Fashion meets Food

Restaurant Review: Vinny\’s Brunch

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Erica

On a blistering cold Saturday, I ventured out to Vinny\’s Brunch and Lunch in Clinton Township, Michigan. We got there around noon, and the place was packed. However, we only waited about 20 minutes to get a table. I love brunch every day of the week, but I especially love it when chilly weather hits. There is just something about enjoying brunch while snow lightly falls outside.

Vinny\’s Brunch and Lunch features a jampacked menu of so many delicious items. From sizzling skillets to ultimate sweets you will find a little bit of everything on the brunch menu. Burgers, salads, sandwiches and more can be found on the lunch menu, each item sounding better than the next – which makes it very difficult to select something.

I was undecided when the waitress returned to our table and made a game-time decision to get the Strawberry Avocado Toast without goat cheese. The presentation on the Strawberry Avocado Toast did not disappoint and neither did the taste. I received a single slice of toast that had been toasted to perfection topped with smashed avocado, strawberry slices, almonds and a drizzle of honey. Hands down the best avocado toast that I have ever had.

If you\’re looking for a new place to brunch or lunch I highly recommend Vinny\’s Brunch and Lunch in Clinton Township, Michigan. They have unique items on the menu such as oreo pancakes as well as traditional items like omelets. Trust me you will not be disappointed with a trip to Vinny\’s Brunch and Lunch!

2020-21 "Temptations" Musical Ain\’t Too Proud comes to Broadway in Detroit

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Erica

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A huge thank you goes out to Broadway in Detroit for inviting me to The Roostertail tonight for a preview of the 2020-2021 Broadway season. Besides some delicious hor d\’oeuvres, all guests got to see a preview of the upcoming show Ain\’t Too Proud The Life And Times Of The Temptations, which looks and sounds absolutely amazing. I mean how can you resist \”My Girl\” – you can\’t! We also got to hear from Otis Williams, he is the last surviving member of the Temptations so that was really neat to see him and hear what he has to say. Playwright Dominique Morisseau was also there and explained why it\’s so important to spread positivity about Detroit because everyone from the city knows it is amazing. It was really great to hear two Detroit natives talk about how much they love Detroit and how proud they are of the city. I cannot wait for the new season of shows, it honestly looks like it is going to be amazing.

A huge secret was released tonight as well.. Les Miserables is coming back to Detroit! Get excited 2020-2021 Broadway in Detroit season is going to be amazing.

20 Free Things to Do in Detroit, Michigan

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Erica

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With the weather starting to get nicer (hello sunshine), I have found myself heading to Detroit and hanging out around the city. No matter what season it is Detroit is filled with plenty of things to do, including FREE things to do. That’s right, I said it you can actually adventure around the Motor City and see a lot of things for free or for a small fee. There is something new to do every weekend in Detroit, so why not start exploring. If you need a place to start here are 20 free things to do in Detroit.

1. Explore the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts). Residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can get in for free.

2. Visit MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit). Here you will see the best in edgy contemporary art.

3. Hang out at Campus Martius. Located in the heart of Detroit there is always something going on. From ice skating in the winter to a grassy lawn and sandy “beach” in the summer, there is sure to be something to do.

4. Visit Comerica Park, and have your picture taken with the giant tiger out front.

5. Explore the Z Lot. The Z Lot is a parking garage that has a ton of painted murals, perfect for any photo opt!

6. See The Belt. Once you’ve walked around the Z Lot, visit The Belt located next to the lot.

7. Walk the Riverfront, and don’t forget to wave hello to our friends across the river in Windsor.

8. Stop by the Spirit of Detroit and get your picture taken.

9. Visit the GM Renaissance Center.

10. Take a stroll through Hart Plaza. During the warmer months, you will find concerts and festivals.

11. Have your picture taken while fist-bumping Joe Louis’ arm in downtown Detroit.

12. Hang out in Greektown. At night you can expect to see street performers, live music, and more.

13. Explore the Detroit Public Library and get lost in the stacks among all the history.

14. Wander around Eastern Market. Saturdays the market really comes alive with local vendors, but any day of the week you can find eye-catching murals that make great picture opportunities.

15. Bike around the Dequindre Cut, a two-mile, urban recreational path.

16. Go see the historic Pewabic Pottery. Located in Detroit’s Jefferson Corridor.

17. Make a stop at Belle Isle State Park. With a Michigan Recreation Passport, you can enjoy Belle Isle and everything it has to over. Don’t forget to explore the aquarium, nature center, bike the trails and more.

18. Visit the Guardian Building, one of Detroit’s most historic landmarks.

19. Check out the Heidelberg Project.

20. Take a ride through Detroit on the People Mover. (It may not be free, but it is low cost.)

20 Ways to Get Frugal in 2020

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Erica

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While standing in line at the grocery store the other day, I overheard a woman talking about finances, and how it costs too much to be healthy. It was really sad to hear and it is something I know all too well. Personally, I have made a lot of changes in my own life that help me save money. Some are simple and make a little impact, while others make a bigger impact on my wallet. Something that I really want to do more of is travel, therefore it was time for me to get frugal. Cutting back in certain areas will give you some extra breathing room, especially if you are living paycheck to paycheck. Figuring out finances can be hard, that’s why I am sharing 20 ways to get frugal in 2020!

1. Meal planning. Plan out your meals for the week, so you know what items you need to put on your grocery list. Select meals that allow you to use some of the same ingredients to prevent waste.

2. Create a grocery list. Do not stray from the list, and never shop without the list.

3. Avoid pre-packaged foods. Yes, they’re convenient, but they so much more money than if you were to package the same food yourself.

4. Eat leftovers, seriously I know it sucks sometimes but it is a money-saving hack.

5. Don’t buy bottled water. If you prefer the taste of filtered water buy a Brita pitcher or faucet.

6. Shop your pantry. Before you head out shopping, see if you have in your pantry and use up what is there first.

7. Meal prep. Take one or two days a week and meal prep for the entire week. Typically I meal prep on Sunday and Wednesday, I don’t like a refrigerator stacked with food for the week – I honestly will let it go to waste before I eat it. Be sure to cut up fruits and vegetables to make them easily accessible.

8. Pack your own lunch. Buying lunch every single day can get expensive, even if you’re making a simple PB&J sandwich with a bag of chips it’s a whole lot cheaper than eating out. Someone at my work spends an average of $10 EVERY day at lunch. That is $50 a week and $2,600 every single year – on eating out for lunch alone!

9. Buy generic. Often times store brands are just as good (or even better), than name brands. I actually prefer most Kroger brands over name brand items.

10. Negotiate bills. My parent’s neighbors actually change their cable company every year based on who is running the best deals.

11. Cancel cable. Some of you may be thinking that this is crazy, while others are thinking it’s no big deal. Cable is expensive and could put an extra $100 in your pocket each month.

12. Grab some vinegar. Not only is vinegar cheap, but it makes a great cleaning agent when diluted with water. In fact, I love using it on my windows, floors as well as to clean the shower. This simple trick has allowed me to cut down on over $100 in cleaning supplies a year.

13. Unplug items. Did you know, if you have items plugged in (even if you are not using them) they’re sucking energy? Me neither. I started unplugged items and have seen a slight change in my electricity bill.

14. Programmable thermostat. This alone can save you a lot of money. During the day while I am gone the temperature in the house goes down to 64 degrees and when I get home it goes back up to 69 degrees. This little dip makes a huge difference.

14. Find free local activities. Did you know some museums have free days? Museums can get pricey, so why not wait until they have free days?

15. Shop at the Dollar Tree for cards and wrapping paper. I must admit, when my mum told me she does this I thought she was absolutely nuts. Hallmark cards are EXPENSIVE at the Dollar Tree you can get sweet, funny and everything in between 2 for $1! Can you believe that! The Dollar Tree also has great wrapping supplies as well year-round.

16. Outlet shop. Outlet stores offer last season goods at a lower price. I love shopping at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, J Crew Factory, The Loft and more.

17. Stop shopping on Amazon. Amazon offers mindless shopping, you don’t need that Prime membership it’s just extra money out of your pocket that you could be using elsewhere.

18. Chose alternate stores. Do not buy things like gift bags, wrapping paper and card at stores like Target or Hallmark. Instead, explore Dollar Stores like Dollar Tree. Dollar Tree is the home base for frugal hacks and one of my favorite places to buy these items.

19. Staycation. I know taking vacations are a lot of fun, and it’s hard to watch others go on lavish trips when your bank account tells you that you can basically vacation in your backyard. An alternative to this is a staycation. Explore your city as tourist, or take some day trips to save money. Detroit has a lot of fancy boutique style hotels that I cannot wait to have an overnight stay in!

20. Pay cash. This is by far my favorite frugal hack. Not only will you spend less, but you will actually pay attention to what things cost!

Where to Stay in Chicago: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Erica

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Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Chicago Auto Show and stay at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place while I was in Chicago, Illinois. Staying just steps away from McCormick Place made it easy to check out the Chicago Auto Show and head back to my room as needed. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is located within walking distance of Soldier Field, the Bean, and the Museum Campus. Views from the upper floors of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place are absolutely stunning and feature a view of Lake Michigan and the downtown Chicago skyline.

Rooms at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

Relax in one of 1,258 guest rooms, including 51 suites. Each room at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago features a generously-sized workstation as well as Jet Pack technology hubs, so you can easily connect all of your gadgets.

Dining at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

Chicago is best known for its pizza and hot dogs, however at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place you will not find these simple meals. In fact, you will find an exciting culinary scene feature bold restaurants and bars.

Arc Bar
At the Arc Bar, you will find thousands of glowing Edison bulbs providing you with a vintage experience with a modern edge. Here you will find a dinner and snack menu, as well as a variety of handcrafted cocktails

Third Star
At Third Star, you will discover a variety of international cuisines during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sixes & Eights
Get ready for an eclectic culinary experience at Sixes & Eights. Here you will find bold flavors of Southeast Asian street food. Order from an a la carte menu, build your own rice, pho or ramen bowl.

Market
Need something quick and easy, Market is your place. Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, sandwiches and more.

Amenities

Free internet access: Stay up to date while you\’re away with free internet access.

Fitness center: Looking to stick to your fitness routine while you\’re away from home? The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place has you covered with a 24-hour gym. Featuring a variety of cardio and strength-training equipment, including two brand new Peloton bikes, free weights, and yoga mats.

Pool: There is a heated indoor pool with a sauna as well as an outdoor sundeck.

Laundry: Spills happen, keep your clothing clean with the hotel\’s laundry service.

Concierge: Ready to answer all your questions, and help you.

Business services: Take care of business at the FedEx Office Print and Ship Center, conveniently located on the second floor of the South Tower. The business services center offers signage to print presentations, lamination and more.

Meeting facilities: Keep your team meetings going even while you\’re away

Restaurants on-site: There are four dining outlets, including the Arc Bar
Direct connection to McCormick Place

Pro Tip: If you\’re planning a trip to Chicago and looking for somewhere to stay with clean, quiet and spacious rooms, then the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is perfect for you.