Tag Archives: Detroit

An Eye For Style

29 Apr

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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.

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Game Changer on Detroit Playgrounds

30 Mar

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Playworks Detroit improves the health and wellness of children by increasing opportunities for safe, physical activity and meaningful play. Since 2010, Playworks has been changing the lives of youngsters through partnerships with low income schools and community initiatives.  Now in 13 schools throughout Metro Detroit, Playworks is expanding due to a new partnership with the Detroit Lions. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the 2013 Playworks Get in the Game Luncheon. The Game Changer Awards were given to these community partners: Beaumont Health System , Fair Food Network, Just Speak, Detroit Regional Chamber and Bloomfield Hills School District PTO. David McGhee, a motivational speaker and an instructor at Mott Community College, addressed the crowd with a powerful message of believing in students.

To quote Playworks Founder Jill Vialet, “Kids who know how to resolve conflict on the school yard are more likely to grow up into adults who can collaborate to get things done.”

50 Shades of Mac N’ Cheese

9 Mar

mac cheese 3mac cheese 1Sweet Lorraine’s transforms the classic macaroni and cheese dish into an innovative  trendy delight.  Sweet Lorraines Fabulous Mac n’ Cheez is located at the food courts at the Somerset Collection in Troy and at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills. Start with the classic dish and then pile on the toppings. It’s everything from jalapeno peppers to dried cranberries to olives. Or just go for one of the specialties like Macho Nacho — hamburger, onions, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, pepper jack and jalapenos. The extreme veggie with broccoli, mushrooms, onions, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, Swiss and cheddar is quite tasty.

It’s not your mom’s mac n’ cheese!

 

photo credit: foodspotting.com

Barbara Boz Beautifies Birmingham

2 Mar

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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.

Free Pancakes for a Great Cause

2 Feb

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Don’t miss out on National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 5th. All IHOP restaurants across the county will be serving free pancakes. In return IHOP requests that guests consider a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Beaumont Children’s Hospital is a designated Children’s Miracle Network hospital. All of the donations raised locally stays in the community to fund Beaumont’s exceptional pediatric programs  and provide treatment scholarships for families with limited resources. Some of the locations around town include: Royal Oak, Livonia, Sterling Heights, Roseville  and Birmingham. This is certainly a program to flip over.

More than Movies at the Maple Theater

29 Jan

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The newly renovated Maple Theater on Maple Road at Telegraph offers an upscale, homey atmosphere in Bloomfield Hills. In addition to the first-run movies (Argo, Zero Dark Thirty), there is a club seating — comfortable and spacious. One can also grab a cup of coffee, snack and even a cocktail from the bar.  The coffee is from the Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company — purely Motown. Great Lakes Coffee will be opening another  location on Jan. 30 in Lake Orion.

Bonjour Detroit!

12 Jan

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Capture the allure of Paris  this coming in weekend in Detroit. On Friday, Jan. 18 following the North American International Auto Show, patrons can attend the annual AutoGlow to benefit the Children’s Center, a downtown non-profit helping children in need. The Children’s Center 2013 AutoGlow at Ford Field will feature Parisian-inspired decor and French cuisine honoring Detroit’s French roots. The event is hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford and Nicki and Alan Mulally. To purchase AutoGlow tickets, call 313-262-1085 or visit the website, www.thechildrenscenter.com/autoglow

If you are not going to the event, you still can experience the French connection at some of these restaurants: Good Girls Go to Paris and Rodin Detroit.

For authentic French decor and accessories, shop at La Belle Provence in downtown Birmingham.

Au revoir!

Detroiters Love Coney Island Hot Dogs

9 Jan

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Faygo pop and Sanders hot fudge are pure Detroit, but the hot dogs in Motown sure are special.  Pile on the chili, mustard and onions and you have a Detroit Coney Island hot dog. Now in Canton, American Coney Island will open a new restaurant with a drive-thru — perfect for a quick fix. On January 12th at 44532 Michigan Avenue in Canton, customers can drive up for a Coney. As part of the opening celebration, the first 50 customers will receive a FREE hot dog, beginning at 9 a.m. Other specials  will continue throughout the day.

YUM!

American Coney Island is a third-generation Motown family business, founded by Gust Keros in 1917. His son Charles and Charles’ daughter, Grace, are in the business.  American Coney Island won the best Coney Dog in Detroit on “Food Feuds” on the Food Network and Travel Channel’s “Food Wars.”

Park Shelton Gems: Peacock Room and Emerald

9 Dec

motown savvy emeraldmotownsavvy peacock          The Park Shelton lobby in Detroit sparkles thanks to entrepreneur Rachel Lutz. Last year she opened up The Peacock Room, a boutique filled with accessories, and new and vintage clothing.  This year Rachel opened Emerald, with an entrance on Woodward. Emerald sells unique gifts displayed on antique tables, many with historical significance. The table (shown left) is from the downtown defunct department store, Crowley’s. Rachel explained that Emerald is a temporary venture for now. It will be opened for about six months to see if the business is successful.  The photo on the right is from Peacock Alley’s costume jewelry collection. The price points start at about $20, but all the pieces are rich and stylish.

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