Mi Estilo Magazine » The Good Life

New real estate brokerage opens in midtown Detroit

miestilomag — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:33:04 +0000

Austin Black II Opens Doors to City Living Detroit Real Estate Brokerage

DETROIT, AUGUST 11, 2010—A new full-service real estate brokerage founded by Realtor® Austin Black II named City Living Detroit officially opened for business in Detroit’s thriving Midtown neighborhood today.

“I am excited and proud to open my own brokerage in Detroit,” said Black. “My passions for this city run deep. Since returning home after college, I’ve made it a top priority to be involved in the continued growth of Detroit. I believe that by opening my real estate brokerage here I will be able to make a greater impact on our community, one new resident at a time.”

City Living Detroit is a full-service brokerage that focuses in the sales, leasing and project marketing of lofts, condos and historic homes. Agents for City Living Detroit provide their services in communities all across the southeast Michigan region.

Black says that City Living Detroit has already landed agreements to manage or be involved with the sales and marketing of several Detroit developments including: The Mack @Brush Park, Willys Overland Lofts, Brush Park Village North, and Centurion Place.

Black has been in real estate for nearly a decade and has achieved success at all levels. He has won several local and national awards including being recognized this year by Realtor® Magazine as one of the 30 up and coming Realtors under 30 in the nation.

He credits a philosophy he created several years ago called P.I.E for his successes, and says it helped him reach $1.8 million in volume sales last year while working on behalf of another brokerage, so he intends to implement it as common practice at City Living Detroit.

“It’s an approach that is simple but effective,” said Black. “We showcase the passion-points of a community and all it can offer and then by utilizing the latest technological innovations in the real estate industry we are able to educate clients about the best options that are available to them.”

City Living Detroit’s offices are located at 444 West Willis, Ste. 108 inside the Willys Overland Lofts.

About City Living Detroit
City Living Detroit is a client-centered, full-service, boutique-style real estate sales and marketing firm that specializes in urban living, including lofts, condos, historic homes and apartments. The firm is based in Detroit’s historic Midtown near Wayne State University. To view all available listings visit CityLivingDetroit.com. To make an appointment call 313-242-7800 or e-mail austin@citylivingdetroit.com.

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So What Does It All Mean?

rgutierrez — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:13:26 +0000

Does being a Mom mean that I should be exhausted every hour of every day? As I sat, during my class, for four hours the other night and struggling to write a research paper for my psychology class, I had a revelation. “Being a Mom is hard work!” I could barely keep my eyes open, as my son hung onto my back and screamed in my ear. He desperately wanted Mommy’s attention and didn’t feel it was fair that I had to do homework instead of watching a cartoon with him. “I hate your school, Mommy!” Those words produced a lump in my throat and a guilty tear in my eye. I wondered to myself why I was doing all of this.

I often struggle with my life choices. Should I have returned to work after only two and a half years as Niko’s mommy? Will my teenage daughter resent the time that I spend away from home? Was returning to college a good idea? I have so much to do at home and juggling school and work can be really tiring.

Believe it or not, I am very greedy regarding time with my children. Days off are dedicated to family. No job or work could ever replace my kids and, although I spend lots of quality time with them, I often wonder if it is enough. Will it ever be enough? Sometimes I feel like there just isn’t enough of me to go around.

As mothers, we struggle to find balance. I realize that hard work and dedication are great examples for my children. My daughter once told me, “I’m so proud of you, Mom!” Those kinds of words keep me going. They keep me working hard toward my dream of getting a degree. I realize that I’m not only a mother. I’m also a woman with dreams, goals and ambitions. One day, my children will be all grown up and pursuing their own dreams and where will I be? I’ll be their biggest cheerleader.

So, what does it all mean? It means that, as mothers, we set examples for our children. We show them the importance of hard work, dedication, and service. We teach them that no matter how old we are, how many kids we have or where we come from, we can achieve our dreams. There is no job more important than being a mother. I am living my dream.

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson).

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

Graphics by: Paula Anderanin

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Was Living Simply Really Simple?

rgutierrez — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:41:01 +0000

As I walked through an old 1800’s boarding house in Greenfield Village, I felt so calm and nostalgic. The house felt welcoming and cozy. I felt as if I belonged there. If only I had lived back then, during simpler times. Times when people worked hard all day and spent quiet evenings by candlelight with their families. Children played games while mother cooked a homemade meal in the kitchen. Father returned home to a family meal at the dining room table. Everyone relaxed by the fire either reading or sewing. Why can’t things still be that simple?

The house was beautifully decorated with handmade linens and curtains. The walls were papered with pretty flowers and colorful stripes that I’ve never seen before. Pretty chandeliers hung in the dining room, while the parlor was decorated for entertaining guests. The bedrooms were quaint and relaxing. No televisions or computers. No telephones or video games. The bedroom was meant for sleeping and nothing else. I can’t remember the last time I fell asleep without the T.V. blaring or a phone ringing. Just a bed and a dresser are all I need. Why do I have all of these distractions?

My visit made me wish I were born 150 years ago. I long for a simple bedroom and a quiet life. I long for Sundays dedicated to church and picnics with family. I long for no work on the holidays. I long for no school during the summer. I long for a time where everyone knew their neighbors and helped out with the children. I long for a friendly time when people treasured good friends and time with their loved ones. This is what I long for.

During the recent power outages this summer, I learned to love the dark. As my family sat at the table, talking and laughing over the candlelight, my daughter said to us, “I wish the power would go out more often. This is the first time I’ve been able to sit and talk with you all without any interruptions.” When she said that, something clicked in my head. Why do we feel the need to constantly check our emails? Why must we always answer our calls immediately? Texting during dinner, really?

Since that day, I have learned to turn off the phone during our family dinners. I limit my time on the computer. Most importantly, I am sure to make time each day to just sit with my family. This is what I truly longed for during my trip through that old house in Greenfield Village. I longed for uninterrupted attention from my family and some much needed quiet time. With all of the new technology, we are never “unavailable.” This means we must make a huge effort to remove ourselves from these elements in an attempt for a more simpler, relaxed life.

“As lousy as things are now, tomorrow they will be somebody’s good old days.” Gerald Barzan

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

Graphics by: Salvador Cid III

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What’s Up With The Ring?

miestilomag — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:39:21 +0000

Apparently there’s been some controversy among young people and the older generation regarding the proper decoration of the “ring finger.” The older generation believes that the ring finger should only hold an engagement ring and/or a wedding band. However, many young people are moving away from this seemingly old-fashioned belief. Our young people are now wearing promise rings, divorce rings, partnership rings, and the forever single rings. Women often grow tired of waiting for the ever-so-famous engagement ring and are now treating themselves to diamond rings that celebrate their unbinding singleness. I say, “What’s wrong with that?” The question is, do we congratulate someone we see sporting these beautiful, sparkly tokens of independence? Definitely! In my opinion, it takes a pretty secure person to sport a singlehood ring. Learning to love yourself and make your own happiness is a big thing for most people. Hoorah for the single ring!

That brings us to the divorce ring. Another sign of happiness. This ring says, “Happy to be divorced and doing fine, thank you!” I’ve seen divorce celebrations including guests, dresses, and cakes. Personally, I think the cakes are hilarious. One cake had a little bride and groom with the groom mysteriously fallen from the top tier and laying at the bottom of the cake. Now, that was funny! Why should divorce be sad and depressing? It is usually a mutual decision including both parties. It is an end to an unhappy chapter in life. Life is short. Why be unhappy?

As soon as I’m done writing this piece, I will be coaxing my teenage daughter to allow me to buy her a new piece of jewelry. A bracelet or necklace you ask? Not quite. A promise ring would be the perfect thing. What a great idea! I love the person that invested time and thought into this idea. More and more young people are actually investing in these rings as a promise to remain celibate until marriage. Parents everywhere are smiling.

Of all the rings I’ve mentioned, the partnership ring is one of my all-time favorites. These rings are shared by gay couples and heterosexual couples that simply choose to share their lives without the hassle of legal documents and court proceedings. I say, “Why ruin a good thing with legalities, right?” The government makes it very easy to be married but extremely difficult and expensive to get divorced. Hmmmm…….seems kinds fishy to me.

Forget the controversy. Wear the ring of your choice be it single, divorced, happy, married, or promised. It’s just a ring. Isn’t the ring supposed to be a symbol of happiness?

“Strike an average between what a woman thinks of her husband a month before she marries him and what she thinks of him a year afterward, and you will have the truth about him.” ~H.L. Mencken, A Book of Burlesques, 1916

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

Graphics: Jerusalem Rivera

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Mother’s Little Helper Isn’t Helping Anymore

rgutierrez — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:23:13 +0000

What is going on with with prescription drugs these days? We have stars dropping dead and the autopsies reveal prescription drug abuse. Sure, the doctors are prescribing these drugs but should they? I think not. Each week as I read the obituaries for my area, I am astounded by the sheer number of young people dying. I have co-workers and friends telling me that their friends are dying from prescription drug overdoses. The new drug of choice is a cocktail of painkillers mixed with pills for depression. If alcohol is added to the mix, then it becomes deadly.

Why the sudden popularity of this drug cocktail? How are these drugs so easily accessible? Do people really believe that they’re safer than street drugs? Well, I hate to tell you but they’re not. The only difference is that they’re legal. There should be a strict limit regarding the amount of time a patient can be prescribed these potent medications.

I have recently learned that quite a few people I am associated with have some type of prescription drug addiction. It starts out with a back injury or surgery and turns into an addiction that can’t be broken without professional help. I’m so saddened by the sudden death of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Brittany Murphy, and Corey Haim. I just ask myself, “Why?” Although I’m sure everyone thinks it couldn’t possibly happen to them, the fact is that the body can only take so much. These medications have serious side effects and when you mix them with other substances, they turn into a deadly poison. Something must be done about this epidemic or we will continue to lose celebrities, loved ones, co-workers, and great friends.

I think my doctor had the right idea when he posted a sign in his waiting room that reads: “We do not prescribe narcotic drugs such as Vicodin or Oxycontin.” You won’t believe how many people walk in, read the sign, and walk out. Sad.

“Drugs are a bet with your mind.” Jim Morrison

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

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You Say Tomatoes, I Say Tomatillos

miestilomag — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:46:40 +0000

Tomatillos look like a cross between a green tomato and a Cape gooseberry, which isn’t surprising since they taste rather like the former and are directly related to the latter. The main differences being Cape gooseberries are orange, about one-third of the size of a tomatillo, and are classified as a fruit. Like the Capes, tomatillos have a sticky skin underneath their papery chrysalis layer, so be sure to rinse them thoroughly after peeling.

You may have already stumbled across tomatillos in the form of salsa verde–they’re the “green” (verde) part. Their lemony, tangy flavor provides a nice counterpoint to the spicy hot character of salsa…and to creamy avocados. Tomatillos can also be roasted and then used in place of (or along with) chili peppers. Finding them may be difficult if you’re not in a Latino mercado, but they’re worth a bit of a hunt. Salsa verde–or salsa roja y verde, as I’ve done below–is a wonderful condiment for stews, chilis, fish, and poultry. And as you can see, tomatillos are also a visual delight!

Author: Lisa Howard
http://theculturedcook.com/

About the Author: I’m also a freelance writer; not surprisingly, most of my articles are about food, health, and travel. In addition to writing for magazines, I’ve penned two novels (one young adult fantasy/mystery, the other adult medieval epic fantasy) and a non-fiction book proposal about the Qualitarian approach to enjoying your food. My current project is an international cookbook for a publisher out West. I also have another company focused on professional editing and book coaching. If you’d like to know more about my wordsmithing services, feel free to stop by my Poignant Pen website.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to scour my local farmer’s markets and grocery stores in search of new and unusual ingredients to share with you!

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Things to know before you fill out the Census form

jarodriguez — Sun, 02 May 2010 18:30:53 +0000

It comes every ten years. It’s something that is our civic duty. It’s something that’s relatively easy to do, yet it’s also one of the most important things you’ll do.

We’re talking about the 2010 Census.

If you’re reading this, then you probably haven’t turned in turned your Census form. It’s still not too late to turn it in. Maybe you have some questions.

So here are six things to know about being counted in the Census

Did you know?

Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law.

In case that you’re wondering, ANY information on you can never be shared. Other government agencies can never access it and can never be used against you in court.

In other words, your information is COMPLETELY confidential. No matter whether you were born here or your immigrant status, your information will NEVER be shared.

Did you know?

If any information on you is shared, this is a federal crime.

Title 13, §215 of the US code says that:

“the disclosure of which is prohibited under the provisions of section 9 of this title, and which comes into his possession by reason of his being employed (or otherwise providing services) under the provisions of this title, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.”

Did you know?

Census employees are sworn FOR LIFE to protect your information. They can NEVER share your information with anybody.

So if you get a visit from a Census taker, here’s what you can expect:

All census takers carry official government badges that have their name.
If anybody comes to you’re door, you can ask them for a picture ID to confirm their identity.
Some census workers might carry a “U.S. Census Bureau” bag.
If you want to be absolutely sure about them, you can contact regional Census center at 313-396-5200.

Did you know?

Census takers will never ask to enter home.

You’re getting this straight from the source. They will visit up to six times. If they miss you, they will leave door hanger with a phone number to call to schedule a visit at your convenience.

I know what you’re think. “I don’t want someone knocking on my door.” I got you covered. If you missed the deadline, there’s a number that you can call and answer the questions. If you call our Questionnaire Assistance line at 1-866-872-6868, you give answers over the phone.

¿Sabía que si usted habla español hay ayuda para participar en el censo?

The Census will never ask you information over the Internet. If you ever get anything in your email, then pass it along to the authorities.

Did you know?

It can help your community receive its yearly share in federal funds yearly for things like:

• Hospitals

• Job training centers

• Schools

• Senior centers

• Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects

• Emergency services

• Determine number of seats in U.S. House of Representatives

Current projections say that Hispanics will make up 39% of the total population from 2000 to 2010, 45% from 2010 to 2030, and 60% from 2030 to 2050. However, these are just guesses. For your community to get its share of federal funds, the Census needs to count EVERYBODY.

So out of your other duties as a US resident, this is probably the quickest, easiest to do. 10 minutes to answer 10 questions.

Most importantly, this is one that’s around your schedule and at your convenience. Whether you talk to a Census taker or provide your answers over the phone, it’s THAT easy. So what are you waiting for?

It’s your day to count.

If you have any questions, go to Census 2010′s site: Census 2010.

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Community Comes Out To Support Clark Park

jarodriguez — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:19:00 +0000

Clark Park Interview

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Don’t Worry-There’s A Tea For It

rgutierrez — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:54:15 +0000

So many of us grew up with home remedies. Let’s face it, Latinos truly believe that teas and other herbal remedies are the key to good health. When I was a sick kid growing up, my parents used every home remedy under the sun for me and my four siblings. They couldn’t afford to take us to the doctor every time we had a cough or runny nose. I remember having a toothache one time. My mother put some kind of tea on my tooth and it immediately eased the pain. It didn’t matter what kind of illness we were suffering from, my mom had a tea for it.

The funny thing is that Hispanics are not the only ones that believe in these remedies. My mom is from West Virginia and, being from a Native American background, she grew up with very similar remedies as my Mexican father. I guess it’s the whole Indian thing.

Many people criticize homeopathic remedies labeling them “old wive’s tales” or “folklore”. However, I can attest that many of them actually work. I remember my father telling me that whenever he had an earache as a child, his grandfather would roll a newspaper into a cone shape, stick it in my father’s ear, light it, and blow the smoke into the ear. Yes, it worked! The pain would subside and my dad would go about his day.

Back in the old days, Latinos visited curanderos. A curandero is a holistic healer that can cure everything from a cough to a mental illness. Curanderos are not as popular these days, but they were very highly respected in society. People trusted them for herbs and teas. From what I’ve been told, these remedies were successful. So, why are we so suspicious these days? Maybe the older, less educated Latinos knew more than we know. Most older people are very skeptical regarding prescription medications and their ingredients. I think they’re probably right to feel this way.

I’m always amazed when I see commercials advertising prescription medications. After they tell you how great the medication is, they say, “Side effects may include: diarrhea, nausea, internal bleeding, constipation, blindness, deafness, acne, rash, loss of limbs, heart attack, or even death.” What??? Geez, a simple sinus pill causes all that? I’ll just skip the pill, and drink some warm Vernor’s while wrapping my head in Vick’s as my father suggests. Or, maybe I’ll put my head over a pot of steaming water until everything drains out of my head as my mother suggested.

The funniest thing ever is the commercial for the personal injury lawyer that says, “If you’ve ever taken this drug and as a result suffered a stroke, heart attack, or death, call me!” What??? If I died, how can I call you?

Truthfully, I trust my parents’ remedies and I’ll stick to them for as long as possible. After all, the worst thing that could happen is that I’ll overdose on Vernor’s or tea and pee myself to death.

“Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.” Redd Foxx

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

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What Are We So Ashamed Of?

jarodriguez — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 03:36:22 +0000

I have been visiting Mexico, since I was 5 years old. There are so many great memories. The smell of gorditas being made fresh to order. The architecture of centuries old churches. The handicrafts made by local indigenous people. Ah, yes. Speaking of indigenous people of Mexico brings me to this week’s topic.

One day, during one of my summers down in Mexico, I did something dumb and one of my cousins replied “Don’t act like an Indio (no seas indio)!” I was confused as to why he said that because my paternal grandfather was 100% Indian. I asked him to explain what he meant and he told me that Indians are short, stupid people good only for housekeeping and general labor. Hearing him say this shattered my image of Mexico as a Shangri-la of sorts. I looked around and started to notice that most of the Mexican stars are lighter complected. What are Mexicanos so ashamed of?

We are a mix of Spanish and indigenous blood. In the United States, we are Mexican no matter our skin color. We could have a first name like “Mike” or “Sara,” but, once our schoolmates or co-workers see a last name such as “Gomez” or “Martinez,” then we are Mexicans to white America. I have even heard some 2nd generation Mexicans refer to the newly arrived raza as “wetbacks” and “boaters.” Where is the self hate and shame coming from? Are we too caught up in trying to keep up with the joneses and end up losing our identities? Are the Latinos in entertainment finally brainwashing us into believing that we need to look Anglo to be accepted by our peers? At the end of the day, when all is said and done, family is family. The same tios and tias will be at the same BBQs exchanging “chisme” with one another. The same primos and primas you came up with will be drinking Tecates while their kids are being chased by abuelito!

Remember that you don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been. So, whenever your kids ask what it means to be Mexican, do your homework and include all of your roots, even the indigenous ones. Viva Mexico!!

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