Welcome Back.

It really doesn't make any sense for me to start a blog and then just STOP blogging.

Life is real.  It does get in the way.  But I've decided that I'm going to take time and make time to do the things I love - the things I want to do.  Because life is also short. Very short.  And I don't want to look back in years and regret not taking care of my need to enjoy life, not just live it.

I have a lot to get in order.  I need to finish my degree for the fall.  I need to figure out my next steps career-wise and I need to have more fun.  I need to live.  It's hard to have a lifestyle blog when one has no life.  So, I'm getting a life.  Or resetting my life.  Or something like that.

So welcome back to aleesa in the [motor] city.

What's new in my world?

1. . I actually don't reside in the city anymore. I still work and hang out in town, though.  (So I may be changing the name of the blog)
2. I went ahead and got another apple device -- an iPhone.  Guys, I love this thing.  It makes it a lot easier to capture quick pics out and about.  I tend to forget about my (really nice) point and shoot digital camera, but having a good quality one on my phone helps out a lot. 
3. I'm going to Chicago on Friday! I'm hoping I'll end up with some great stuff to blog about!  I'm going to be at a conference so I'll make sure to sneak out to see, taste, and experience the city!.

So here I am.  I'm definitely back and challenging myself to post regularly.  Lots of love and enjoy the upcoming holiday! 

Happy New Year

Welcome 2012!
Wishing you all a wonderful new year full of adventure.  Try someplace new: drop into a local shop, stop by the restaurant you passed up on the ride home every day, go to that free cultural event.  You may find a new signature piece of jewelry, a favorite after-work hangout, or be exposed to awesome local artists.

Part of the reason I started this blog is to document my new adventures.  As a Detroit-native, it's easy to overlook great places.  I pass up so many places I've never been on my daily commute to work, places I promise I'll visit when I get a chance.  Well, here's my chance and it's yours, too.  No matter where you live, take time to really get to learn where you are this year.  You may be surprised at how much your town may have to offer.  If it's not as great as you think it could be, let exploration inspire you to help make a difference somewhere!  I'm sure this being back in Detroit thing will do a bit of both!

Love your city.  #lovedetroit!

Detroit is LOVE. . . and Red Velvet Pancakes.

This is how we brunch in Deroit.

I was able to dine at the new-ish Hudson Cafe. Before there was another breakfast spot that I never had a chance to try, but Hudson, this place is awesome. There's a small coffee bar at the entrance, but I'm sure all the magic happens in the kitchen and dining room. My companions and I shared a half order (which is still huge) of the red velvet pancakes as an appetizer of sorts. Check out all of that deliciousness. 

Then we all ordered our meals.  I had the voodoo benedict while my companions opted for the traditional breakfast and a half order of pecan banana pancakes.  I'd definitely recommend The Hudson for breakfast.  I have yet to try their lunch items, but they have the Detroit classic J.L. Hudson Maurice Salad, so I'm sure it's also delicious! 

It's a great, bright, airy atmosphere that's appropriate not only for a brunch outing with the girls like I had, but for a lunch date as well. 

R's pecan banana pancakes. 

C's traditional breakfast. 

My voodoo benedict: poached eggs atop sweet corn cakes and spicy chorizo topped with cheddar and ranchero sauce.  

After brunch we moseyed back down Woodward and stopped at the Inside Detroit's Downtown  Welcome Center.  They give tours of the city and have information about entertainment and dining, but it's also a shop where Detroit artists and manufacturers have a place to sell and display wares when they don't have anywhere else to do so.  There's lots of homegrown apparel, crafts, and books available for purchase. I know a place where I'll be purchasing gifts, Detroit-style.
There's also a checklist of Detroit bars, lounges and restaurants, that I'm sure I'll be checking out!

A sampling of the goods at the Welcome Center.