Sure, Buy Michigan Week was created to strengthen our economy. But that very practical reason doesn't mean you can't have fun with it.

Here are some of my favorite, fun made-in-Michigan finds from our very own downtown Rochester.

There's no place like home

Rochester Hills artist Joanna Pillsbury describes her work on her website as "one-of-a-kind, hand-painted ceramic bisque that will make you the best gift-giver ever!"

Pillsbury has been selling her personalized gifts at Plain and Fancy for over 10 years, offering new baby tiles, wedding platters and — my favorite — the "Good Times" Rochester tile.

Ceramics range from $28 to $120 and can have a personalized message added to the back. 

I know, it's only rock-n-roll ... but I like it

Sure, Michigan is known for its lovely lakes and peaceful Up North beauty. But never forget — we also like to rock. Birmingham artist Marlaina Stone certainly hasn't with her collection of cool bracelets and chunky necklaces.

"She's rock-n-roll, she's different and it's all made it Michigan," Talulah Belle owner Amy Fonville said. She offers the line at her cute little shop located in the yellow house on Third Street. Pieces of the collection start at $95.

You've got the cutest little baby face

They are doing amazing things with sonograms these days, making that first photo truly frameworthy. Green Baby offers adorable frames from Berkely-based AI Paper.

There are two styles, "Love at First Sight" in pink and green and "Under Construction" in blue and orange, each for $29.50.

Just a spoonful of honey....

Hickory Hills Farm in Clifford and Ross Farm in Brighton both supply the honey for Moon River's Honey Oatmeal soap. The soap is then made right on East Street in downtown Rochester.

"It's a really nice face soap," owner Sondra Aprea said. "The oatmeal is a mild exfoliate." A bar is $6.

If you seek a pleasant penninsula, look about you

And if you seek a peninsula-shaped cutting board, look to Catching Fireflies. The boards are handcrafted by Birmingham artist Jim Leonard. They are available in pine for $16.95 or oak for $24.95.

If you want to share this pleasant peninsula with others, Michigan Illustration note cards from Milford artist Helen Kucik, also at Catching Fireflies, is the perfect way. The set of six includes illustrations from the Mackinaw Bridge to the Motown Museum. A set is $9.95.