Create Cohort Blog

Author: Sara Bellum

  • Whistle Stop Diner

    Whistle Stop Diner

    I am very often a person who wears their Stubborn flag high; I routinely pack a metric ton into my schedule, ignoring the fact that I will never accomplish all of it. I am incapable of not attempting to bring in all of the groceries in one trip, accidental jars of pickles deaths be damned (RIP), and don’t even think about suggesting that I go to sleep earlier. I am convinced that not only do I have time to work 40 hours at my day-job, have some sort of gym/health routine, can 180 my career by myself, spend 5-8 hours per week editing photos/videos/reels/etc. that I obviously have time to learn both French and Spanish. I may only have about 30 minutes per day to dedicate myself to the school of Duolingo, and therefore am not actually retaining anything, I do have a 93 day learning streak so that unhinged green owl can go kick dirt.

    The thing with us Stubbornists, is we start to know when we have taken on too much, but instead of accepting defeat, we fight it. Kicking and screaming. Or, until we pass out from utter exhaustion. Which has lead to deciding to take care of my health and see my PCP on the regular. This last visit resulted in sending me in for a test to double-check that things were fine, and they were, until the only appointment I could get for said test was at 6:45 am on a weekday.

    “I hate early, must kill early” – Lorelei Gilmore

    Me, being me, I whined. A lot. I also have the love and support from my husband/partner, who never needs sleep and doesn’t mind getting up early. Ew, David.

    We arrived on time for my appointment, only to be told that I was early. By 24 hours. We decided this mishap could be corrected: with breakfast.

    As a former Ferndale-rat, I have frequented many of the breakfast/brunch establishments both during and after my residency in the area, and although this particular one is technically in Pleasant Ridge, The Whistle Stop is a favorite.

    Decked out in mid-century diner decor, the place is pretty damn charming. Each table, as well as the seats at the bar/counter include the cutest salt and pepper shakers that are changed out seasonally. Prints of Woodward from days of yonder hanging from the ceiling, a hand-drawn menu board, and a sticker wall give the place that slightly-cluttered environment that us neurodivergent kids thrive in, its cozy.

    Operating during the hours of 7:30am to 3pm, they serve both breakfast and lunch. One side of the menu has omelets, griddles, hot cakes, avocado toast, etc. and the other sandwiches, soups salads, quesadillas, and other lunch fare. They also have specials, and if you are not a sucker with work obligations, Spanish coffee and mimosas are available.

    I had a Kurtzy omelet, with a side salad, rye toast with house-made mixed berry jam, and loads of coffee (stupid early appointment and all). Dave also had an omelet, and although I can’t remember which one he ordered, everything was delicious and I ended up taking half of it with me for lunch later.

    Their menu is available via their website.

    After taking enough photos to make myself look like the worst influencer in the Detroit area, a lovely dog-walking individual offered to take a photo of us. Behold us looking like we are tourists on vacation next to the city I grew up in: C’est la vie/Así es la vid.

    Until next post, xo.

    📍Pleasant Ridge, MI

    Sara Bellum

  • Kerch Market

    Kerch Market

    Local vintage, food, music, jewelry, and drinks in Detroit on a beautiful, unseasonably warm spring day? Heard!

    Kerch Market is a pop-up event hosted by Two Birds, Huddle, and The Velvet Tower, featuring an abundance of local vendors offering a variety of goods and treats.

    Located in West Village, Two Birds is family-run neighborhood bar, and seasonal custard shop (Huddle) nestled in an old house located in Detroit’s West Village. Dangerous as it is, I say that only because they are located within walking distance of Dave’s house in Islandview, and they are open seven days a week. Not only do they have fantastic house cocktails, and a decent selection of beer and wine, they also host local food vendors, DJs, and even art exhibits. You can see how vast the temptations are-and so close! Needless to say, we have walked here quite often and indulged ourselves once or thirty times.

    The Velvet Tower is a vintage clothing and retail shop, also located in an old house that shares the porch with Two Birds and Huddle. Also, dangerous because if anyone knows me (and for those who don’t) I am a whore for clothes, especially of the vintage variety. One of my current favorite items; a 90’s baby blue vest I picked up from the International Women’s Day Market pop-up at Batch Brewing back in March, was from The Velvet Tower and have been in the shop a few times since. I am not going to lie, the place is a T.A.R.D.I.S, the rooms just keep going. Much like their neighbors, The Velvet Tower often has local artists on deck. Hair stylists, and seamstresses are hosted weekly, but wait, there’s more! %10 percent off for Service Industry kids.

    I had popped in the Winter Kerch Market back in February, but had only taken a bit of video with my Sony ZV-1F, while also trying to carry a coffee, and a phone. As your neighborhood accident-prone twink, I wasn’t able to take many photos. For this event, Dave was kind enough to let me man-handle his Canon, a Mark II 7D, as well as taking a few pics of his own, so that I could write up the blog post you are (hopefully) currently reading.

    Not only are there a variety of really cool vendors, the market might as well be nicknamed Street Fashion on Parade. Everyone showed up looking incredible! We did get a few shots of some very kind kids who were sweet enough to allow us to photograph them, however, it was difficult to keep our A.D.H.D brains on task with all of the people-watching to be had.

    We ended up staying long after the event was over, chatting with the new friends we made and having a pretty decent time enjoying ourselves.

    Jealous you missed out? Fear not, there is another Kerch Market event this Sunday, and the vendor list is packed so you should absolutely go check it out.

    Kerch Market, 8131 Kercheval. Sunday, May 18th, 12 noon to 5pm.

    Until next post, xo

    📍West Village, MI

    Sara Bellum

  • Space Dive 2025!

    Space Dive 2025!

    May the Fourth be with you, at the “Greatest Dive Bar in the Galaxy!”

    Space Dive is an immersive experience held at the Tangent Gallery in Detroit, now in its tenth year. The gallery is unrecognizable with the plethora of bounty hunters, blasters, creatures, and Scruffy Nerf Herders galivanting through the market. Inside, an almost exact replica of the Cantina, complete with the most familiar tunes in the galaxy. Beyond that, an artist market, cozy space nooks to relax and enjoy the films, as well as a giant ball room full of the best space jams to vibe to. Or, more traditionally, start a Nerf war.

    This was my fourth year attending Space Dive, and Dave’s first! Costumes are required for this event, however, being in a full-character isn’t necessary. Scarves, leggings, cool-alien hair/makeup/face-paint, etc. are all encouraged. I had dressed as an Ewok the first two years, and last year was the first time I just embraced throwing on whatever garb I had that looked Star Wars adjacent.

    Two of my favorite elements of this event: the first being that the design, decorations, and even the layout change up every year. It is almost a hunt to discover new, hidden gems each time. The second is being able to see so many familiar faces either as patrons, volunteers, or just your friendly neighborhood Detroit Party Marching Band. I do feel a little terrible for not taking any photos of the decor this year, however, that just means less spoilers for you if you haven’t attended yet.

    This year Space Dive is running for two weekends, so you can still have the chance to go this Friday, May 9th, or, Saturday May 10th.

    If a bar-scene isn’t for you, or you have some nerdy offspring, Family Day will be held during the day on Saturday. Cantina themed mocktails, the screening room, arts and craft activities, and of course, more Nerf wars!

    Kids are free, adults $10 credits.

    This event is always the kick-off to Summer for myself, and I had an absolutely, fantastic time. Definitely did not misplace a light saber, or two, at Sabacc. See you next post, xo.

    📍Detroit, MI

    Sara Bellum

  • Demons at The High Dive

    Demons at The High Dive

    A Thursday evening with some Dario Argento, lasagna, and cocktails? Done.

    Two female university students who, along with a number of random people, are given complimentary tickets to a mysterious movie screening, where they soon find themselves trapped in the theater with a horde of ravenous demons.

    “They will make cemeteries their cathedrals and the cities will be your tombs“

    Dario Argento’s Demons (1985), is the epitome of ‘so bad, its good’. Lack-luster plot, and the absolute worst dialogue, cause this movie to borderline completely terrible. However, peak 80’s special effects choc full of gore, and, mutations, including a demon bursting out of a person’s back, check all of the boxes for a top-tier trash-flick that horror fiends will absolutely have on their guilty pleasures list. Not to mention the soundtrack; Billy Idol, Rick Springfield, and Mötley Crüe are quintessentially mid-1980’s.

    The High Dive is a neighborhood bar located in Hamtramck often referred to as “Shark Bar”, in the most endearing way. A frequent haunt, featuring crafted beverages, a beautiful wood bar, moody lighting, cozy nooks, a pool table, and the most recognizable wallpaper in the Detroit area. Its giving Dark Academia-kitsch and as your resident hipster uncle, I of course eat that shit up.

    If you haven’t been, 10/10 recommend. Same goes for watching Demons. And lasagna. Until next post, xo.

    📍Hamtramck, MI

    Sara Bellum

    Create Cohort Blog

  • All Things Detroit Day 2025

    All Things Detroit Day 2025

    This past weekend we both attended an event in Eastern Market that neither of us have ever experienced before; All Things Detroit: Holiday shopping Experience & Food Truck Rally.

    All Things Detroit events are a curated shopping experience that features over 200 small business vendors. Each year the event is held the Sunday before Easter and in November at Eastern Market in sheds 3, 4 & 5.

    The event starts 2 hours prior to the market opening to the public, but we wandered in a little later in the morning. I really enjoyed seeing a variety of businesses ranging from clothing, photography, hand-crafted art, jewelry, to homemade popcorns and teas. There were several food trucks also participating throughout the sheds, and as the afternoon approached, it became full rather quickly.

    As someone who is a huge advocate for supporting small businesses and communities, I absolutely loved seeing an event curated for just that. A space created specifically to support, and bring attention to those who need it. The choice of hosting All Things Detroit in Eastern Market just puts a cherry on top, as it is one of the districts that means so much to me.

    As it is, I am currently writing this post from Tocororo, surprise-surprise.

    After perusing the event, Dave and I decided to visit a couple of our friends in the market. We stopped by to visit, and give hugs, to our friend Lisa, owner of Motor City Franks. She was just setting up for the day, but ended up selling out completely (fuck yeah, Lisa!). We then went over to visit our friend Jamie, the brewer and one of the owners of Lagerhaus No. 5 and enjoyed a couple of ciders before heading out for some adventures in Hamtramck.

    I really love that events like this also bring attention to the businesses in the market. Eastern Market is known for its Saturday market, however, there are so many businesses that exist in the district that are open to the public on weekdays, and evenings. Everything from unique shops and boutiques, to breweries, restaurants, coffee shops-even a meat market that is open 6 days a week.

    So the next time you are in Eastern Market, or, if you have never been, I fully encourage taking a walkabout and checking a few of these places out.

    More information on All Things Detroit can be found on their website.

    📍Eastern Market, Detroit

    Sara Bellum

    Create Cohort Blog

    • The Belle Isle Aquarium + Conservatory

      The Belle Isle Aquarium + Conservatory

      A balmy 55 degree day in Detroit in April? A much anticipated trip to Belle Isle to visit the Anna Scripps Conservatory was in order. Armed with my Sony, my Canon, as well as new phones with pretty fantastic lenses, we were set.

      But first: a quick trip to the Belle Isle Aquarium!

      The Belle Isle Aquarium is the not only the oldest aquarium in North America, it is also one of the most beautiful. Designed by Albert Kahn, the Belle Isle Aquarium opened its doors in 1904. Featuring a variety of freshwater fish and corals (and axolotls!), it was also voted the most Beautiful Aquarium in the World in 2023 by a national survey from the Aquarium Store Depot.

      Kind of a big deal. However, I love that it looks like the second-floor girls’ lavatory/Moaning Myrtle’s Bathroom at Hogwarts.

      People express is clearly the archetypical deregulation success story and the most spectacular of my babies. It is the case that makes me the proudest.

      Alfred Kahn

      Newly opened after two years of renovations, we also visited the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Home to a large collection of exotic plants, and one of the most visited and recognizable historic structures in Belle Isle Park, also designed by Albert Kahn.

      Despite the worst element ever gracing us with its unnecessary presence (wind), we had a great time testing out our cameras, but left after a couple of hours to warm up with pizza at Motor City Brewing Works. I think Dave and I are both chomping at the bit for Summer days on Belle Isle Beach, but that will have to be for a future, warmer, post.

      📍Belle Isle Park, Detroit

      -Sara Bellum

      Create Cohort Blog

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      • Hits different

        Hits different

        What is this, 2010?

        Hi, my name is Sara Bellum. Welcome to the Create Cohort Blog!

        With TikTok, Instagram, (insert your favorite social media platform here), why attempt to bring back a complete relic of digital word vomit? I am gonna blame nostalgia. I am a geriatric Millennial, after all. 

        Although I do have accounts across many social media platforms that I utilize for sharing many of the things that I used to write about on my previous blog, Cat Ears and Coffee, I tend to “show” rather than “tell”. It took me a long time to get on the Reels bandwagon, but now not only do I enjoy creating them, I treat them as a vessel for showing the viewer the experience. For example: If I am going to create a Reel on an event such as Eastern Market After Dark (surprise, I did), I try my best to emulate what the environment is via a mix of detailed shots, visuals of the size of the event, a bit of candid footage, as well as capturing fun moments of smiles, waves, and general nonsense. I also include a bit of blurb of what the event is, and try my best to choose a song that fits the experience. I lean away from voiceovers for that reason, even my Day In The Life Reels. Why you ask? Because although I do enjoy other creators voice over videos, they just don’t fit me. 

        Blogging just hits different.  

        Cat Ears & Coffee; my OG blog was a lifestyle blog focusing on personal style, daily life, adventures, recipes, and bit of DIY. Why didn’t I just continue posting on that blog? Cat Ears & Coffee can’t come to the phone right now, why? Because she’s dead. Actually, she is not. I am in the works of painstakingly re-reading every post to check for any personal facts that I might not feel as open to having out there, checking to make sure links work/need to be updated/removed, etc. before re-publishing them. My want to use Blogger for that platform, however, has died. RIP.

        Blogging was the gateway drug to all of my creative endeavors: I wrote stream of conscious posts, I played around with an old junky digital camera until I got my hands on a DSLR. I started getting creative with my living spaces: painting, organizing, decorating-documenting all of it. I wrote poems, I freelanced myself out to take high school Senior portraits. Over the past year I have taken workshops in Eastern Market, and was taught by local entrepreneurs how to create a brand by telling the story, how to accomplish food photography, and to utilize my content for more than one post. Now, after completing a very involved Digital Marketing Science program at Grand Valley State, I am pushing myself to keep on this path of learning how to create digital content that I am proud of, with a back-to-basics blog in tow.  

        That being said, what will the Create Cohort Blog bring to the Ikea-hack table? Recaps of places and events, with a focus on things local to Detroit and its surrounding areas, some introspection on projects, and life updates, with the occasional throwback outfit pic included. I also have a few other ideas that I am noodling out, however, that is for a future post. 

        As a self-proclaimed Digital Creator and Community Advocate, Create Cohort was forged from my love for romanticizing the mundane, uplifting communities, supporting local and small businesses, and living life in general in the hamlet that is Detroit.  And run-on sentences, apparently. Currently hailing from Dreamtroit, and spending ample amounts of  time in Eastern Market, Island View, Midtown, and Hamtramck, I aim to capture, document, and provide insight in my own authentic voice. Creating for both my cohorts, and myself. 

        Welcome to my new little corner of the world. 

        📍Eastern Market, Detroit

        Sara Bellum

        Create Cohort Blog

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          Let’s Get Weird – Create Cohort Blog

          […] stated in the very first Create Cohort blog post what my mission in this creative endeavor is, and it’s %99.9 still very […]

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