The special tour for two is $100 and includes chocolates, champagne, photo in Cinderella’s carriage and more. $50 is tax deductible as The Parade Company is a not for profit organization.

For more information visit The Parade Company or call 313.923.838.

For more information visit Motown Winter Blast.

MotorCity Casino Hotel will once again hold one of Detroit’s hottest, highly-anticipated cultural events of the year. Fashion In Detroit, Michigan’s premier annual fashion event on Saturday, March 10, 2012.
Now in its 3rd year, Fashion In Detroit salutes the strong and vibrant Detroit fashion scene during a one-day event co-hosted by Project Runway’s Joe Faris, along with Ambassador Magazine Publisher and Jewelry Designer, Denise Ilitch. For the first time, the two business leaders in Michigan come together to present the brand’s strongest opening. Ilitch and Faris, both vocal advocates of Detroit’s urban renewal, believe the annual flagship event exemplifies the community’s commitment to the revitalization of the city. “It’s so exciting to be a part of promoting Detroit fashion,” said Ilitch.
Fashion In Detroit, co-created in 2009 by Joe Faris, was launched to put a fashion spotlight on Michigan, while creating a destination that showcases the talent of some of Detroit’s best designers. This year’s event is expected to draw national attention and over 2,000 attendees, including members of the press and fashion industry from around the world. “We will, once again, transform the Motor City into Fashion City,” said Faris.
The event will include 8 runway presentations by a collection of local and national designers, designer trunk shows/meet and greets, a “Market Detroit” pop-up shop, a Detroit sports lounge, a VIP private reception and an Afterglow bash. There will also be a social media lounge hosted by StyleCaster.com for online media and bloggers. The day’s admission ticket includes all fashion shows, gift bags, a souvenir guidebook/lookbook, entrance to the trunk shows and eligibility for high-end giveaways. FID will also give one talented Michigan-based fashion designer a grant to showcase his or her Fall/Winter 2012 collection to buyers and fashion industry insiders.
A portion of the FID proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses of Detroit and Ann Arbor – The mission of the Ronald McDonald House is to provide families of children experiencing a serious illness or injury a “home away from home” that assists in alleviating the families’ emotional and financial stress. Learn more at http://www.rmh-annarbor.org.
Tickets start at $25 in advance with a VIP experience for $100. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. The event is expected to sell out. Tickets are also available through the MotorCity Casino Hotel Box Office Friday-Sunday.

To keep up on the latest news and information be sure to “Like” Fashion In Detroit on Facebook and follow at @FashionNDetroit on Twitter. More details, including entertainment and participating designers, will be announced in the coming weeks. For a preview, photos, and more information, visit http://www.fashionindetroit.com.
Facebook: Fashion In Detroit
Twitter: FashionNDetroit
Blog: fashionindetroit.tumblr.com

For ticket information you can visit ticketmaster.

My daughter and I were having a discussion regarding beauty and ugliness the other day and it really made me think.  I remember telling her, “I really don’t know any ugly people.”

Everyone has something beautiful about them. Ugliness to me is not a blemished complexion or a disproportionate body.  Ugliness to me is evil.  Ugliness is rude, mean and hateful.  As we stroll through the produce department searching for the perfect tomato, we often fail.  I think to myself, “What’s the importance of a perfect tomato? An oddly shaped tomato can be just as delicious.”  I made it a point to buy the most imperfect tomato I could find.  After all, why does everything have to be perfect?

If we all put effort into living beautiful instead of looking beautiful, we would have much happier lives.  Imagine waiting in line, at the dreaded Secretary of State office to renew your license.  Wouldn’t it be nice to wait with a bunch of happy and kind people? Instead of spending thousands on plastic surgery and make-up, why not spend time and money volunteering in homeless shelters and schools?

It makes me sad that it has taken me almost forty years to find comfort in my own skin.  I was always trying to change my hair, my weight, my make-up and my clothes.  I have, finally, learned to change the way I see myself.  I am comfortable being me.  I wouldn’t change anything physically about myself because then I wouldn’t be Rhonda Gutierrez.  However, I will continue working on being the best person I can possibly be on the inside.  Pretty is as pretty does.  Smiles are beautiful, imperfect teeth and all.  Wrinkles are attractive, when they are products of many years of smiles.  Frown lines…not so much.

There is no perfect person and there are no perfect lives. We are all here together, in this big beautiful world.  Let’s make it shine with smiles and happiness.  Be the most attractive, magnetic person you can be—just by being nice.

“That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.” Ninon de L’Enclo

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins all in one room? No, this isn’t the stuff of legend but the gathering that was known in rock n’ roll lore as The Million Dollar Quartet.  It is, also, the name of the musical at the Fisher Theatre that was based on that one magical night.

Played by Billy Woodward, Derek Feeling, Martin Kaye and Billy Woodward, respectively, each actor brought an excellent vivacity to their characters.  As a hardcore Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis fan, I was waiting to see how these actors would do, considering that I’ve suffered through horrible portrayals like Dennis Quaid (Jerry Lee Lewis) in the biopic, Great Balls of Fire.  I almost swore that I was in Memphis’ Sun Studio back on December 4, 1956.

The chemistry between each of the four was incredible.  Ferris did an excellent job as Carl Perkins working to get another hit, after Elvis was recognized for recording his “Blue Suede Shoes.”  Woodward brought a bit of smoldering, yet understated star power as Elvis.  Feeling sounded like the real deal as The Man In Black otherwise known as Johnny Cash.  When he sang Cash hits like “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk The Line,” his vocals sounded like they came from deep within Earth. Lastly, Woodward brought out some great guitar showmanship, while playing sideman on some of Elvis’ songs, even fingerpicking almost like Scotty Moore did on the original recordings.

I definitely don’t want to forget mentioning Christopher Ryan Grant as Studio head Sam Phillips and Kelly Lamont as Elvis’ girlfriend, Dyanne in their great supporting roles. Grant really captured the struggle of Phillips dealing with the success of his first generation of stars and wondering what to do with his piano playing prodigy from Ferriday, LA: Jerry Lee Lewis.

There is still al little bit of time to catch the remaining shows.  I don’t want to give away the show stopping conclusion.  Let’s just say that it involves Carl Perkins and an upright bass.  You’ll have to see it to believe it.  Coming from a guy that’s seen AC/DC using a cannon, I can honestly say that this topped them.  Check out Million Dollar Quartet and you can be a fly on the wall for this first and greatest rock n’ roll jam session.

Author: José A. Rodríguez

If you are looking for something unique and entertaining this weekend don’t miss out on this!

The trilogy finds a group of fanatics using science on The Sudarium to try to bring about the Second Coming of Christ.  A woman, Hannah, looking for meaning found, herself, recruited as a surrogate.  Who did she give birth to? This is a question that is discussed and provides much food for thought.  Her son, Mano, years after his birth, finds, himself, drawn in with people trying to impose meaning onto him.  Amidst all of this, the outside world tries to make sense out of the events.

Written by Leonard Foglia, a theatre/opera director and librettist, along with David Richards, theater critic for publications including The Washington Post, The Washington Star and The New York Times. This trilogy that was very hard to put down.  I took these books on a recent road trip and the moments, when I had to put the books down, were agony.

Heavy on religious allusions, it helps to have some sort of background so that the little details are understood.  I have 12 years of Catholic schooling under my belt, which was tremendously helpful.  However, even people without a religious background, would still be able to enjoy this just as much as any other thriller.

I would give the trilogy 4 out of 5 stars.  The books were very well written and engaging.  Each part of the trilogy flowed into the next and formed a coherent tapestry.  It was easy to be drawn into the characters—to root for the heroes, while hoping for the villians’ destruction.  A little slow to develop, these books are a powerhouse.

To get more information on the trilogy, visit the books’ site at The Sudarium Trilogy or buy them at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.   

Everything in our lives depends on attitude.  We can dread work or we can walk in each day with a positive attitude and embrace the job at hand.  Even exercise can be enjoyable with the right music.  Housework is fun with my favorite CD playing.  I dance through the house, while dusting the furniture.  The broom is my favorite dance partner.

I feel bad for those who find no joy in their lives.  Bad things happen.  It’s part of life. Death, sickness and struggles can ruin our days, but, while we’re here and breathing, we must live for today.  Today is a gift.

People who have never had to struggle may not appreciate the everyday gifts, such as sunshine and breath.  Those of us who have, truly look forward to hugs and kisses from our children and another chance to witness life.

Make this year your opportunity to shine.  Do all the things you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait until tomorrow, next week or next year.  Today is the day.  This is your year! Whatever makes you happy….do it!

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence” – Aristotle

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez

Image: graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fast forward to 2012, just last Saturday, which was the NAIAS opening day for the public. I had the opportunity to walk around and check out some vehicles.  The vehicle that I’m currently driving is 10 years old and, while still drivable, is starting to give me issues.  I’m not a huge car guy that’s all into the intricacies of  what’s going on under the hood.  I’m a “lay” consumer that knows what they’re looking for in a vehicle.  The NAIAS was a great opportunity to see what new stuff is out there—all under one roof.

While I stepped into a lot of vehicles, I ended up really digging two: the Jeep Compass and the Dodge Dart.  I want something smaller than the Saturn Vue that I’m driving with better fuel economy and the connectivity and GPS options that seem to come standard with newer vehicles.  I liked the Compass’ 4×4 capabilities, which can come in handy in our icy Michigan roads.  As for the Dart, I liked its styling, better fuel economy and reasonable starting price point.

All in all, I’m glad that I went back.  It had a great mix of spectacle while keeping the focus on the vehicles.  After all, this show is about showcasing vehicles to the public that would buy them.  I was really happy to see a lot of the stuff coming out of the Big 3 on par with what the foreign companies are producing.  The quality of the styling has gone up.  Fuel efficiency has increased.  Also, the amount of technology integrated into the vehicles is positively mind-boggling.

I’m glad that I went back and can’t wait for next year’s NAIAS.  I wish that it hadn’t taken me 20 years to return.  However, I think that now, as a future consumer, I have more of an interest.  Where before the fun was in getting in all sorts of fancy cars, now the fun is in seeing what’s out there and weighing my options to buy.

It’s a great time to return to the Detroit Auto Show!

Author: José A. Rodríguez