Halloween Recap

We have a winner! Aaron won the staff Halloween costume contest for Metro Times. He had stiff competition though; Paul's handmade hero costume and Gayle's Cat Woman costume were only a few points away from taking away Aaron's reigning title.

As for Boo Bash, I had so much fun...possibly too much fun! A lot of my college friends came out for the party and some of my family got to see our new house for the first time. I was a superfly disco girl and Tristan was Elvis. We barely have any beer left in our keg and everyone was happy (or maybe that was just my happy interpretation of everyone!)

Hallowhirlwind!

This week has been an utter whirlwind! I'm exhausted, but so excited for my BOO BASH tonight! A lot of my college friends, coworkers and family are coming over and we finally finished out or basement (sort of) the way we want. We replaced all the lights with black lights and busted out the fake spiderwebs. We are also getting a pony keg and bought about a gallon of vodka for jungle juice! I'm thinking about having a costume contest as well.

Carving pumpkins was a nightmare; of course Tristan's came out right. Vampire Homer Simpson looks awesome, thanks to my design and poking. However, my pumpkin that is supposed to say "Boo Bash" looks more like an over carved pathetic toothy grin...

Oh well. Cheers! Happy Halloween!

Double Feature original

I may have lived in the Detroit area my whole life, but I love when I find a hidden gem. A few weeks ago, my fiancé and I were looking to do something different and cheap since we are pretty much broke like the rest of the world. I was flipping through a current issue of the paper I work for when I came across an ad for the Redford Theatre and a screening of Airplane! I was ashamed that I had never seen it before, and the tickets were only $4 so I thought I'd give it a shot.

It was a dark and stormy night (literally, and not surprising for Michigan) as we drove through the rain to Lahser and Grand River. The moment we set foot in the Redford Theatre, we were pleasantly surprised. There before us was a quaint, unique and vintage theater that showed movies the way they should be shown! An organ recital was a classic prelude to the screening, which was complete with an intermission, raffle and old school concessions.

This weekend we will be heading back to the theater for their Halloween double feature. They will be showing H.G. Well's The Invisible Man back-to-back with House of Frankenstein, and tickets are only $6 a person. If you decide to go there will be prizes for whoever is brave enough to sport a costume. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of apple orchards and haunted houses to discover as well, but this double feature at the Redford Theatre is one-of-a-kind and any Halloween enthusiast should not miss this.

For more information, go to http://redfordtheatre.com/.

Hire aspirations

Most likely I'll be heading over to Goodnight Gracie's in Royal Oak tonight to catch up with Allison, celebrate her job offer and have a few drinks. I've never been there, so of course I'm excited to try something new.

I will also be blogging about events for the Detroit chapter of examiner.com, so look out for that!

Yes, I like food, but...

I realize the last couple blog posts have been about food. I'll change the subject now with two things that make me happy! One of my best friends just got an awesome job, and my other friend is coming home last minute this weekend from NYC to visit. This weekend might not all be about pumpkin patches afterall...looks like I'll be having some friends over to toast the new job and the visit home.

I just finished reading the above book and would recommend it for anyone that likes quaint and interesting post-WWII fiction. The story is actually narrated through fictional letters between an author based in London and a group of individuals from the English Channel island of Guernsey. I had no prior knowledge of Guernsey and it was interesting to learn a little about the little island and their perspective from WWII, albeit fiction.

I had to return The Lace Reader to the library before even getting a chance to open it because there are a few holds on it. In its place I am now reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, which is a completely different genre for me. Thriller and Mystery...I guess it fits this time of year!

Roasted Cauliflower and Tomato Soup

My mom bought me some cauliflower from Eastern Market after she left Ale Fest on Saturday. I was trying to think of a way to cook it and decided to combine two recipes. I took a roasted cauliflower recipe and mixed it with a tomato soup recipe. It's a touch sweet, but perfect for Fall! Here it follows:

1 head of cauliflower, sliced into florets
3-4 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
2-3 cap fulls of olive oil
1 fresh tomato, diced
1 can of stewed tomatoes
1 can of tomato paste
1 1/2 cups of water
1 teaspoon of parsley, basil, hot pepper flakes and bay leaves
a pinch of cinnamon

Pre heat oven to 400. place the cauliflower and garlic on a greased cookie sheet and sprinkle with olive oil and pepper. Roast about 15 minutes.

Mix the chopped tomato, tomato paste, water, stewed tomatoes and spices and cooked covered over medium heat for 10 minutes. I continuously checked on the soup and mashed it by hand but you could probably even blend the soup in a blender or food processor. Let simmer about 10 minutes more and serve!

Snickerdoodles

Finally, I got these right! I was starting to dread vegan baking, and then found this recipe for vegan snickerdoodles. I altered it with 1 tablespoon flax seed and left out the nutmeg. I also used vanilla soy milk, so I left out the vanilla extract. They are delicious, I've already eaten three.

• 2 cups of flour
• 4 tbsp. of cinnamon
• 2 tbsp. of nutmeg
• 2 tbsp. of baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. of ground ginger
• 1 tsp. of salt
• 1/2 cup each of vegetable oil, regular table sugar and brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of soy milk
• 1 tbsp. of pure vanilla extract
• Wire whisk
• Large cookie sheet
• Non-stick cooking spray

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix together the wet ingredients in a stainless-steel mixing bowl. These ingredients include soy milk, vanilla and vegetable oil. Mix this with a wire whisk until it is just combined.

Mix the dry ingredients together in a separate stainless-steel mixing bowl, using a wooden spoon. The dry ingredients are the flour, the regular and brown sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt.

Pour the blended, wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix them together, using a wooden spoon, until a sticky ball of dough forms.

Spray a large cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Scoop up the dough by the tbsp. and roll it into perfectly round balls between your hands.

Place the balls of dough side by side on the cookie sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch in between each ball.

Press down on the top of each ball of dough with your thumb or with the back of a fork, flattening it slightly.

Pinch a little more regular sugar between your fingers and sprinkle it over the tops of the cookies. You can reach right into the sugar bag to pinch the sugar.

Bake your cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cookies are just starting to get brown on top.

Allow them to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. The cookies should harden as they cool.

Declaration of Success!

Ale Fest was just an absolute success! At one point, we were so busy that we had to turn people away. We exceeded all of our goals for attendance and everyone looked like they were having an absolute blast. It was also really rewarding to see so much MT staff at the event helping with whatever and supporting!

I also received some great feedback that we are going to work on for next year. Like more porta potties, a handout with all the beers listed so people can comment on them, more towels and cleanup supplies for the distributors and a discounted ticket for DD's or non drinkers.

Bryant was our event photographer and I can't wait to see his pictures. I know he got a ton of great staff shots but I am excited to see all of them; he told me he snapped around 600! Everyone also loved the DJ...he busted out the turntables and the polka music.

Last but not least, the distributors were great to work with and for my first time working with beer distributors, I am impressed. I am so happy I got to meet so many new people.

Countdown

Ale Fest is tomorrow!

The last few days I have worked nonstop and with a few hiccups yesterday, I think we are in great shape for tomorrow. I am so excited...I know tomorrow will be long but I am interested in the type of crowd we will see and I am excited to have fun and get feedback.

Our presales are super strong...300+ as of now...so I know tomorrow is just going to be awesome. We are capping it at 1200 people; I hope we hit that!

I am also excited because Red Bull will be making an appearance as well! I was worried about not having a non alcoholic beverage available, but with them stopping by we have that problem addressed.

OK back to work. I love laminating machines...I had a little too much fun making the staff badges!

BEST OF DETROIT

The Metro Times Best of Detroit is out today and I am so excited about the response we've been receiving!

As much as I'd love to sit and blog about how great this issue looks and how hard everyone worked, I am swamped trying to plan last minute details for Ale Fest. In the meantime, our website does a pretty good job of summing things up...

And Alefest? It is going to be awesome. If you are free this Saturday, you can't beat 10 oz sample cups and over 50 beers to sample from. See you at Shed 5...I'll be there all day!

Ale Fest Countdown

I keep having this nightmare that no one is going to show up to Ale Fest until 4 pm. I know that's outrageous, because our pre sales are kicking ass. I think we have already beaten our Blowout sales, which is quite impressive!

This weekend was (finally) uneventful. I was really productive on Saturday; went and met with Paisley Quill about wedding invitations and went to Men's Wearhouse to get Tristan's tux and bridal party tuxes set. We ordered Indian food in; we didn't realize why it was so expensive until we realized we ordered two orders of samosas. Dinner tonight!

We took Maddie to her first vet appointment on Saturday; it was so gorgeous on Saturday and the vet was so close that we just walked up there. Maddie was so scared that she shed everywhere. I am starting to love my little dog so much, even though she will probably kidnap my social life for the next year or so.

With good intentions though; I'm pretty much flat broke and spent all my entertainment money on Friday night. Tristan and I went out to Sangria for D's birthday and had an awesome time! Tristan had never had Tappas before and they were really good, even the vegan friendly ones.

Now my life is Ale Fest for the next week. Wedding planning, and Ale Fest! The following weekend? Fall weekend...pumpkin patch, apple orchard...cleaning for my Halloween costume party...all things spooky!

Spotted

Megan, myself and Bernie courtesy of detroitfashionpages.com

I plan on posting more about the runway shows for Detroit Fashion Week later, especially pictures of the different designs. My overall impression was that the venue outdid the designs. The shows took place at Ignite Lounge at the MGM Grand, which is a very sophisticated yet comfortable lounge...I've heard it is Vegas-like.

There was no traditional runway, which I actually liked, but a good half of the models were not nearly as professional as I would have expected. Half of the designers looked like they were desigining for streetwalkers. They could have gone so much more outrageous with the hair and makeup; everything was so ready-to-wear that the shows got boring towards the end.

When I studied abroad in London, we went to a free fashion show organized by several boutiques in Camden and it was a lot crazier and packed. I had kind of expected that kind of chaotic show for Detroit, so the mellow mood and lackluster designs at Ignite were a bit of a let down.

Detroit has some great fashion talent, and I think for its third or so year that we are getting there, but they definitely need to set higher standards for their selected designers. Where were the Birmingham and Royal Oak Boutiques? What about the Wayne State designers living in Midtown lofts? How about getting Somerset involved? With better designers the shows could definitely begin to gain national press.

Afterwards we went over to Oslo for some sushi. I keep forgetting that there is a new walk up crepe place right next store called Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes. They advertise with us and ever since I found out about them I've wanted to go! There, and Supino's in Eastern Market.

RO

Tonight I'm at work late waiting to go to Lily's Seafood in Royal Oak. It is my first time going there and I am looking forward to it! I'll be joined by Deanna and Sydney.

My hands have been full for the last two days because Tristan and I adopted a Jack Russell Terrier named Maddie. We definitely have our hands full, but she is very loving and full of life. I love every minute I spend with her...hence the picture I added!

I found out yesterday that they are switching the location for the runway shows this weekend to the MGM Grand. I've been dying to check it out so now is my chance! This weekend is shaping up to be pretty fabulous.

Vegan Mexican Food

Last night Tristan and I attempted to make Vegan Mexican food (well, mine was vegan, his had cheese in it). We got most of the ingredients we thought we needed, but when it came to picking out tortillas we had the hardest time finding any that didn't have 10 million ingredients in them. Honestly, does there really need to be dioxaicouldkillyouoride in something that should be 5 ingredients or less? We ended up getting Lawash bread, which I don't even know what that is, but it subbed pretty well. Alas, another reason why I need to make it down to Eastern Market sometime this century.

The Slacker's Guide to Mexican:

Some refried beans
Some veggies
Pam
Lawash Bread
Cumin
Chili Powder
Lime

Cook some canned refried beans NOT made from lard.

Saute whatever vegetables you feel like in Pam over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes. For us, it was mushrooms, onions, garlic and tomato. I diced mine pretty small, but whatever fits you. When it looks kindof done, throw in some Cumin and Chili Powder. For us, it was about three shakes of each. Then, take a lime that is cut in half and squeeze the juice over the veggies.

Put the beans, veggie mixture and salsa into the lawash bread, and wrap it up, but be careful not to overstuff, like Tristan did, or your whole meal will end up a gigantic mess of mush. Enjoy! We did...with lots of wine.

I'm about to head down to Eastern Market to meet with the fencing person for Ale Fest. I wish that the weather was a little nicer...I hope it doesn't rain on us!

Just a quick background...Ale Fest is an event I'm planning with MT for October 18th in Eastern Market. It is our first time planning it and we would like to make it an annual event.

I'm real excited already about the buzz I've been hearing for Ale Fest. Just this morning, we were contacted by a local brewery who wants to get involved. It helps that we are having a beer-centric event, but I'm still way excited for the way this is coming together. I feel like it is a good indicator of how things will change for the better this year with Blowout!

This weekend was tons of fun, although I can't say I miss college a whole lot, at least yet. Albion still feels like the same small school, but that is what makes Albion unique. It was so great to spend time with Elizabeth even though we were sweltering at the football game. I also went to a lingere shower...best.idea.ever! I had so much fun!! The only downside to events like Homecoming are the awkward run-ins you have from other alums...especially when they are drunk. Oh well, I guess that is part of life!

Life's a Cookie

The winners are in, but you won't find out until October in our Best of Detroit Issue! As part of the fun, we are getting custom cookies made to give out to all the winners. I'm going with one of my coworkers later to the bakery to meet the baker and do some scientific cookie sampling :) I think that about starts a great FRIDAY!

Last night, I went to the event planner's open house at the Detroit Historical Museum. Their lower level is so unique, and they are willing to let you work with your own vendors. I am seriously going to consider them for an MT event; everyone was so nice and informative.

Tomorrow I am going back to college...at least for the day. I originally didn't plan on going back to Homecoming, but something about that school in the middle of nowhere keeps callin' me back! That, and the fact that I still have a few really good friends to see that I can't wait to hang out with.

Lunch

I guess I could not resist the outside for lunch and went to Tom's Oyster Bar, where they have a nice roof patio. It was great being outside and catching up with my coworkers, but I think my veggie burger was made with cheese and now my stomach does not feel so great.

I'm off to an event planner's open house in about a half hour at the Detroit Historical Museum. I want to go to meet the planners there and take a tour to see if we could possibly use it for future MT events. Should be interesting; I can't remember the last time I was there, except briefly after the Festival of the Arts this year to get out of the rain.

...and I should mention that I love the LCD Soundsystem station on Pandora Radio...I must be late jumping on the Hot Chip bandwagon, but they are my new interest along with The Kills...I couldn't get their Sour Cherry song out of my head after hearing it repeatedly on all the Gossip Girl commercials!

TODAY in Detroit

Katerina Bocci, designer

My day just went from sleepy to sensational. I found out this morning that I received a press pass to attend the Detroit Fashion Week runway shows, and I'm so excited to learn more about the different designers. Katerina Bocci is the designer we just profiled in this week's paper and is the highlight of the whole weekend. She just got done showing her collection in NYC's fashion week and now I'll get to see the encore show next Saturday night. I can't wait to scope it out and see if it is something that we want to get more involved with. I'm also going with one of our editors and another manager, so it should be a fun night!

We felt it neccessary in the office this morning to take a little break and walk over to Campus Martius, where the Today show was filming. It was so nice out and even though they were mostly done for the morning, we still got to see Aretha Franklin and Anne Curry. I took some pictures on my cell phone, but they were pretty terrible.

What I do on Wednesdays

My job may be awesome, but it is not free from painfully mundane tasks. The task I'm currently procrastinating about is completing the editorial freelance paysheets. I'm assuming like most large publications, the freelance list is endless. I firmly believe that all freelancers should be paid, and paid more than they are, for the writing they do. I just wish I wasn't the one who had to compile it every week.

In the D this week we have seen an absolutely unprecedented few days straight of solid sunshine. Since Detroit is second to Seattle for most rain dumped on us in a year, I'd say this is quite a notable miracle. Distracting, but wonderful. It allows me to lunch outside and get lost in a book, the current pick being The Kite Runner. I first found out about The Kite Runner three years ago when I was a lifeguard and a counselor up at Interlochen Arts Camp (band camp, albeit more sophisticated and cutthroat). I just never felt like reading it until now, and now that I am, I can't put it down. Books and I have a tumultuous relationship; if I don't like it, I don't read it anymore. Sometimes even if I like it, I'm prone to losing it in public places never to see it again.

The Beginning

Let's begin. This blog took a long time in the making, so much so that I set aside this user name a year ago (September 2007 apparently, as confirmed by blogger). A lot can happen in a year, and a year moves by faster than I can control. Since setting aside this domain name, I got engaged, graduated from college, got a job, became vegan and to round things out, bought a house. My friends say 22 is simply the anniversary of 21st birthday; to me, 22 meant changes (I like to think of Tupac, but most people think Obama).

I also took a long time in deciding if I wanted to blog on a particular topic. I was a big fan of the website ed2010.com until I realized that they only support magazine jobs and not other forms of media. Hurray for the magazine jobs, where you work your ass off and get paid next to nothing. Should I blog about my job? Art? Fashion? Photography? Vegan cooking? The Detroit social scene? I quickly realized I would get bored easily by sticking to one topic and would probably give up, and I don't like giving up.