I might have found the perfect sun hat. It’s cute, packable and provides sun protection. It’s called the bucket with a hide-away neck-flap. I purchased it at Dunham’s in metro Detroit. To my delight, it’s from a Motown-based company — Broner Hat & Glove. This fourth-generation family business began in Detroit and is now located in Auburn Hills. Check out their catalog for more sun hats that will keep you cool and sunburn free.
Here are some other fun sun hats!
Antiques Roadshow kicked off their 2013 season with a taping in Detroit on Saturday, June 1. Although I was not at the taping, I was fortunate to be invited to a behind-the-scenes preview at the Townsend Hotel a few days before the show hosted by U.S. Trust. U.S. Trust thanked my friend, Lois Shaevsky who is on the Board of Trustees at Detroit Public Television for her community work at the luncheon. More than 50 people were treated to a lecture “The State of Jewelry Today” discussing the trends, values and styles. The keynote speaker was Kate Waterhouse (shown, left), a PBS Antiques Roadshow Appraiser and Director of Jewelry, Heritage Auctions. Carolyn Ashleigh (shown, right) is a Heritage consultant in Birmingham. So what’s trending now in the jewelry? According to Waterhouse, watch collections are very popular among the young twenty and thirty-somethings. But the best takeaway was that jewelry rarely loses its intrinsic value. She showed a strand of natural pearls that went up for auction in 2004 and sold for $21,500. A similar pieces sold for $218,00 in 2011. Each guest received the book “The Collector’s Handbook,” by James Halperin, Gregory J. Rohan and with Mark Pendergast. I can’t wait to see the value of some Motown treasures on the upcoming Antiques Roadshow from Detroit!
Treat your new bundle of joy to some hand made clothing created by Jessica Brandt. Jessica (shown in photo) has created a collection of hand made clothing, bibs, blankets, burp cloths, dresses, shorts and other baby accessories. She even makes sheets and takes custom orders! You can find these adorable one-of-a kind items on Etsy. Her company is called Little Bundlez, and she sews all of her items in her home workshop in metro Detroit. As a mother of a toddler and one on the way, she chooses cozy fabrics and delightful prints.
Visit her site on Etsy or e-mail her at jessica.bbrandt@yahoo.com
I asked Jessica which baby blog and site she prefers, and she suggested prudentbaby.com
I’m enjoying the Martha Stewart site for tips from clothing to food to decor.
Beaumont Health System sponsored the cooking demonstration at the recent Michigan International Women’s Show, held at the Suburban Collection Showplace, where Chef Ed Gillis presented four healthy appetizers, easy to prepare. The International Women’s Show, part of Southern Shows, is in many cities in the United States.
The four appetizers Chef Ed Gillis prepared are: wonton chips, bean cilantro hummus, caprese crostini and kale chips. He delighted the crowd with these super fast, super healthy appetizers. Preparation time for each appetizer is 15 minutes. I’ve included the yummy recipes.
Wonton Chips
Ingredients: Olive oil, 12 wonton wrappers, 1/4-1/2 t coarsely ground black pepper, 1/4 t coarse salt
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Using a sharp knife cut wonton wrappers diagonally to form 24 triangles. Arrange the triangles in a s single layer on prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat the tops of the wonton triangles with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with pepper and salt. Bake about 8 minutes of until golden. Cool completely on a wire rack. Serves 3.
Kale Chips
Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh kale (about 20 leaves), 1 T sesame seeds (pre-toasted if desired), 1/2 t sea salt, 2 T olive oil (put in small spray bottle)
Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Rinse bunch of kale, pat dry or put in salad spinner. Pull whole kale leaves off of stalk and trim stems if desired. Lay leaves on baking pan, mist leaves lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle sesame seeds and light dusting of sea salt onto leaves. Bake at 300 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until leaves are dried, but not brown. Eat by themselves or use as a soup or salad garnish. Serves 1.
Caprese Crostini
Ingredients: 4 large ripe tomatoes (diced in 1/4″ cubes), 1 pound fresh mozzarella, (diced in 1/4″ cubes), 1/3 c fresh basil leaves chopped, 3 T extra virgin olive oil, fine sea salt to taste, freshly ground black pepper to taste, 1/2 clove garlic chopped (optional), 1 t balsamic vinegar (optional), sliced baguette, ciabatta or multi-grain bread 1/4″ thick.
Directions: Slice bread into bite size portion, toast lightly in 350 degrees oven. Dice tomatoes and cheese into small cubes. Toss together with chopped basil, olive oil, salt and pepper. Spoon onto toasted bread slices. Eat warm or cold. Alternate preparations: Slice tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil. Bake in 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Or delete cheese use toasted pita chips or any large crouton, toss all ingredients together, spoon onto toasts and eat. Serves 6.
Bean Cilantro Hummus
Ingredients: One 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, 1 clove of garlic, 1 t lime zest, 1T lime juice, 1/3 c olive oil, 1 T tahini, salt and pepper to taste.
Directions: Combine beans, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice and garlic in food processor and blend until pureed. With processor on, steam olive oil until desire consistency is reached. Blend 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Makes 1 cup.
Dominic Pangborn designs are dynamic, bold and original. Wear a scarf or a necktie, and you will be stopped on the street with compliments from strangers — even in New York. I know because I have a few scarves. Dominic is a talented and passionate Detroit designer with an international flair. The swirl of colors or geometric patterns are dazzling. You’ll find his designs at the Detroit Metro Airport and now in the Michigan Design Center in Troy, which is open to the public. In his latest interview on Fox2, he says he will expand his accessories and home products. His personal journey as a Korean adoptee is just as fascinating as his artistry.
Jewelry designers Cathy Schwartz (right) and Beth Banker recently held a trunk show at Tender in downtown Birmingham. The two business partners and friends met several years ago in New York when Banker noticed that Schwartz had a fabulous handbag. “She has an eye for style,” said Banker. The two combined their talents and created CatherineBeth Jewelry. Banker and Schwartz both describe their collection as “edgy and sophisticated.” The collection incorporates precious and semi- precious jewels, metal, brass, wood and leather. Vintage pieces add to the eclectic look. They sell their line at private sales and boutiques. Just recently Schwartz moved back home to Birmingham. “I’m happy to be home; it’s a great place to raise children,” said Schwartz.
Clean out your closet on Saturday, April 20 through Saturday April 27 and stop by Destination Style Boutique in Southfield, or Lolly Ella and Be Free Apparel, both in West Bloomfield. These three local, fashion-forward stores have teamed up to support women in need and are hosting a clothing drive for Career Dress.
Career Dress, a volunteer program of Lighthouse of Oakland County has assisted more than 3,200 women since it began in 2003. While you are helping others, check out the great merchandise. The fun dresses are Destination Style Boutique, while the sporty stuff is from Be Free Apparel. The jewelry is from Lolly Ella.
Barbara Boz sells her jewelry all over the world, but you can say hi to her and talk treasures in downtown Birmingham, Michigan. Her eponymous boutique is tucked on Maple Road just east of Panera. Her unique pieces are truly special. They are sold in more than 350 stores worldwide — from Dubai to Motown. In addition to the signature gold link necklaces, she has some designs with antique pieces. All are perfect for layering. Let’s not forget her collection of stones. Urban chic and sophisticated is how Boz describes her jewelry lines. She also has a store in Harbor Springs, living near the shores of Lake Michigan in the summer. Of course, she has experimented with Petoskey stones. Boz is a transplant from Pittsburgh and fell in love with Detroit. Yes, she loves the people here! “I have the best customers in the world, and they glow about what I’m doing,” she says. “They walk out feeling they have a treasure.” Indeed. If you purchase and wear a Barbara Boz original, you’re in good company. Oprah wore Barbara’s bangles on a former cover of O magazine.
On Friday, February 15th, the 10th anniversary Go Red for Women Luncheon will be held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Detroit. The luncheon raises funds for heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States. This educational luncheon, hosted by the American Heart Association, raises awareness about heart health. This year’s keynote speaker is Star Jones.
As part of the executive leadership committee, we all donated purses with a theme to be auctioned at the luncheon. I choose to donate the “Shop West Bloomfield” purse since I’m active in the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce. I filled a purse with many items donated by several generous store owners including, Be Free Apparel, Guys N Gals, Lolly Ella, Nancy’s Linens, Peek-a-Boutique, Stage Deli and Toyology. Those cute dolls popping out of the purse are tooth fairy dolls from Peek-a-Boutique!
Lolly Ella Jewelry in West Bloomfield is currently selling a heart bracelet where some of the proceeds will be donated to the Beaumont Health System’s Ministrelli Heart Center.
Stressed this holiday? No time to wrap gifts? Motown Savvy has the solution. Lisa’s Gift Wrappers in Royal Oak will wrap your gifts for you. The store offers more than 175 styles of wrapping paper. Whether it’s a personal or corporate present, your professionally wrapped gift will dazzle. This season jewelry designer Denise Ilitch, of Denise Ilitch Designs, created some unique wrapping paper, including the heart paper (shown). Everything is connected to Motown — even the paper was printed in the “D” at Tepel Brothers Printing in Troy.
If you haven’t decided on a gift yet to wrap, check out the Somerset Holiday Collection Book.
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 