Welcome Mat: Stock up on books at annual Bookstock
Bookstock returns April 7-14
Help Metro Detroit’s largest used book and media sale celebrate 20 years of “supporting the need to read” at Livonia’s Laurel Park Place from April 7-14. Want first dibs from the thousands of choices? A pre-sale with a $25 admission will open April 7 at 8:15 a.m. (through 11 a.m.) with a performance by the Ukaladies and the Bookstock parade of volunteers. This year, Bookstock offers more than ever before, with nearly 400,000 gently used books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, and vinyl for sale at cut-rate prices. The sale will continue through April 14, running Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. New merchandise is added to the floor daily. Since its inception, Bookstock has distributed more than $3 million to literacy and education projects throughout the city of Detroit and Oakland and Wayne counties and beyond. Shoppers are invited to bring a Bookstock bag from a previous year to the sale Monday-Friday and receive 20 % off their entire purchase. Go to bookstockmi.org.
Spring warehouse sale at Judy Frankel Antiques
Everything old is new again! If you need a few “new” items for your home, Judy Frankel Antiques makes it easy during their Spring Warehouse Sale, scheduled April 11-13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. During the sale, you’ll find 30% to 75% off everything as well as warehouse specials on furniture, lighting, mirrors, pottery and glass. Among the tempting selections are European, Asian and African antiques, mid-century modern and more. Judy Frankel is at 1748 Northwood Drive in Troy; visit judyfrankelantiques.com.
Spring Fling Handmade Market is back
Ranked in the top 100 best art and handmade shows in the country, Handcrafters' highly anticipated Spring Fling Handmade Market returns to Livonia’s Embassy Suites April 19-20 to kick off the 45th Handcrafters show season. More than 75 vendors will offer handmade gifts, seasonal decor, jewelry, clothing and gourmet food, and there will also be a Friday night Sip & Shop, an on-site cafe, Mimosa & Bloody Mary Mornings, and more. Pick up something special for Mother’s Day or just enjoy time with family and friends and celebrate the season. “We were doing handmade well before its recent renaissance and are thrilled to see droves of people finding joy in supporting a small business’s dreams and giving heartfelt handmade gifts,” says show director Danielle Golinski in a press release. Admission for adults is $4 and is good for both days. Kids 12 and younger get in free. Hours are Fri. 9 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. -4 p.m.. Embassy Suites is at 19525 Victor Parkway. Visit hcshows.com.
New season of 'Farmhouse Fixer' on HGTV
History buffs won’t want to miss the April 23 premiere of a new season of "Farmhouse Fixer" on HGTV. Restoration expert Jonathan Knight will continue his mission to save more centuries-old New England farmhouses in a new eight-episode season premiering that night at 9. The series, which attracted more than 15 million viewers to its previous season, will follow Jon, best known as a member of the band New Kids on the Block, and his go-to designer Kristina Crestin, as they take on a slew of risky renovations. In the season opener, Jon and Kristina will return to the storied John Proctor house, infamous for its relation to the Salem Witch Trials, after working with the current homeowners to remodel the primary suite. Other new episodes will include a lighthouse keeper’s home on a remote island, a former clam shack and a handful of 200- to 300-year-old farmhouses needing era period–appropriate remodels. “An old New England farmhouse is a way of life,” said Kristina in a press release. “And they deserve to be saved,” adds Jon. Visit HGTV.com
Design Within Reach features stylish pet products
Mette Hay and her friend Barbara Maj Husted Werner, owner of Holly Golightly, were on one of their routine dog walks in the woods north of Copenhagen when they had an idea for a collaboration that would revitalize and elevate typical pet products. Hay Dogs, the brand’s first collection of pet accessories, offers cheerful color palettes and whimsy along with the excellent quality Hay customers are used to. Designed in collaboration with fashion and interiors boutique Holly Golightly, the recently launched collection is available exclusively through Design Within Reach and includes a dog bed, stoneware dog bowls, a stylish dog collar, a braided dog leash and more. Visit dwr.com.