Detroit has become quite an interesting place to live recently.

Films, shows and art exhibitions have made my weeks full of fun this fall. Something is seriously in the air...

Best Coast, Women, Sleigh Bells, Dadfag, the Strange Boys, Thee Oh Sees, Memoryhouse and many others have all been playing awesome and cheap shows all over town. And those are just bands from outside of Michigan! You would think that shows are my job considering how much time I am spending listening to music. But, when are all these bands going to come back again!? Who knows, so I've been going. And so far, the bands I have hung out with who have visited are in love with the city and some are even seriously considering moving here.

Art exhibitions at the MOCAD have brought none other than Mike Kelly and David Byrne to our city as well.

Finally, film exhibitions of our city are being presented this week at the Burton Theater, along with the sweet creative films by the local band ADULT. being shown at the DFT. More info on those exhibitions can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103297919734481&index=1

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156976307663698

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151977581508519

Also, if you haven't seen this everywhere here is the link for the movie with Johnny Knoxville. This is being shown tonight here in town at the Burton, but can be seen here.

I love this city!

I've got a little bone to pick with "Harold and Kumar."
Apparently they are filming their christmas movie in Detroit and decided that they had to strip our trees of their leaves in order to make Griswold look like winter.

I am totally pissed about this for a couple of reasons:
1) we already have issues with greenery in general in our (not so) beautiful town
2) those were the only trees we had on Griswold st.
3) how important really is it for us to have films be made here, if they compromise our city and its health?
4) how much MONEY did they really even pay us for the privilege of killing our trees?
5) who is really even benefitting from this investment--if our natural resources are taken advantage of at the same time? doesn't that seem a little ridiculous?
6) are they going to replace the trees that they killed?

Here is a nice and short free press article about it.

Quince Party Planning Part One: Panic

So, I was studying for my exam and didn't exactly get as far as I would have liked...but I got started.

First I went to the Dollar Tree on Jefferson and got party supplies. Unbelievably they have plastic cups for shots, metal decorative trays to put said shots on, and other assorted goodies including a bead necklace with an attached shot glass. But, enough about shots.

I also got awesome fiesta themed streamers and eyeglasses and table cloths and napkins and plastic-ware. They also have some sweet neon party cups, which I bought in abundance. Amoung other assorted goodies for $40, it wasn't half bad! Thanks Dollar store!

Then, I went to "La Colmena" Honey Bee market on Bagley St. in Mexican Town. I bought these two sweet pinatas, snacks, tortillas and all the fresh food delights for the taco bar!!! I hesitated to buy ice cream or cookies, and too much food before the day because I foresaw that I would eat it all...and I have chowed into the chips and salsa already. Another trip is forthcoming! The pinatas are pretty big and nice, so $15 each I though was reasonable. Their produce is always affordable and a bag of tortillas was like $3!!

So far the party is going to be on the cheap! Or so I thought. I went to Marcus Market on Second Ave. to ask about a keg and for PBR it was going to be $70 plus $100 for the deposite! What?!? That seemed really expensive. I think that I can get a keg in town for better than that--or at least better beer. We'll See!!

The time has come for my dog Peppi to become a woman. Let's put on a Quinceanera!!!

The plan of action:

Food:

Taco salad dip

Taco bar

Guacamole

Flan

Fruta

Tres Leches postre

Agua de Horchata

Cerveza Corona

Tekila, duh!

Fanta?

Decorations:

Pinatas

Coronas

Balloons

plates and forks

napkins

Twinkle lights

Streamers

glow in the dark crosses

and a bow tie for leopold, the date.

Events:

Photos of couples and ladies and gents

snacking

dancing

more snacking

and hitting a pinata until it falls apart

maybe a sand art table?

How am I going to do all of this without leaving Detroit? WATCH ME!

Detroit, I'm freaking out. This summer has been so awesome for shows. So much music! So many places to be at once!

Here is where I will be, stalkers:

THURSDAY

Sleigh bells is playing at the Magic Stick.

FRIDAY

Cafe D'mongos and the Downtown Synagogue are having a block party. If you give a $1 you get one-inch of Detroit land through the Loveland project! What?! YES LAND! LOVE THIS TOWN!!!!

Here is more info about the Loveland Project. They are awesome!

Then after that I will be heading over to CAID for Nurse Nite II for some NOISE FREAK OUT!!

SATURDAY

Haute to Death is hosting a beach pool party themed dance amazing at Temple Bar! I say yes!!!!

OR

if you want to see people on trapezing and more NOISE and NO WAVE there is a show at CAID again. The line up is:

Turn To Crime (Awesome Derek solo No Wave)
Warren Defever (Solo jamz from da man !)
Lone Wolf & Cub (NYC, Drums & Trapeze, mem. Tall Firs)
Tzarinas of the Plane (Music & Performance Art)
Danjee Flesh Nation (Progressive Goth & Metal Explosion! mem. Druid Perfume)

OR

LIARS is playing at the Magic Stick!!! ( I will probably go to this)

MONDAY

THEN LIGHTNING BOLT IS PLAYING WITH WOLF EYES AT MOCAd! WHAT? YES!!!!

When am i going to study for my exam????!!!!!

Anyway, I realize I go to shows like its my job. Why am i not writing about them? So now I will. Come hang out with me if you like any of this noise. i love you, ang.

it is so god-awful hot here right now.
But, the city has provided some nice opportunities to cool down in case you are dying-literally-from the heat.
Working 9 to 5 in an office has never been so attractive to me in my whole life! Poor Peppi, I hope she doesn't get heat sick.

Speaking of Peppi, I'm having a quinceanera for her this July 24. I think it is going to be harder than I thought to put this party on with only supplies from Detroit. I am going to try my hardest though.

Love you!

My friend and I got caught in a rainstorm going to a dance party at Temple Bar a while ago. We ended up talking to a male model from somewhere in Europe, who was here for DEMF and also just to be generally beautiful. Unfortunately, we didn't get any photos of him. But, we did hang out in the bathroom putting on lipstick and taking pictures in this awesome mirror ahahahah!!! I put my new lipstick on the girl with the red hair, who remains unknown, but was really fun! Anyway, there was a monsoon outside and we made it through--looking quite great I think. <3

When I'm not working and learning about professional ethics, I have been going to belle isle and listening to Josefus. This really is the best city for summer fun--swimming, biking and making out. Oh, I mean going out. Oops....

So, some crazy things have been going on in town as of late...

• The head of the Detroit School Board has quit after some inappropriate fondling.
• The city is closing a ton of parks to cut costs.
• Corruption chargers are abouding.
• Our former hip-hop mayor received 19 counts in his indictment. He can now join T.I. and LIl' Wayne with federal charges and prison time. Although I sure like them better.
• There are a bunch of people here for the United States Social Forum, who are sleeping in tents, and other friends who are sleeping in my house.
• There was an earthquake the other day!
• The Michael Jackson exhibit is opening, for those of you who have not had enough information about him in the last year. (but it looks pretty cool)
• Jazzin' on Jefferson is happening this weekend and should be sweet.
• The DIA has a fab exhibit "Through African Eyes" that has received a lot attention and should not be missed.
• And of course, knowing that I love Mexican Films, they are having a series of great ones at the Detroit Film Theater and that I will def be at--if you want to join me.
• My friends over at City Bird are having an art opening that should be totally sweet tomorrow.
• The Cass Collective 31 is happening on Sunday.
• And Belle Isle is just gorgeous right now.

Did I mention that I am working at wonderful non-profit and learning how to be a real lawyer?! Well, I am!!! Riding my bicycle to work has been extremely liberating.

There a ton of shows, forever, and I still feel like I need vacation. . .

Yay for Swimsuit tonight at CAID!

The bus mis-adventure

The other day, I left my non-profit internship downtown and decided to take the bus home.

I knew what bus to take, I had looked on google maps. Instead of doing what it said, I walked towards where I saw a bunch of buses. I was supposed to take the 48 Northbound Van Dyke/Lafayette. I did get onto a bus on Larned St. that said Van Dyke--but it was the Smart bus 510. The first red flag was that I noticed the bus looked different than the regular white one.

After riding it for about ten minutes, I realized we were not avoiding all the traffic on Lafayette and were going east. Stopping infrequently, we got to Gratiot and Van Dyke and I tried to get off but the driver didn't stop. Shit. My ears are starting to burn and I start to panic. Sweating in my suit and wedge heel sandals, I could not walk nor run very far if I had to get home that way.

Eventually, at NINE MILE and VAN DYKE--literally city limits--I decide to talk to the bus driver. She laughs at me, stops in the middle of the road, and tells me to take the 48 across the street. There is literally traffic whizzing by on both sides. So I run out and run across the street, with people yelling and everything and walk towards the bus stop.

Oh but wait, I don't have any more money. Looking around there are insurance companies, cash advance shops and a family dollar. And then I see ATM in a liquor store. Did I mention it was like 90 degrees out and I am wearing all black. I sweatily waddle in my uncomfortable shoes to the liquor store where some guy doesn't want to give me any money because the company charges $2.50. What do I care, I have to get out of here!

After calling everyone I can think of, some friends talk me down and I sit in the sun and wait. For 45 minutes. Finally, my lovely bus came and I got to Lafeyette. After taking my shoes off, a nice young man in the street asked if he could "rub your feet, or something."

aaaaah, thanks Detroit.

o, my dearest blog, I have been so absent.

So much to say, so much to do! A whirlwind of activity that has not been documented! I feel so very guilty.

First, we have a wonderful new roomate whom I love dearly. It has been such a joy to take her around town and introduce her to our lovely city!

Yesterday, we went to Curl Up and Dye and I got a mani/pedi for $40, which is unbelievable. It is a spring special, and for being all organic and three hours long--I have to say it was worth it. Go get your pretty on! Andi is the sweetest and most thorough tech that has ever been and I love hanging out with her just as much as getting my nails done! My roomate got her hair done, and we walked out of there feeling like queens!

Then we went to Cass Cafe, and I had a steak. 'Twas the best night ever! Did I mention they had a motor city brewery special? $2 a glass or $11 a pitcher! What is better than that!? NOTHING!!! :D

Two things you should not miss out on in town, and many more are coming! I love you!

WHERE TO GET THE THINGS YOU NEED CHEAP!

Can we just talk about how awesome the dollar tree on Jefferson Ave is? They literally have everything, food, toiletries, party supplies, TOYS, giant sunglasses--EVERYTHING!! Seriously, it is right next to the Staples on Jefferson and you can find most things you need for your home and life!!! Go get your shop on!! I love you!

Nothing like the Del-Vikings and Belle Isle...

Next week I have law skool exams.

sucks to be me. but, it does give a nice opportunity to talk about my favorite places to study and get food when I am unable to take care of myself whatsoever.

First, I want to give a major shoutout to my fav cafeteria at the Detroit Institute of Arts. They seriously have salads and entrees of all kinds, a nice coffee and tea bar, with classic heavy porcelain plates and a cozy eating area. I really love going over there when I am super stressed because I can get a good healthy meal, for an affordable price, and then go look at art. It has seriously been the best way to relax, ever. Now, I am a member of the museum, [which you really should be] so I just walk in and gnosh but I am not sure if you have to be a member to eat in the caf. Probably. In which case you should buy a membership here because it is awesome and you get discounts on like everything and the museum rules. They have one of the most impressive Impressionist era collections in the world! Whoah, sorry. Anyway...

Second place to get yourself together: Curl up and Dye. I KNOW I ALREADY TALKED ABOUT THEM BUT SERIOUSLY. I go get my nails done with organic non-bad nail polish surrounded by really cool ladies and drink coffee. If that isn't relaxing I don't know what is dudes!

Third, back to food, Avalon Bakery at 442 West Willis has the best pre-made sandwiches in the cooler behind the bar. Don't be scared by the line! Go get a sandwich! Also, eye the pastries for breakfast because seriously they are so worth it--especially after a night of studying until you fall asleep on your book.

Fourth, when you are in the need of gorging after not eating for a couple of days because of fear of failure, I like to go to Shangri-la at 4710 Cass Ave. Why, you may ask? BECAUSE THEY HAVE DIM SUM, DUH!!!! In case you have not had dim sum, that is ridiculous and you must go this weekend and eat at this place. If you have, then you understand me when I say that this place has the best friggin' dim sum I have had outside of San Francisco. We went for Chinese New Year, it was awesome. They have pork buns and shu mai and rice buns and sesame buns ahhhhhhhh sooooo goooooood!!!!!!!

Fifth, and finally, is Slow's. Now everyone always rants about how great it is so I will leave you to decide how much you love their BBQ blah blah. Why do I panic and go there? Because they have huge portions which you can take home and eat for days. Also, if you go late at night--they serve until midnite--you can miss the dinner crowd and get super good food super fast and go home and do more work or pass out. The next day you have more delicious food waiting for you.

I also want to thank my tv dinner's who are made by Amy's because they never fail to please. These delicious perfectly sized meals are not only healthy and low in sodium, but taste like real food. My favorite is the broccoli cheddar bowl. You would be surprised how many stores in Detroit have them! I go to habortown because it is by my house, but they also have them at Honey Bee and that Spartan store over on Wayne's campus. Don't eat that hungry jack crap!

I love you! Don't think I don't because I am locked up in my house or at one of these places!

YAY FOR REP JOHN DINGELLL ON THE DAILY SHOW!!

http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/mon-april-19-2010-john-dingell

When my mom came she really wanted to go see a movie but didn't want to drive all the way to Dearborn and deal with the obnoxious amount of adolescents that seem to hang out there perpetually.

I figured out that the Detroit Film Theater is almost always showing really great films, foreign and independent, with extremely reasonable prices. They have discounts for members and for students and seniors. So, no reason for you not to go see a film on the weekends! Located right on Woodward at the Detroit Institute of Arts, it has a prime location. Did I mention that the theater is totally gorgeous and has been redone, the velvet seats are comfortable and luxurious...Click here for descriptions of the films currently and coming up and showtimes.

Your second option for films is the Burton Theater, which has just opened and is conveniently located on Cass Ave. They also have the cutest little website and I just love the people who work there. When i lost my keys they totally had them for me and let me come even when they were closed to give them back. Talk about customer service! Here is where to go to find out what you are going to see tonight.

Finally, for your Tyler Perry fix or general action movie location, there is always the Ren Cen 4. This place is fun, a little expensive, and only has four screens. Usually they have the movies you would go out of town for, though. here is their website for your reference.

Go get your date on, or take me out if you don't have a special someone right now.

In case you were wondering and don't live here, here is the Dateline special about Detroit, "City of Heartbreak and Hope."

Apparently, Kid Rock can't seem to think of anyway he has helped this city to give back for his phenomenal "success."

Anyway, watch it and gather what you will from it. <3

Dear Detroit,

The other night in Woodbridge I was talking with a friend about perfume. I love collecting perfumes and am lucky enough to have an Aunt who does too, so I get a lot of gifts. But what if I wanted to get a gift for my friend to introduce her to this wonderful pastime? Where could I get perfume without driving to the Nordstrom in Somerset, 30 to 40 minutes away?

If there was one thing I would ask for from a genie, besides perfect grades in law school and a trust fund, is for a department store of some kind in downtown Detroit. Department stores are so useful in a sense that in a Downtown emergency--like if I have to go to court and my nylons rip I can get a new pair, or I spilled spaghetti sauce at lunch on my dress shirt and have to be at a meeting in 20 minutes--you can run over and get the professional or casual style needed in a flash.

When I was little my mom would take me to the Christmas window displays at the Macy's in San Francisco every year to admire all of the festive decorations in the store. It was such a nice community event with kids and old people admiring the puppets acting out Christmas stories. Anyway, I would love to take my kids to something like that on Woodward and then go get a snack in Campus Martius and ice-skate.

Just a thought, Detroit!

In case you do need some perfume and don't want to drive in any direction out of the city to a mall there is Scentsations at tower 300 in the Rennaisance Center. I am going to go over there and check out their prices and selection. So, keep posted for another perfume update!

Love, Lost on Lafayette

GET YOUR BIKE FIXED DUDES!

So, my friend alejandra asked me where to get her bike done up for spring, and I thought of two great places.

Over by my house on the river is the Wheelhouse. Last year they fixed my tricycle wheel which was all messed up and got it all fixed, with great customer service! They are located right on the riverwalk and also have nice bikes-for rent, and tandem bikes--for you lovers. Also they are right by a carousel and an ice cream stand and coffee and bathrooms and of course the river. Just go check it out, you will thank me.

ANYWAY back to bikes.

Of course I told her to go to the Hub, duh! I LOVE everyone who works at the Hub, and also they are awesome at fixing bicycles. They also have bikes for sale, fatty. They are more conveniently located on Cass Ave. for the students and residents of Midtown, Woodbridge and the Wayne State area.

Either way, there are at least two great actions for bike repair! Your welcome!

Love letter #2

yay!

Dear Detroit,

How time flies! Thank you for being there for me all these years. Even though I only started to really get to know you recently, I want you to understand how important you are to me. You’ve had such a huge impact on the person I’ve become, and I am thankful for it. I appreciate your grungy style and laissez-faire approach to life; you embody raw beauty. I adore you, Detroit, and I wish more people could see you for who you really are. You are amazing and I am so glad that I’ve gotten to know you better. When I needed you most, you were there - my steadfast friend. It’s hard for me, living away from you, but I’m hoping that soon we can be together again. I miss you so much, think about you every day, and look forward to the next time I can see you again.

With love and admiration,
Molly

Dear Detroit, this is how i feel about you today:

PART FOUR: DONUUUTTTS IN DETROIT

Hampy, here is where to buy donuts:

I have to say, at first I was totally stumped about where to find you a donut. But then I remembered that I basically go to Tim Horton's every day! I go to the location on Jefferson Avenue across from the entrance to Belle Isle.

There is a timmy hoho's in the Millender Center downtown, which has a small and classic donut selection.

Also, Detroit One coney/diner on Woodware Ave. has donuts advertised. This is definitely within biking distance from your school.

There is also a nice donut company called Dutch Girl Donuts far down Woodward at 19000 on the Avenue. It is literally almost to Ferndale.

I have a bunch of leads from the internets about more potential donut shops in Downtown. I am going to go on a further mission to find these spots of delicious.

Hampy, my dear, don't forget to be creative! As my friend suggested, you can get donuts at AA meetings, churches, nurses stations and hospitals. Don't be afraid to pursue your free options, either. Think outside the box.

I love you! --lost

Update: Seedlings

Eastern Market has a good selection of seedlings for your herbal and vegetable needs this spring!

OH and do you need a chicken? Ducklings? They have those too!

I also went and checked at Busy Bee Hardware, and they have all the supplies to start your own seedlings as well! So if Eastern Market doesn't have the item you want, make your own seedlings! I know I keep telling you that I will explain how to do that and I will after I am done studying for law skool--I promise.

PART 2 & 3 OF 4: Helping Hampy get some clothes

Dearest Hampy,

Today I went to go get some work out clothing and t-shirts in preparation for my Spring full of activity! I went to the downtown-ish Salvation Army on at 1200 West Fort St. to get said clothes. Since it was a Saturday they had a 50% special, which happens pretty often, on green tags. It was so great, I got work-out pants and t-shirts and other assorted goodies for between $.50 and $3.00. I checked out the boys shoes, and there wasn't much selection. But men's clothing was bountiful! So that is the first place I would say to get some nice used menswear.

They also take donations here of course, so get rid of some stuff and then get more!

Second, Hampy, I would suggest going to City Bird in Midtown/Wayne State area. They have a nice little selection of mens and womens vintage clothing that I think might suit your taste. It would be a nice and close place for you to look.

There is also a Value World at 8300 Woodward Ave., which might be a little trek but can sometimes have good things.

Apparently, Showtime Clothing at 5708 Woodware Ave. also has thrift clothes, but I have never been there so I can't say. I am sure it is worth checking out!

Finally, there is a St. Vincent DePaul at 3000 Gratiot Ave, which is also a little out of the way on a bicycle.

Sneakers are a little trickier. Of course you can always look for shoes at thrift stores. I also heard that might be able to get some fancier, nice sneakers at The Source at 2959 Woodward or at that Bob Classic Kicks at 4717 Woodward. I am going to keep investigating to see if I can find a more concrete source for affordable mens sneakers in town.

I love you and hope this helps!!

Lost

Helping Hampy get Un-Lost: Part 1 of 4

My dear friend from college sent me a letter asking me to help him find four things in Detroit. Well, I am on a mission for the other two, but have accomplished the first.

Where to get seedlings for tomatoes (and of course other veggies too).

The first thing I thought of when asked this question was Eastern Market. During the summer, not only do they have a great selection of produce but they also have plants--flowers and food. Usually seedlings for plants can be found in the back sheds, between Wilkins and Division St.

As far as seeds go there are many more options, and creating your own seedlings is not so difficult. I will put directions on how to do that later on. For seeds you can go to Busy Bee hardware, which is also in Eastern Market. There is an Ace hardware on 2200 Trumbull, and Detroit Hardware Co at 6432 Woodward-which all more than likely have seeds as well.

But back to seedlings because that was my mission! Finally, you may be able to get FREE seedlings and farming help from the Garden Resources Program Collaborative. I am not sure how this works but I am going to find out for my own garden this summer. Here is their website so that you can get more info yourself, for your own specific needs. This organization is great and an example of what is possible for this City's future! They also sell great lettuces and produce at Eastern Market on Saturdays. Get your gardening on!

Where to get your vag checked.

I have noticed some confusion in the female community of Detroit about where to get your lovely, wonderful and oh so comfortable, yearly genital exam. Not only for the ladies, but for the gents too! Go get your parts checked!! NOW!!!!

For my ladies:

If you have insurance, Henry Ford Hospital has a nice women's department at New Center One off of Woodward Ave. It is kind of far down the street, but a bus route is nearby. Eventually, when we have our train, you can take it straight down Woodward to the center. Until then, we have to either drive or take the autobus. Driving is simple and parking is accessible on the street or in parking lots. Be aware, the parking structures are CASH ONLY and you can get a voucher from the Doctor's office-although it might not cover all of the cost.

Here is the link to set up an appointment online!! How easy is that?! Make it NOW.

Boys: you can also go to this site and make your appointment too--and the below applies to you as well. Go get your good checked, it will make you feel better!

Now if you do not have insurance, or you do not want to go that far away from Downtown, you can always go to Planned Parenthood. They also take insurance, so no worries! If you are uninsured, you may be eligible for a pay fee scale--so do not forget to ask! (More info is available on that on their website below, or in the office upon inquiry) They also have a range of services that may or may not be provided at the gynecologists office at Henry Ford. They have a semi-full service location on Cass Ave. (next to our favorite spot Curl up and Dye). So, for all the young people who live in Downtown or Midtown or Woodbridge, this is a very alluring location within easy biking, walking, or busing distance.

Here is their website, where you can also make an appointment.

The reason that I say they are semi-full service is that they do not provide abortions. They do give referral services and they also have emergency contraception. So no protesting, people! But also, no worries, in that if you do have an issue the office may still be of help.

They also have mens services available, boyssss!!

OH and then what about a hospital just for women? Well, we have that too and the ONLY ONE IN MICHIGAN!! IT IS HUTZEL'S WOMENS HOSPITAL through the DMC. Information about all their awesome services are available here.

As far as I know right now, those are the major places to get your women's/mens health problems taken care of if you are not in school and are working.

What if you are a student like myself! More options!

Wayne State University?? They do women's health, duh! Here is the description of services and how you can make an appointment.

University of Detroit-Mercy? Undergrad and Law--of course they also do women's health. Go here to find out how to get your exam.

CCS? Well, it does not appear that they have their very own health center. They do have a beautiful outline of community resources for health on their student resources website.

This looks useful for everyone, too! It covers a broader range of services than what I am talking about now, though.

IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PARTY PARTS! GET IT TOGETHER KIDS, I LOVE YOU! <3

Today, we have our first "Dear Lost" letter!

In this series, people can send me letters about missions they want accomplished and I will do my best write up a timely, useful answer!!

Dear Lost,

I've been trying to figure out how to bicycle into Canada from Detroit without having to subsidize combustion engines.

Signed,

Easier for the underground railroad than it is with a passport

Dear Underground,

Unfortunately, it appears that short of dismantling your bicycle and getting on a bus with it, it is currently impossible to get across to Windsor without getting into a car/bus of some kind. But, it also looks like many initiatives are going in order to improve this situation. Here is a nice article about the details of that from m-bike.org .

I will definitely be keeping watch on this situation to figure out how we can advocate for more transportation capabilities between Detroit and our sister Windsor!!

Thanks so much and good luck!

Lost on Lafayette

Love Letter #1

So, I have commissioned some native Detroiter's and recent transplants to write a love letter to our beautiful city. A little positivity can go a long way!! Also, we need all the love we can get...

Dear Detroit,

I dream about you, and in my dreams there are mad girls running through empty abandoned shops. They're beautiful, like you, and I run after them. I hope you visit me out here, on the West coast, because the sun and the trees and the beaches go on and on and there's no room to run around and pretend that you're crazy. Do you miss me? Did you get that thing I sent you? I don't remember what it was, but I hope you liked it. Tell the suburbs I say hi. Do you still sing to them every night?
I love you.
Jacob

P.S. Please keep the emails about missions to be accomplished coming!!! I love the input and they will be posted soon! <3

MISSION: WHERE TO GET YOUR DOG/CAT TAKEN CARE OF

So, I have this fourteen year old chihuahua named Peppi. She is probably my favorite thing on the planet, besides shoes and chocolate mousse.

There are a bunch of really great places in Detroit to get your pet taken care of.

I take my dog to the Jefferson Veterinary Clinic. They absolutely RULE. The staff are super friendly, but most importantly my vet Dr. Alice is the nicest lady on earth and I have had no qualms about trusting my baby in her care. In fact, the dog seems to like her more than me!

The other major benefits to their office is the location, right on Jefferson Ave., five minutes from my house. And if Peppi is in the office for a minute, I can go over to the strip mall behind and go shopping while I wait.

They also are great because of their commitment to green living. They have a sunflower garden, and they have a solar panel on their roof, among other awesome green business stuff. You can read all about it here.

I have to say that when my dog was sick with a tumor Dr. Alice and her team were so supportive and kind with my freaking out self. They also are very tender caregivers in the kennel and I have had nothing but positive experiences with them!

I also heard great things about Canine to Five, which is a more centrally located dog day care center. They also have grooming services for dogs, and cats, not just boarding. For people with general needs for the pets, I bet this place is great!! If any of you have heard of other good veterinary clinics in town, please contact me so that we can put their links up on the site!!!

Mission: get a haircut

Today I went and got my hair done at my favorite salon of all time: Curl Up and Dye!!!!!

Not only is it the salon in the state that uses all organic products but the staff and owner are the friendliest people ever! I have too many positive things to say about this place. The music is sweet, they always have great drinks, and the decor is perfect. Seriously, it will make your week/day to have your hair done here and be pampered.

the major perk of the salon is that they are full service--they literally do anything your heart or body desires. waxing, massage, hair coloring, mani/pedi's, treaments, everything!! AND it is all natural, all of it!!

Not to mention they also have a wonderful line of products, for all your cosmetic needs. Today i bought the coconut oil from the line that is so multipurpose I am afraid I am going to run out of it this week. Anyway, just wanted to let you know i love love love it there and i want you to, too.

Go get your sh*t together!!!

p.s. look at my new hair--it is perfect.

Dear Detroit,

I love you so much and yet sometimes i feel like you don't meet my needs. People tell me you are bad, they do not understand why I stay with your smelly, dirty, dangerous self. But, I just cannot and will not leave you--there is just something about the way you smell and how you always surprise me with nice little things. Like wonderful friendly people and delicious foods and pheasants in the backyard. So, even though it may be hard right now, I am going to do my best to stand by you. I am going to shop for my necessities and frivolities within the city limits. So, here, I dedicate my blog to you. I hope other people who live here will use it as a resource to find out how to get their stuff done and help me find things, too.

Most of all I just want you to know how special you are, Detroit.

Love,
Lost on Lafayette

p.s. here is a really nice ode to you: