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