You have to love a restaurant that used to be the site of a pawn shop in Detroit. So the owners named the restaurant from the existing signage outside — Gold Cash Gold. From the moment you walk through the stained glass door, the ambiance is inviting. The food was delicious and affordable. Many of the ingredients come from local farms. If you are in Detroit, try this restaurant. It’s worth the wait in gold.
Start off the New Year with a beautiful tablescape. Although this gold and black stunning table is from my son and daughter-in-law’s wedding, it can easily be the perfect decor for a sophisticated party. To see more photos, please visit Mod Wedding.
Photographer: Stefano Choi Photography | Event Coordinator: Lindsy Steinberg Events | Florist: Flora and Eventi | Stationery: Dromgoole’s | Band: Klockwork | Harpist: Echo Shen | Venue: Crystal Ballroom | Hair and Makeup: Your Beautiful Face | Cakes: Village Bakery | Ice Cream Sundaes: Ice Cream Party
As the president of the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, I understand the challenges of small businesses. So, this Saturday, please frequent your favorite hometown store. Here are some of my favorite Detroit stores: Artloft, Book Beat, Toyology, House of Style, Tender, Marlee’s, Sundance and Leon & Lulu.
Or go online to shop at Hatch.co that features small artisans. Hatch.co offers $15 off any purchase of $50 to Motown Savvy readers with this special code: MotownSavvy14.
What are you favorite independent stores?
So, I just bought a new Eddie Bauer parka that is tested for -30F. I’m hoping that it will keep me warm. I purchased it at the local mall Twelve Oaks in Novi, Mich. It has a detachable hood, which comes in handy. I’m all set, but I found more items to keep you toasty. (See more photos below.)
Scarves are a must have in addition to gloves. Check out these soft, stylish scraves from Marlee’s. Marlee’s is a great speciality store that is not a chain. (I will post more about cool, small businesses this week to celebrate the Saturday’s small business shopping day.
Also from Marlees is this fashionable vest.
And what about this elegant robe? Look at the beautiful trim — available at Pottery Barn.
As you can see fur is in — faux or real so let it snow!
Halloween is a fun time of the year. Just look at how my neighbor decorated her front yard. The decor is just as much fun as the food.
I can’t wait to try this yummy pumpkin spice ice cream sandwich I found at Littleblissbook.
Here’s an easy inexpensive project from lifeonlakeshoredrive.
Don’t you just love Halloween?
Linda Dresner is a fashion icon in Motown and in New York. Although she closed her NY boutique, her Birmingham, Mich. store is still a destination for fashion mavens. Wall Street Journal featured her dramatic home designed by architect Steven Sivak. 
Photography by Adrian Gaut
I know Linda, and she is as beautiful as the fashion she wears and sells. Here are some photos of her from my Style magazine editor days. Special thanks to my friend Lisa Brody, news editor at Downtown Publications, for sharing the article on her Facebook page and alerting me to this story.
There are many fine jewelers in the metro Detroit area. One outstanding jewelry store is Astrein’s in downtown Birmingham, Mich. Brothers Richard (shown, above) and Gary Astrein just renovated their store celebrating their 40th anniversary. The boutique, designed by Ron & Roman, has lots of natural wood with a warm palette. The modern lighting fixtures evoke an Art-Deco atmosphere. A cornerstone piece is the antique cash register in the center of the store that has been with the owners since the beginning.
The decor complements the collections of Simon G, Tissot, Asprey, Lash Brook and Gabriel, among others. Astrein’s also creates many custom design pieces.
Not only do the Astrein’s sell fine jewelry, but they give back to the community. Richard and his wife Debbie chair Beaumont Health System‘s annual Stars and Guitars event. This year it will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Mich.
Autographed guitars from famous pop, rock and country musicians will be going on the auction block soon to support two programs — the Charles A. Main, M.D., Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund of Beaumont Health System and Beaumont’s Pediatric Oncology Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic.
It’s not a sports team. It’s a casually chic restaurant in downtown Toronto. The Midtown Reds Tavern has exposed brick walls, wine bottle chandeliers and even a shuffle board. The unique atmosphere and delicious decor is worth visiting.
Looking for a unique baby gift? Check out this site — bwpaintedfurniture.com
From book ends to rocking chairs to chests to wall plaques, you can create a one-of-a-kind gift. Everett’s family is a diehard Detroit Tigers fan, and these colorful book ends add personality to his nursery.
And Madeline can reach new heights with her monogrammed step stool.
These furniture designs, created by a Motown Mom, can also be seen on the Facebook page — Bret’s Wishes Painted Furniture.
I hope you are all celebrating the end of 2013 and the start of a New Year. I love interesting table settings and tablescapes. Check out www.betweennapsontheporch.net where the blogger used vintage clocks to set a stunning table. Happy New Year to all!
The Cricket Pages
Food and drink inspired by classic and modern literary works.
Beauty Blog
Chronicling the Chic, Classic and Casual Style Duchess of Sussex (the former Meghan Markle)
Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
Interesting stories about everyday moments.
Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
Fun, Fashion, Frivolity: An insider guide to Metro Detroit and beyond
Motown Savvy 