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!!

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!

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

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