I'm calling these my "Drive-By Photo Series". David and I like to take the "back way" to avoid rush hour traffic from Downtown and campus. All these photos were taken while we were driving by them (of course I was in the passenger seat). Therefore, none of them are perfect, some of them are a bit cut off. But for going 40 mph, I believe they turned out pretty well. I did a little tweaking to them, but very very little. Thoughts?
One of my last names happens to be Reyes (:
This last one has to be one of my favorites from this series.
I created this photo using photoshop using the layering, brush, saturation and black and white tools. The goal was to create an image representing social change.
As you all know I'm very passionate about Detroit. Often we hear negative things about Detroit, whether it be from the media, friends, family or any residents that live outside Detroit. Whenever I hear anyone put Detroit down, my blood boils. I despise it even more when it comes from those who have never been to Detroit. Not all of Detroit is great, I know that. Every city has darkness, no matter what they have. But that doesn't mean that Detroit still isn't beautiful, that doesn't mean that Detroit doesn't have any light and it doesn't mean that Detroit doesn't grow. There are many great people who call Detroit home. It's a city filled with many cultures. Which is why I chose a background with a variety of flowers and vibrant colors, representing the people, new and old business', culture, history, architecture, art and spirit of Detroit.
The title of the piece is still being determined. Originally I was going to call it "Perception" but I no longer like the name. It'll come to me sooner or later.
Yesterday, David and I went to eat at Cass Cafe on our lunch break. Cass Cafe is located on 4620 Cass in Midtown, Detroit. About a five minute walk from campus! Yay!
I consider Cass Cafe to be a "gem". The environment screams "LIZ!". I know I'm not the only person who thinks it's a diamond. Many have seen famous actor Ryan Gosling dinning here whenever he is in town. From what I know it's one of his favorite places to visit in the area! Neat huh?
Cass Cafe changes their art that surrounds the restaurant walls. How frequently? I'm not sure. Perhaps I should have asked? When I find out I'll leave a comment below saying how often they do. The art they chose to display are always unique. They are conversation pieces that's for sure! Their art is definitely one of my top reasons why I enjoy going to Cass Cafe so much.
My favorite dish at Cass Cafe is their 5 Grilled Cheese. Want a twist with your grilled cheese? Go to Cass Cafe and try this beauty. It's delicious. Inside it has onions, dried tomatoes, spinach and of course five different types of cheeses. YUM right? All for $8.50 ($1.50 extra for fries)
David got the Smoked Salmon for $9.50. I didn't try it. I knew if I had a bite of his sandwich he'd have to get a bite out of mine. I wasn't willing to give up any part of my grilled cheese yesterday. Which is okay, he didn't want to give up his sandwich either. I can see why. The aroma was pretty tempting though... He devoured it within a matter of seconds, so I knew it was tasty.
They have a decent selection to choose from if you want to order an alcoholic drink. Something I'll have to wait to try in the future. October 15 is around the corner!
Like me, Cass Cafe is all about displaying local events in Detroit and art.
I have always wanted to eat upstairs. They never have it available when I go. Maybe one day...I believe you have to have it reserved.
I don't know why, but I love the bathroom doors inside the girls room. I should have added my own touch. I'll have to remember to bring a sharpie with me next time.
Cass Cafe recently added outside seating! Too bad it's been too hot. I'll have to return in the Fall when it's cooler out!
I'm a day late but yesterday was Detroit's 312th birthday! Isn't that crazy? Unfortunately, I didn't do anything to celebrate Detroit's birthday. But that's okay! Instead, I took a moment to appreciate Detroit. I thought about all the beauty Detroit bears and all the wonderful gifts it has to offer. I thought about how Detroit has a place of many firsts. Not only in history, but for myself too. I imagined what Detroit will be like in a few years. While Detroit may not be doing well, I'm confident that Detroit will become better than what it has been in the past. I firmly believe that Detroit will prove everyone wrong. In time that is. Anyway, Happy Birthday Detroit. I love you!
If you are a Wayne State student or employee then I'm more than positive you know about WSU's Farmers Market because of the numerous e-mails we receive... Anyway, I enjoy going! Especially on an empty stomach! (Which may not be a good thing) When is it? Beginning the first Wednesday of June to October 11, from 11am-4pm! It's in front of the Prentis Building (over on Cass).
BUYING LOCAL IS SO IMPORTANT! Can I not stress that enough?
Oatmeal pancakes? That sounds delicious! One day I'll buy it!
The bean cartoon is punny. Love it.
One of my favorite parts of the WSU Farmers Market are the giant sunflowers! They're really cheap! As of right now I don't have a place to put them. Tears.
They smell as fresh as they look!
Standing there looking at all the vegetables makes me want to continue to eat healthier. Or become a vegetarian? Okay, maybe not THAT far. I like meat too much.
Michigan cherries are the bomb. No cherry is better than Michigan's.
Avalon Bakery is next to Curl Up & Dye over on Cass! My friend Brian took me there and I love it! Organic goodies and coffee. Perfect. As you are biting into your treat, you wouldn't even think it's healthy for you. It's that good. Promise.
Excuse the quality of the photo, the sun was creating the glare. It was a tough battle but the glare won. Any who, I bought a vegan trail-mix cookie. At the time I only had a $20. It was the first tent I stopped in so I hadn't had the chance to break it. I assume the worker didn't have the proper change for a $20. He was generous and told me bring a dollar the next time I stop by. He was practically giving me a free cookie! Even the customer next to me said "Now that is great customer service!" I agree! Actually, it encouraged me to buy more things from the WSU Farmers Market so I could break my $20. I know I would have forgotten if I hadn't paid him back today.
I bought a pecan sweet potato pie a few weeks ago. I was nervous because the only pies that I've had are apple and cherry. I'm a bit picky when it comes to pies or at least growing up I was. Now I'm more willing to try things, but tend to stray away because it's what I'm used to doing. I'm glad I tried it! It was yummy! To my surprise it was rather filling, but that could be because I eat small portions. Either way I had to put my fork down and call it quits.
The next time I go, I'm getting one of these cookies.
Green bean paradise!
I've never seen cherry tomatoes in a variety of colors! I'm a tomato fiend too. I asked the worker about them and he told me they all have a different taste to them and they are very sweet and very good. Of course I bought a basket!
Potato's are one of my favorite foods. In any way shape or form. I can only imagine what these potato's taste like.
Every time I go there is always a line to this particular tent. I figured I'd see what all the fuss is about by trying something today. Originally I wanted the Chicken Salad Club Lavash, but they were out. I was pretty sad. I really liked the sound of having bacon in my wrap. I ended up ordering their Habana Wrap with Chicken. I also got their fresh mint tea!
All my precious goodies I purchased today! Funny thing is, is that I didn't plan on buying an entire lunch today. I packed a salad for myself and forgot the dressing and the rest of my lunch. It's been that kind of day. Perhaps it was just a little push to try more things today? It definitely beats the lunch I originally planned on having! The mint tea was really minty, in a good way. It inspires me to make my own or buy it again. The wrap ended up being A LOT bigger than at first glance. It's worth the $7. Half way through the wrap I was full. Inside the wrap is black beans, roasted corn, red onion, locally grown tomato, cilantro, cojito, cheese and Grown-in-Detroit green with lime vinaigrette. I'm making you hungry aren't I? As I mentioned before, the cookie is so delightful that you wouldn't think it's healthy for you. Finally, the tomato's. The worker was right! They all have a different taste and are very sweet and very good. The orange tomato is my favorite. I have been restraining myself to not eat them all at once. It hasn't been an easy task.
You should go to the WSU Famer's Market if you haven't yet! Even if you just look. The people working the tents appreciate it even if you don't buy anything. Ask them about their business, they have so much to tell! I will admit, they are pretty convincing with their products. I've seen them talk people into purchasing something. I too have been convinced, but it's all for a good cause!
*Note, I did not feature every tent at WSU farmers market. Just a few that caught my eye.