One of the kindest things you can do is be inspiring to others, with a warm smile, a kind gesture, a hand up. But don’t forget you. Inspire yourself to be that person you’ve always wanted to be, or do that one thing that will really make your day, week, year, life.

“Life Rewards Action”

The post Random Acts of Kindness! appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to
• the left as possible.  Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

– See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips#sthash.UWYQU5UC.dpuf

Tips courtesy of Safekids.com

The post Halloween Safety Tips! appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

45 world-class local and international artists were invited to paint murals throughout Eastern Market. And they did not disappoint. The event was held over 9 days, with lots of activities that brought many attendees, photographers, artists, and the general public to every corner of Eastern Market.

You might have heard that the Compuware building, also recently, had a renowned artist paint a mural on the back of its building. Art is always in the air in Detroit.  

I have no doubt that the talent showcased in these murals and this event as a whole, will further endear Eastern Market to the greater metro area and beyond, and increase Eastern Market’s already worldly-appeal as a shopping and tourist destination.

If you haven’t been to Eastern Market lately or ever, you are missing a real treat. As a life long visitor to Eastern Market, I’m thrilled to see all of the activity. And, taking an afternoon and my camera with me, going to get photos of these new fixtures at Eastern Market.

To read about the artists who’s work now graces many locations in Eastern Market, along with a map, see Murals in the Market: http://www.muralsinthemarket.com

To see photos of the murals: http://www.muralsinthemarket.com/current-murals-1/

The post Eastern Market Murals appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

An interesting note about Sweetest Day is that Detroit and Cleveland are the biggest celebrators of Sweetest Day. Does that mean that Detroit and Cleveland are more willing to “show their love” than other big cities? While I don’t doubt that Detroiters and Cleveland-ites have very big hearts, it seems that these two cites had the biggest candy makers and promotors, CC Hartzell and the Sanders Candy Company.

Even with the knowledge of the origins of Sweetest Day, think about it, it has been going strong since 1921. So, I prefer the notion of ‘why not.’ After all, would Sweetest Day really have had such staying power if the public didn’t take a liking to it? Besides, showering our loved ones with affection, no matter what the concocted reason, brings a good feeling to us all.

So, this Saturday, October 17, show your loved one, that they are loved. Then continue to do so as often as you can.

“Happy Sweetest Day Detroit.”

The post Happy Sweetest Day Detroit appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Eastern Market has grown. Some of the changes are to the buildings and surrounding areas, but the greatest change is the level of activity. Eastern Market is just for Saturdays anymore.

There’s the…

Saturday Market

Bustling with as many as 45,000 visitors in a day, the Saturday Market is one of America’s most original destinations. Under the sheds and around the neighborhood you can shop at the same vendor stands and merchant’s shelves local restaurants rely on.
Days: Every Saturday year-round
Hours: 6 a.m.–4 p.m.

Then there’s the…

Sunday Street Market

With more “stuff” and less food, the Street Market is different from the other markets. It favors an emphasis on antiques, collectibles and flea market goods, with a special focus on locally made items. Detroit’s emerging maker culture is on display each week, along with visual and performing artists. Flowers, produce and made-to-order meals from local food trucks.
Days: Every Sunday, June through October
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

And then there’s the…

Tuesday Market

On Tuesdays a more relaxed version of the Saturday Market for stocking up on fresh produce, baked goods and meats. You can take part in a free Zumba or yoga class and watch cooking demonstrations using the great foods found at Eastern Market.
Days: Every Tuesday, June through October
Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

And then you have the…

Holiday Market

Shop for locally grown trees and wreaths, homemade holiday treats, beverages and enough gifts to fill any sleigh. There’ll be carolers, visits from Kris Kringle and gift-wrapping.
Days: Tuesday, November 25 and December 22
Sunday, November 29, December 6 and December 13
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

And finally you have the…

Wholesale Market

Growers from Michigan, Ohio and Ontario sell their crops all night long so that restaurants, grocers and early-rising residents can get first pick of the region’s freshest produce.
Days: Every Monday through Friday, April through November
Hours: Midnight–6 a.m. (open to the public if you like buying in bulk)

And let’s not forget the…

Farm Stand

In 2009, to accommodate areas in Detroit with little access to fresh, healthy produce, Eastern Market began the Farm Stand program. Weekly from June through October, these mobile markets pop up in different locations around the city to enhance the health of Southeastern Michigan. In 2015, the Farm Stand brings fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, honey, and more to 21 spots in metro-Detroit, the most since the program started.

http://www.easternmarket.com/attend/farm-stand

So you have plenty of opportunity to visit one of the nations finest markets.

Information courtesy of:

http://www.easternmarket.com/attend/a-taste-of-our-markets

The post The Many Faces of Detroit’s Eastern Market appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Laughter can make you smile and feel light no matter what’s going on in your day.

With that said, it’s Monday. And not too many people seem to like Monday. After all, we were just hitting our groove with the weekend and low-and-behold, just two days into the weekend Monday pops up to ruin it. How did that happen?

So, let’s put a little laughter into our Monday with humor.

Monday morning humor is good for us, and we need all the help we can get.

The post Monday Morning Humor appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Yes, we call them pets, but they are so much more.

Our four-legged family members are dearly loved and loving members of our family. Living apartment style with your pets is as rewarding as the challenges it can sometimes present. Stains, damage, odors can be a real problem if the problem isn’t handled right away. The Michigan Humane Society has online information specifically in mind to keep you, your pet and your apartment home as happy and healthy as possible, along with specific ways to attend to some of those challenges.

Pets in Rental Housing:

How to Remove Pet Stains and Odors

Accidents happen; here’s how to clean up and eliminate the smell

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/removing_pet_stains_odors.html?credit=web_id625421016

Cats: Destructive Scratching

The trick is to teach your cat what she can scratch – and what is off limits

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/destructive_scratching.html?credit=web_id93480558

Does Your Dog Freak Out When You Leave?

How to help with your dog’s separation anxiety

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/separation_anxiety.html?credit=web_id250079884

For more tips see:

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets-housing-renter-tips.html

The post Living Apartment Style with Your Pets appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Your Best Friend is waiting for you.

“The Detroit Zoo and Michigan Humane Society, in collaboration with more than 30 local animal welfare organizations, will host the semi-annual event Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo.  Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be available for immediate adoption to loving homes at one of the nation’s largest off-site companion animal adoption events.

Presented by Purina One, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo will be held outdoors under tents in the Zoo’s front parking lot beneath the landmark water tower. There is no charge for admission or parking for the adoption event; however, regular admission and parking fees apply for those visiting the Zoo. The event will include special appearances by Detroit Zoo mascots the Zooper Heroes.

Last year, the spring Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event found homes for more than 400 animals. Since the event’s inception in 1993, more than 21,000 dogs, cats and rabbits have been placed into new homes at the spring and fall events.

Take Note:

•    Adoption fees and policies vary by participating groups.

•    For health and safety reasons, please leave current companion animals at home.

•    Strollers are not allowed in the tents. Upon entering the event you will be asked to park your stroller before entering the tents.

Meet Your Best Friend

• September. 18-19, 2015
• Friday: 1pm – 7pm
• Saturday: 10am 5pm

http://www.detroitzoo.org/events/meet-your-best-friend

If you have questions, please call (248) 541-5717 and press 9.”

Detroitzoo.org

The post Meet Your Best Friend at the Detroit Zoo appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Below are some apps that you and your kids might find equally interesting, engaging and useful in your day-to-day outdoor activities.

SkyView Free

Explore the Universe

“SkyView® Free brings stargazing to everyone, and it’s totally free! Simply point your iPhone, iPad, or iPod at the sky to identify stars, constellations, satellites, and more!”
Available in iTunes Store

Garden Pro HD

“The most powerful and useful gardening app enjoyed by thousands of users, now with over +9000 plants to include in the guide, with the most helpful information, descriptions, requirements and care to do, including tropical plants and orchids!!!”
Available in iTunes Store

Audubon Birds Pro

• “Identify 821 species with in-depth descriptions including information on appearance, habitat, behavior, and more…
• Over 3,200 images from the world-renown VIREO, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s world-wide collection of bird photography, Philadelphia.
• Eight hours of the most exceptional, highest quality bird sounds.
• Robust seasonal and migratory range maps.“

Available in iTunes Store

LeafSnap

“Leafsnap is the first in a series of electronic field guides being developed by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. This free mobile app uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.”
Available in iTunes Store

Bugs in the Garden

“Quickly ID common North American bugs in your garden. Includes realistic illustrations and photos of both adults and larva (caterpillars and grubs). Gives quick advice on management and damage assessment.”
Available in iTunes Store

The post Outdoor Apps for You and the Kids appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

While we humans like to seek out waterparks when summertime gets a little too hot around the gills, I’m sure your dog is staring at you during the summer heat and thinking “What about me?”

Well, instead of giving your dog that clueless look of response. You can grab his leash, head to the car and go to a doggie water park.

Halliday’s Pet Resort & Day Care, in Canton, sports a doggie water park to help your best friend beat the heat.

“We are proud to announce the opening of our new water park for dogs!

You know how you can often become tired just watching kids play in a pool? Imagine the amount of energy your dog will burn playing in our water park complete with a built-in pool with a walk-in beach entrance and:

• Party Pools!
• A fire hydrant that shoots water in 4 directions
• A rain stick that sprays water in the air
• A splash pad to keep dogs’ nails safe
• Eight nozzles that spray water from the spray pad at random. This is a must see!

Just like kids, dogs have BIG fun running through the fresh water squirting out of the nozzles in the splashpad, through the “rain stick” and custom made “fire hydrant” that shoots water in 4 directions!

Let your dog feel like a puppy again.

Each dog is tested for temperament and social interaction with other pets prior to entering the Water Park and is grouped appropriately.”

For more information, check out their website:

http://hallidayspetresort.clickforward.com/services/dog-water-park.php

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