Welcome Mat: Cottage & Lakefront Living Show is Feb. 22-25

Cottage & Lakefront Living Show Feb. 22 - 25

Summer may still be a way off, but you can dream and plan at the 17th annual Cottage & Lakefront Living Show from Feb. 22 through Feb. 25 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Demonstrations, information and educational materials celebrate the cottage lifestyle, whether attendees are looking to buy, build or maintain vacation or lakefront property. Wander among displays by builders, contractors, boats, docks, decks, seawalls, landscaping, indoor and outdoor furniture, recreational equipment and water toys or check out the full-sizepickleball court and ogle nautical antiques refurbished from ships around the world. Enjoy the massive sandbox known as the Beach, Michigan artists and Michigan-themed merchandise and vote in the Water & Woods Photo Contest. The Suburban Collection Showplace is at 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi; tickets ($12; $5 for children 6-14). Visit novicottageshow.com.

Belle Isle Birding Expo this weekend

Enjoy getting outdoors after a long Michigan winter and learn all about birding at the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center on beautiful Belle Isle on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. “Birding is a wonderful way to connect with our natural resources,” according to a press release. “As an island of green surrounded by the Detroit River, Belle Isle is a fantastic spot for birding any time of year.”  Exhibitors from various local organizations will be ready to help you get started with this healthy and fun hobby. Topics include bird identification and behavior, local field trip opportunities, how to feed birds in your yard and more. Seniors can register and get in an hour early. The event is included with Outdoor Adventure Center admission.  Visit https://www.michigan.gov/oac.

New book features celebrates cats and where they live

Feline fans and design lovers alike will purr over "House Cat: Inspirational Interiors & the Elegant Felines Who Call Them Home" (Thames & Hudson), a recently published book of enviable abodes and the mischievous cats who live there. Photographed by Paul Barbera, locations include a 91-story-high penthouse above Billionaires’ Row in New York City, a tranquil Miami Beach apartment, a Hamptons house replete with views of nature, and a Mexican hacienda-inspired home in Los Angeles. From Grace Coddington's cosmopolitan Chelsea apartment to Bunny Williams' farmhouse, the book showcases felines who are divas, devoted friends, homebodies or intrepid explorers. The incredible spaces they call home include inspiration for decor and for sharing spaces with beloved companions.  Visit thamesandhudsonusa.com. 

Romantic ideas from Detroit’s City Bird and Nest

Valentine’s Day is next week. If you’re scrambling for ideas for something besides the usual dozen red roses, consider suggestions from Midtown’s City Bird and sister store, Nest. They have a carefully curated line that will have you covered with a wide range of romantic ideas, from a lavender bath tea set and lavender milk chocolate to a long-lasting Detroit rose candle or an enamel heart necklace. If you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, why not consider a “Hamtramck is for Lovers” or an “I Got Lucky in Detroit,” T-shirt. From jewelry, books, candles, apothecary to chocolate and barware, there’s something for everyone.  City Bird and Nest are at 460 W. Canfield; Visit citybirddetroit.com and nestdetroit.com.

'Renovation Aloha' premieres Feb. 20

What’s better than a home renovation show for whiling away the dog days of winter? One set on the island of Oahu!  Join married home renovators Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama as they transform the most dilapidated properties on the island into beautiful family homes in the new HGTV series "Renovation Aloha."  Premiering at 9 p.m. Feb. 20, the eight-episode season will follow the couple, who were born and raised on the island, as they tackle substantial renos in one of the most expensive states in the country and rely on a helping hand from their large family, which includes 87 first cousins, many of whom are in the construction industry. Visit hgtv.com.