Birmingham - Bloomfield Eagle

Published November 19, 2014

Small Business Saturday keeps big bucks in Oakland County

OAKLAND COUNTY — After the scraps of leftover turkey and mashed potatoes have been tucked into the fridge, it’s like you can feel the seasons instantly shift: Thanksgiving is over, and the time for holiday shopping has begun.

Published November 12, 2014

Local cooks talk about warmth, simplicity of soups during holidays

METRO DETROIT — The chill of the season is in the air, but we’re still a few weeks off from the feasting frenzy of the holidays. It’s a culinary condition that calls for something comforting, quick and still nutritious — you guessed it, soup.

Published November 12, 2014

Add woodland magic to your holiday décor

METRO DETROIT — A natural woodland holiday theme brings the outdoors inside for a cozy, charming and modern effect.

“Each year, when we go to the buyers shows, we look for new trends,” said Casey Thomas, vice president of Sherwood Forest Garden Center in Oakland Township. “New this year are more natural looks with a woodland theme.”

The popular movie “Frozen” has also become a decorating trend, Thomas said.

Published November 5, 2014

Don’t be left in the dark

METRO DETROIT — Feel like you haven’t been getting enough Zs lately?

It’s not just you.

According to experts, the shift in seasons can change more than the color of leaves — it can change our sleep patterns.

Published October 22, 2014

The wheels are in motion at Bloomfield Park

After ages of inactivity at the desolate 87-acre complex known as Bloomfield Park, things are happening.

Plans for the original development came to a screeching halt years ago due to a decline in the economy, and the property has sat deserted since 2008.

The complex — which is located on the east side of Telegraph Road, north of Square Lake Road — straddles the border of Bloomfield Township and Pontiac.

Published March 5, 2014

Seedlings deliver the promise of spring

Starting plants like marigolds and tomatoes indoors from seeds helps beat the winter blues.

“It is nice to see things grow,” said Joni Makowski, store manager of Allemon’s Landscape Center in Detroit. “It is a good activity for the family. The longer the winter, everybody thinks about it. I have four kids. We always plant different seeds in eggshells.”

Published February 19, 2014

A dash of this, a pinch of that…

The old saying goes that a little sugar and spice make everything nice. Well, there’s no doubt we’ve got the sugar thing down pat; but are we really taking advantage of the amazing flavors that spices can add to our cooking?

Published February 13, 2014

MSU Extension offers lakefront property restoration workshop

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Michigan State University Extension is sponsoring a workshop for Oakland County lakefront property owners to create, restore and manage natural shorelines at the Cranbrook Institute of Science 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. March 8.

“This is an educational program to help homeowners that live along lakes … to understand the importance of a natural shoreline,” said Bindu Bhakta, extension educator with the MSU Extension.

Published November 26, 2013

Holiday shows are stuffed with good cheer

The lights, the songs, the anticipation! No, it’s not everyone tearing into their presents on Christmas morning as the holiday music plays in the background — it’s one of the many festive shows you’ll find around town.

And after all of the preparation, stress, spending, wrapping and running around, what better gift to give to yourself than an evening to sit back, relax and be entertained?

Here are just a few of this year’s highlights:

Published August 29, 2013

Franklin rounds up residents for one last summer hurrah

FRANKLIN — All good things must come to an end. In Franklin, the close of summer will once again be celebrated with the village’s annual Round Up festivities this Labor Day.

Now in its 69th year, the Round Up will offer families more fun than ever to enjoy as students prepare to head back to school and fall makes its grand arrival. With midway games, a petting farm, pony rides, a classic car show and much more, there’s a little something for everyone at the annual fair.

Published August 28, 2013

Fundraiser is an ‘enchanting’ evening in an enchanting garden

DETROIT — With its exotic blooms and tranquil atmosphere, stepping inside the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle is like stepping into a world of natural wonder.

There, visitors will find an acre of cacti, blooming plants, tropical trees, ferns and unusual orchids in the World of Horticulture alone, along with the elegant formal perennial garden and lily pond gardens.

Published August 28, 2013

Oakland County to pull DIA funding if art is sold

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County Art Authority has sent a strong statement to those handling the city of Detroit’s bankruptcy: hands off the DIA.

During the most recent meeting of the Oakland County Art Authority Aug. 20, the five-member board voted unanimously to pass a resolution that would cancel their existing contract to financially support the Detroit Institute of Arts if the museum’s collection is affected by the city’s bankruptcy process.

Published July 3, 2013

Let kitchen remodeling show off your style

For many homeowners, remodeling their kitchen is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“People are really thinking it through,” said Barb Baker, of Elder Living Construction in Farmington Hills. “They are investing in a little higher quality. They are taking the time to understand the different wood qualities, and they are spending the money to make upgrades.”

Baker said her customers want new cabinets that will look good and last for a long time. They are also looking at new ways of hiding electrical outlets for a smooth, uninterrupted backsplash.

Published July 3, 2013

Lavender lovers, unite!

METRO DETROIT — Next weekend, metro Detroiters will follow their noses to Romeo for the 11th annual Michigan Lavender Festival July 12-14 at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill.

There’s just something about the sight and scent of lavender that can evoke the excitement of summer and instill a feeling of serenity. And like so many seasons before, many Michiganders are once again on the hunt for the herb to use for cooking, cleaning or just plain sniffing.

Published June 5, 2013

Parents consider options while school’s out for the season

As kids anxiously await the arrival of summer, parents are weighing their summer child care options. From day camps to sitters, there’s a lot to consider when choosing who your youngster will spend their summer break with.

Published June 3, 2013

TCH takes a look back with a few friends

BIRMINGHAM — Jeanne Hackett wants people to know just two things about her: She’s 94 years old, and she’s having a wonderful time.

“I’m just thoroughly, thoroughly enjoying life,” said Hackett. “I just keep very busy. I love my little apartment. I have old friends, I have made new friends, and the days just go by so quickly.”

Published May 29, 2013

Find alternatives to familiar flowers

Impatiens, a top choice for homeowners planting colorful annual flower displays, will not be available at most nurseries this year.

“There is a downy mildew problem with impatiens,” said Carl Eckert, owner of Eckert’s Greenhouse on Ryan in Sterling Heights. “We didn’t grow them this year, and most other nurseries also didn’t.”

Published May 22, 2013

Mapping out Michigan fun

Michigan Week is in full swing, giving residents just one more excuse to revel in all the wonderful things there are to do and see in the Mitten State.

Whether you’re a beer buff or a beach babe, there’s a place for you in Michigan. But with so many regional specialties, it’s hard to choose which area of the state is best for the stay- or play-cation of your choice.

Published April 30, 2013

2013 Detroit Jazz Festival creates unity in jazz community

DETROIT — The Labor Day weekend is still a few months away, but already it’s promising to be another great one for jazz lovers and the city of Detroit.

Published April 10, 2013

Luddites’ latest is a ‘Twisted’ take on acoustic music

After almost 21 years together, the Luddites still haven’t suffered the ubiquitous “creative differences” that have shattered bands less than half their age.

The 11-piece acoustic group will celebrate the release of their fourth CD, “Twisted In,” with a concert starting at 9 p.m. April 13 at PJ’s Lager House. Bass player David Giovannucci, one of the original Luddites from those early days in August 1992 when they started as a five-piece acoustic act, said friendship and mutual respect have kept them going all these years.