pop culture princess | mostefinitely

November 10, 2021November 10, 2021

New Trend: Forever bracelets at Elaine B Jewelry

Friendship bracelets have come a long way since childhood. Instead of the summer camp classics, the newest trend of the last few years is the forever bracelet, a delicate and glam version that shares the same sentiment of connection.

Forever bracelet bars are popping up across the country, with jewelers offering customers the opportunity to choose from a variety of chain styles and add-on charms to create their own special statement. Instead of using a clasp, the chain is welded onto the wearer. Hence the “forever” part, although of course they’re not exactly permanent.

For a couple of months, my friends Linda and Ellen talked about getting the bracelets together. Ellen learned about forever bracelets from posts on Instagram, where popular shops like Catbird in NYC have been on top of the trend for the last few years. Still, a quick trip to New York isn’t very feasible, even in non-COVID times.

Some weeks later, Ellen found Elaine B Jewelry in Ferndale, which appears to be the only jeweler in the state so far that is offering the forever bracelet experience. They also offer anklets! We made plans for a Saturday afternoon to get bracelets, lunch, and of course a stop by Detroit Cookie Co. for treats.

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021

The story of how we met

My favorite movie of all time is “When Harry Met Sally…”

To me, it’s the perfect movie. It’s sweet, hilarious, romantic, and timeless (despite the fantastic 80s fashions). There’s also a brief mention of Michigan State, which only adds to its perfection.

I often associate “When Harry Met Sally…” with the beginning of my relationship with my husband, Zack, because we watched it together on the day we officially started dating. It always reminds me of that exciting and fun time whenever we watch it.

Some of the best parts of the movie are the documentary-style vignettes of couples describing how they met each other. Their stories are based on real-life couples, although they are portrayed by actors in the movie.

Sometimes I imagine us telling the story of how we met on camera sort of like those couples, because it’s such a far-fetched, improbable, one in a billion kind of tale that it feels unreal. I’ve shared the story with friends, family, and even the MSU Alumni Association at Valentine’s Day.

Most people assume, correctly, that we met at Michigan State. But there’s so much more to the story.

We met thanks to iTunes. And we met in person on May 6, 2004. Seventeen years ago today.

So here’s the story of when Zack met Stefanie.

October 28, 2020October 28, 2020

DIY: Branch from “Trolls” Halloween costume

I’ve always loved, loved, loved Halloween, especially planning out my costumes and every detail surrounding the day(s) of celebrating. It’s partly why some friends affectionately refer to me as the Mayor from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” That enthusiasm must be genetic, because our girls are just as into figuring out their Halloween costumes, even going as far as saying “for nextyear I want to be…” when the current Halloween hasn’t even happened yet.

It’s been beyond a strange, scary, and disappointing year with COVID, so I was game for doing WHATEVER our girls wanted to do in terms of their costumes. Even though I’ve had a blast making costumes for my girls in the past (especially Stella’s Dani from “Hocus Pocus” costume and Tamatoa from “Moana”), I’ve succumbed to the fact that sometimes, picking out a complete costume at the store is more exciting for them and easier for me.

Stella wanted to be Mal from Descendants this year, and considering she won’t be able to celebrate Halloween in her classroom with all of her friends this year or go trick-or-treating, I was fine with getting her the coolest Mal ensemble from the Disney store online.

Margot decided she wanted to be Branch from “Trolls,” but when we looked at the costumes at Target, I knew I could do a DIY version that would be brighter and a lot more fun than the costume they had. So began my quest to create the Branch of her dreams!

February 14, 2020

Interview: Life on the road with Anne Brummel of “My Fair Lady”

Wharton Center for the Performing Arts is continuing its 2019-20 Broadway season later this month with one of the most beloved musicals in history. The Lincoln Center Theater production of “My Fair Lady” is making its way to Wharton Center February 26th-March 1st.

I had the opportunity to interview Anne Brummel, who is currently performing in the Ensemble and as the understudy for Mrs. Pearce. Brummel is touring the country with her young son Harlen and husband Michael Williams, who is also a part of the “My Fair Lady” cast. I spoke with her about working and traveling with family, always being prepared as an understudy, and why “My Fair Lady” is an enduring favorite.

November 18, 2019

Interview: Kaena Kekoa is experiencing a whole new world on tour with “Aladdin”

More than two decades after audiences fell in love with the Disney animated film “Aladdin,” the story continues to enchant all generations as a Broadway musical. Wharton Center in East Lansing will make way for the national tour of “Aladdin,” arriving December 4 and running through December 15. Click here for show and ticket information.

Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kaena Kekoa stars in her first national tour as Princess Jasmine. While her character is still the strong and independent woman we remember and love from the 1992 animated film, Kekoa is proud to say that the stage version has even more oomph to her.

I spoke with Kekoa about her experience leaving Hawaii for “Aladdin,” her favorite moment in the show, and what it’s like seeing a whole new world on the road.

October 26, 2019

Easy and fun Halloween couples costume: Robert Palmer and Robert Palmer girl

When it comes to Halloween costumes, I love taking ideas from popular culture. Favorite movies, TV shows, and music artists are all great sources of inspiration. It’s so much fun to come up with ideas that can’t always be found at the store and aren’t overdone.

One of the ideas I’ve been keeping in my back pocket is recreating the iconic “Addicted to Love” video with Robert Palmer and his band of models. It truly doesn’t take much in the way of costume elements, and it’s instantly recognizable… at least to most people of the MTV music video era.

Friday night gave us the perfect opportunity to finally make this idea come to life: an 80s-themed Halloween party at East Lansing’s Fieldhouse featuring 80s cover band Triple Lindy.

We had a complete blast dancing the night away, and we won the costume contest!

Here’s how to easily put this costume together.

September 3, 2019

Interview: Chatting with Julie Johnson of “Come From Away”

The 2019-20 Broadway season at Wharton Center kicks off this month with the arrival of “Come From Away,” the Tony-nominated musical based on true events surrounding 9/11 and the days that followed. The national tour’s East Lansing stop runs from September 10-15, 2019, making it an especially poignant time of reflection for the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“Come From Away” tells the true story of 7,000 passengers stranded in a small town in Newfoundland and the local residents who helped feed, house, and support them in the confusing and chaotic aftermath of 9/11.

Julie Johnson stars as Beulah and other characters in the touring company of “Come From Away.” Johnson isn’t a stranger to the Wharton Center: she also starred as Mama in the first national tour of “Memphis,” which stopped in East Lansing during the 2011-12 season.

I spoke with her about the humanity in “Come From Away,” her connection with the cast, and her unexpected voice role in the 1990s and 2000s.

January 19, 2019January 19, 2019

Margot’s Frozen birthday party

It’s safe to say that our daughter Margot is OBSESSED with “Frozen.” I have watched the original movie, plus the “Frozen Fever” short and “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” special, more times that I care to admit. There are always requests from the back seat for “Anna song!!” As we approached Margot’s second birthday, it made sense to have “Frozen” be the theme.

That thought was further set in stone when I saw a post on Facebook a few months ago about a company called Princesses by Bianca. Looking at the photos and learning about the company, I thought that having Anna and Elsa at Margot’s party would be the perfect entertainment for Margot and her little friends. Who doesn’t love meeting Disney characters? We knew Margot would go nuts when she saw them, but it was also fun imagining how all of her friends would enjoy it, too.

With Margot’s birthday falling on a holiday, it has made sense to have her birthday parties a week or two later to give us time to prepare and have more people in town. Wouldn’t you know it that after a month of no snow, Margot’s birthday party day would also be the first big snow storm of the year?

We joked that it was our fault for inviting Elsa and Anna to Okemos for the day. But despite the worries about the roads and the layers of salt in our foyer, it ended up being the perfect backdrop for a pretty magical afternoon.

October 30, 2018October 30, 2018

DIY: “Hocus Pocus” Dani Dennison Halloween costume

For the last several months, our daughter Stella had insisted that she was going to be Sarah Sanderson from “Hocus Pocus” for Halloween. I swear she started talking about it as early as last Halloween. We even talked about the possibility of me dressing up as Winifred and Margot as Mary.

But then she started talking about being excited to wear a witch’s hat, and I had to break it to her that the Sanderson sisters don’t wear hats. I suggested that she dress up as Thora Birch’s character, Dani Dennison, instead.

She could wear the witch’s hat and be nice and warm in all of the outfit layers. Plus, it was a DIY dream. She was sold, and thus began the adventure in costume-making.

Continue reading “DIY: “Hocus Pocus” Dani Dennison Halloween costume”

July 9, 2018

Interview: Reflecting on the circle of life with Mpume Sikakane

For more than 20 years, audiences have been captivated by the stage adaptation of “The Lion King,” a winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical. Based on the classic Disney animated film, the musical is a global phenomenon with nine productions around the world, including the North American tour.

The Wharton Center welcomes “The Lion King” for a three-week engagement beginning July 11th and running through July 29th. I had the opportunity to speak with Mpume Sikakane, a performer and recording artist who has been a member of “The Lion King” family for many years as a member of the ensemble and an understudy for the pivotal role of Rafiki.

I asked Mpume about her experiences on the road with her family (her husband and two children travel with her for the show!), what it is like to step into a principal role, and what audiences can expect from “The Lion King” at Wharton Center. Continue reading “Interview: Reflecting on the circle of life with Mpume Sikakane”