May 06, 2025

Looking for the best places to celebrate Mother’s Day in Metro Detroit? Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the area, Southeast Michigan is brimming with unforgettable ways to treat Mom. From elegant Mother’s Day brunch spots in Birmingham and Troy to riverfront dining in downtown Detroit, this guide highlights some of the top brunches and special dining events happening across Metro Detroit. Think multi-course meals, champagne toasts, themed events, and even brunch cruises—all designed to help you make this Mother’s Day one to remember. Get ready to explore the ultimate list of Mother’s Day dining options throughout Metro Detroit.

Oakland County
Wayne County
Macomb County
Washtenaw County
Livingston County
SAginaw County
…

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