Category: Michigan

Birthday Bash 2020
Lifestyle · Michigan

Birthday Bash 2020

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Oh boy, where do I even begin. To start with last night. Wait maybe I’ll start from the beginning yesterday. I had this amazingly sexy and sophisticated idea for an outfit in my head. It was this sheer white blouse with a black lace body suit and skinny jeans. If you’ve seen the pictures from last night then you know that outfit didn’t workout as planned! That’s life though right? Thank goodness for my girls Bridget and Kandace. They saved the outfit. Bridget helped me search my closet for the right next idea, then Kandace and I FaceTimed and she helped me put the finishing touches on the outfit. I went with black skinny jeans, a black top with lace on the upper half, chunky heeled boots, a black blazer. (I have all the sizing and details on my insta, check it out!)

Grant came home from work, threw on a pair of jeans and was ready to go, Bridget had gotten ready earlier with me and looked fantastic. The three of us were planning on an Uber but at $100 a ride we couldn’t justify that so Grant, being my true super hero, offered to drive for us. (Side note, I don’t know what in the world I would do without this boy. He is my rock and my wings all at the same time.)

When Grant, Bridget and I got in the car we were off to Mutiny Bar in Detroit! It should’ve taken us about 30 minutes but with the closing of 75 people got confused. One thing led to another, there was a four car accident that were all totaled and traffic was; lets just say hell. The good news. After some minor annoyance on my part (I didn’t handle that set back well) we blasted the Spotify and just kept on trucking.

Around 7:15 we finally were parked and settling in Mutiny Bar. Sarah and Karen made it there before us and grabbed us a table. This bar is on the smaller side but we had an absolute blast. The drinks were all themed tropical, they were a bit strong with lots of rum! Plus they had the cutest decorations on their drinks. I was a really big fan. It felt like a tropical escape in the middle of February. Priya met us there as well to have a fun drink then the group of us headed to dinner.

We had reservations at El Barzon which is a Mexican Italian Fusion restaurant where Nikki, Sasha, and John met up with us. The food was fantastic I had a trio special with pasta and steak. It was fantastic! The food was really good but I think my favorite part was the group I was with. That also included our waiter Alfonso who had me laughing hysterically and even borrowed my tiara!

After dinner we moved the cars over to Cork Town to do some bar hopping! We started over at Punchbowl Social where Priya, Nikki, Sasha, Bridget, Karen and I played Uno. I am very saddened to announce I lost tragically and I never lose. It was on my birthday too! Oh well it’s life. We stayed there a little longer jamming out to their tunes and drinking our drinks.

After we finished our drinks we headed over to the Candy Bar. It’s in the Siren Hotel and it was fantastic. It is old fashioned and pink with a chandelier plus a disco ball! The cocktail I got there was fantastic it was a perfect picturesque place to end our evening surrounded by people I love!

After we finished our drinks at The Candy Bar we headed to Ubers and Cars to drive home and cuddle under the covers having dreams of the adventures we all had together. Some nights are just perfect!

Soup Bowl
Food · Michigan

Soup Bowl

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Oh my. Priya text me a bit ago about a soup bowl happening over in Royal Oak So of course Grant, Sasha and I had to go with her. I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t this!

When we got there we checked in and they had booths everywhere from restaurants with soup to bakeries and even merchandise shops. It was great. The only downside is there is construction so it’s a little hard to park at the farmers market.

The first stop Grant and I made was to hit Lockhart. We grabbed the samples they had. I got the chili. It was chunky and flavorful; everything a good chili should be. They also had a seafood gumbo that Grant got. I would’ve had more but it had some heat and I’m a solid chicken when it comes to spicy food, I just pass. (Side note Lockhart’s BBQ actually won best soup with their gumbo.)

The next restaurant we tried had a line but you know it has to be good when there is a line for soup samples! This place actually won people’s choice award for best soup. The Ideal Bite is located over in Farmington and the next time I go into the office I’m stopping over. I actually didn’t finish all my soups and took a Cheddar Chicken Chowder home with me to eat the next day. Omg that chowder melted in my mouth it was perfect and creamy. It was rich and flavorful. I couldn’t recommend it enough. I also tried their Seafood gumbo it wasn’t spicy at all. It was really a rich and savory soup. I was already getting full after two soups and I had five tickets left for the night…

The next soup I tried was over at the Sedona Tap House. Mind you this is no ordinary soup. It won the best chowder. It is really good and creamy. It kinda tasted like getting up from the sand at the beach and walking over to a restaurant right on the ocean where it’s completely open and you can feel the salt on your face. It tasted incredible. I wouldn’t have guessed it was from a restaurant in Michigan.

I was getting really full and thought well why not try a lighter soup like some chicken and dumplings. I tried JI Concessions Chicken and Dumplings. Okay I’m probably biased. It is a very polish restaurant so maybe it’s supposed to be more like chicken noodle soup but in my world Its always a creamy soup with no noodles, lots of chicken and dumplings. This one was basically chicken noodle soup with dumplings. It was good but it was just that; chicken noodle soup with dumplings.

Grant had a much better soup choice this round. He grabbed soup from Blu VI. He had Tuscan chicken soup. I got to sample it and really enjoyed the spices in the soup. It had a really good broth with rich Italian herbs. It also had chicken. It was really good. I would definitely have that soup again.

The last soup that Grant had was from Davison. He grabbed the Chicken chili since he was craving a chili. The chili was really really good. It had a rich flavor without any real spice. The last place I grabbed was Czapski’s kitchen and catering. They had homemade chicken noodle soup with actual homemade noodles. It was fantastic. I loved the broth. It was a bit of a salt and warm flavor. I actually ate the remainder the next day when I had a hint of a sore throat. It was like a miracle worker; hot, savory and just makes you feel better.

I might’ve grabbed dessert from White Wolf Japanese patisserie. We had this seventeen layer cake with crepes and strawberry whipped cream between each layer. It was really good. It’s what dreams are made of.

Here is a screenshot of the actual judges choice awards. I think I agree with most of their choices but Ideal Bite should’ve won best soup, just sayin…

Onsie Pub Crawl!!!!
Michigan

Onsie Pub Crawl!!!!

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

So sorry for the delay in posting this! I know I promised to have it in your hands on Sunday and today is most definitely after that but what can you do.

On Saturday I went on a pub crawl over in Royal Oak. The funny part is it was a onsie pubcrawl meaning that everyone who went dressed up in their best onsie appeal or at least in their PJ’s. I didn’t have a onsie so I put on my coziest red PJ pants and I rocked it. Grant loved us enough to go and be supportive but not quite enough to wear a onsie with us. Our group consisted of Nikki, Priya, Sarah and Sasha. Nikki was a kitty cat, Sarah was charmander, Sasha was a cheetah, and Priya was a dinosaur!

We started off the pub crawl over at Fifth Ave. Priya, Sasha and Nikki checked us in. Grant, Sarah and I might’ve been a bit late as we took a minor detour to Detroit when we were driving along the highway and just didn’t realize we had long since passed the exit. We did recover and show up in time to have a teddy bear shot; more formally known as a gummy bear shot.

After the teddy bear we packed up and headed out. We then went to O’Tools where they had a unicorn sunshine which is a berry sour with eddies grapefruit vodka. It was interesting but I’m not sure I’d ever drink that again. The margarita Sarah ordered seemed to be a safer drink choice. We might’ve picked wrong but hey that’s the point of these pub crawls right. To try a bunch of different options and see what we like and don’t like. The shots might’ve been a little overly sweet but we did get into the bar before it got busy so that’s always a win!

After O’Tools we headed over to Tequila Blue. We might’ve had a small hiccup at this bar. They charged me full price for the drinks instead of the pub crawl rate. The difference was almost double. As soon as the mistake was realized they fixed it for us. We were able to grab some really cute group photos on the dance floor! The drink here was really good. It was called past bedtime and it was made with peach vodka and sprite. It was a bit sugary but I liked it.

We hit the point in the pub crawl where we needed food and they had face painting over at Messa. Hello food and face painting. Grant and I actually shared a brisket quesadilla. It was really good and surprisingly filling. Okay fine. I ordered then Nikki, Priya and I hit up the face painting line. It was two people ahead of us and moved really quickly. Nikki got a kitty face, Priya had her write GRRR and RAWR since she was a dinosaur. Then for me I had her paint a snow flake since my pajama bottoms were snow themed. The paint looked fantastic on all of us. Plus as soon as they were finished our food was on the table.

I’m skipping a few bars as they were packed and the drinks honestly just kinda sucked.

Our next stop was over to the Royal Oak Tap House. Since it was a bit off the main drag we did have a small walk but the bar wasn’t busy. We grabbed a really big booth and ordered a round of drinks. While I normally love their drinks it was way too much sugar for me. The drink was a melon liquor and sprite. They called it Unicorn tinkle juice. Which while it’s a funny name is not a great finish for a pub crawl drink. After the Tap House we hit Pronto where I skipped drinking but they had mini shots of jagermeister in the cutest bottles. I skipped it but Sarah and Priya rocked it.

Since the crawl was ending and we were hangry we wandered over to HopCat for yummy food and winding down. After we finished our foods we all headed to our respective rides and headed out.

I might’ve stopped at Walmart and picked up ice cream to truly end my PJ filled day.

Wondering?
Michigan · Ohio

Wondering?

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

If you’re reading this I guess I did decide to post this. I’m not positive I’m going to.

Lately I’m just feeling really lost; like I need to find my true north again. I just feel like I need something more, like another spark. I love my blog.  I do absolutely love it and all of you for your continuous love, encouragement and support.

I have the very best family a girl could ask for.  (Don’t get me wrong. Some days I wanna put on my sunnies and walk away from them pretending I’m not with them. ) They encourage me, challenge me and force me to be the best version of myself I can be.

As for friends, omg,  don’t get me started. They would do anything for me (ok they try to refuse to Black Friday shop with me claiming I’m too intense but I try not to hold that against them   Or they think I’m crazy bananas for wanting to do it.) If you wanna read more about my friends or my family check out my old posts. You’ll fall in love with them the same way I did.

Where I feel truly lost is in my career.  The company I work at is fantastic, the people that work there with me are top notch.  I hope to have them in my life forever. Even past the point when one day we’re no longer coworkers. My boss Kim is an amazing mentor. She constantly teaches me new things and pushes me to be better. (No literally!  One time she told me it’s time to fly baby bird.)  I work as an independent contractor (my choice) I work there part time doing what I used to do (if your not sure what exactly a compliance and legal analyst is don’t worry. Most people still get confused, but basically I help reps comply with the law and help review contracts/gather documentation for regulators and outside counsel.) I’m getting better at working in the industry but I don’t know what I want to do next.

Should I get my Securities licenses and see what my true potential is in the financial industry is, do I use my law license, the one I fought so hard to obtain, do I pack up my life and run away to Europe? (Okay that one may sound extreme but doesn’t it sound really nice?)

I just feel ready to be passionate and engaged everyday. I’m ready to feel a fire in my soul;  something to satisfy this wonder I’m feeling. I’m really tempted to post the song from “Frozen 2” about going into the great unknown.

I’m not writing this post to complain or brag about my life I guess I just wrote it hoping it would lead me to figuring out where to next. Do I go back to full time compliance and/or legal, should I get securities licensure, go into legal for financial, move to Cincinnati and practice criminal/family law there or is there another option I haven’t even thought of yet?  Feel free to comment or email me with suggestions/advice. My email is: therealellewoodz@gmail.com

DIY Spa Day
Michigan · Ohio

DIY Spa Day

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Do you ever have those days where you are just running on fumes and feeling exhausted? Between traveling and working I just reached capacity. So I checked my calendar and on Tuesday Morning I had a bit of flexibility with my day and took it as my opportunity to do a mental health day.

I woke up when my alarm went off at nine and I just didn’t feel it. Knowing my schedule it was my moment. I put on some Netflix and rolled over napping on and off till noon. After that I took the opportunity to munch on some leftover Chinese food.

From my Chinese food I grabbed a pup named Dex and grabbed a coffee (thank god for Sherree. I’m telling you right now I wouldn’t have made it this far into January without her searching online for my reusable free cup of coffee or tea per day Starbucks mug). Then homeward bound to begin our spa day.

As soon as we got home I hit the storage closet. I was going for my Lush supplies! I grabbed my cup of coffee, face mask, my roots deep conditioner and a bath bomb to really relax.

I applied the mask and deep conditioner while the tub filled to perfect, lit a few (okay fine maybe ten or so) candles and just let the stress melt off.

After I soaked for an unreasonably long amount of time I showered off my face mask and deep conditioner. From that moment I put on a face mask sheet with tea tree oil to help relieve stress. While that was absorbing I threw some Moroccan oil in my hair to let it work it’s magic (if you haven’t used Moroccan oil in your hair yet omg you need to try it!)

Once I took the sheet off I put on some lotion and just relaxed on the couch with Dex while sipping my coffee. Overall I highly recommend these kinda days.

New Years Resolutions
Michigan · Ohio

New Years Resolutions

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

It’s mid-January at this point How are you all doing with your New Years resolutions? This year I picked a few really good resolutions, I had a theme with mine that I wanted to be happier and healthier in 2020.

My resolutions are:
🎇To be more present in my life
🎆Eat healthier
🎇Spend less money
🎆Cook more food at home
🎇Relax more

So my resolutions are going pretty well. I’m working on meal planning more and buying groceries ahead of time instead of falling into the well I have no food I guess we should go out for dinner. The perk of cooking more is it also correlates into eating healthier since I can control what we make as well as spending less money since generally grocery shopping and cooking are generally cheaper than take out for every meal.

I’m not necessarily the greatest cook but I want to work on that as part of my resolutions. I figure, hey, practice makes perfect right? (If not, hey, don’t correct me. Just leave my crazy ideas alone). Plus I’m cooking tonight and that’s what counts!

As for being more present I want to actually stop and enjoy more of my life instead of letting my life run me. For that goal I’m trying as hard as I can to stop doing things that I absolutely hate. I hate grocery shopping. I don’t know what it is but the whole process kills me so I’m using the services the store offers where they shop and load it into my car. It allowed me to have an extra hour or so in my day to do whatever I would’ve liked. This also lets me focus on relaxing more since I’m not stressing over going, I can have the freedom to do what I want.

Surprisingly enough by using click list I’m actually saving money. It lets me meal plan and shop my pantry before going to the store.

I’m also working on curbing my spending this year. I want to shop my closet more instead of just going out shopping. (In a perfect world I would go workout instead of going to the mall but lets be honest. That isn’t going to happen yet but we’ll keep dreaming.)

I’m just sticking with that theme as I think it’ll help me achieve a happier me this year. So what are your resolutions this year?

An Italian Stroll
Michigan

An Italian Stroll

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Last night I met up with a few friends. We planned to go over to D’Marcos in Rochester for a nice meal and just to spend time together. We thought ahead and grabbed reservations!

Sarah met me at my house before dinner she and I actually got lucky and Grant drove us down to the restaurant. In true me fashion we were about ten minutes early which meant we had just enough time to sneak over to Holy Cannoli before dinner! I grabbed a traditional cannoli and Sarah grabbed a cappuccino flavored Cannoli. They were delicious! We munched on them while we walked to the restaurant.

When we got to the restaurant we were seated almost immediately. It was really nice. The restaurant felt like an old fashioned Italian New York joint included with Sinatra playing in the background. We looked over the menu and I’m pleased to announce the entire front page was wine and cocktails. I ended up getting the winter margarita. It was heavenly. Sarah grabbed a blood orange old fashion and Karen got a mule. We were all very very happy with our drinks.

Then we looked over the menus and decided what we wanted. I choose a nice vodka shrimp pasta. It had a hint of spice to it but was rich and creamy. Plus it had Shrimp. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it.

While we were eating; the conversations were flowing and we were laughing. It was a great experience. (Side note: I’m really lucky and happy to be able to have dinner with people I truly enjoy where hours pass and you don’t realize it’s been that long.)

After we finished up our dinner we might’ve taken a peak at the dessert menu. There was a chocolate cake, creme brûlée and lemon cake calling our names. We shared the lot and they were amazing. The lemon cake is what I ordered. It was light with lemon flavors and not over powering. I really enjoyed it.

After dessert we sat and talked drinking water until we decided that the restaurant was closing and we might need to head out. Karen was very generous and drove Sarah and I back to my house. In typical Sarah and I fashion she lunged for the back seat to make a coat fort and I took the heated passenger seat. We talked in Karen’s car well into the morning when we couldn’t stop yawning and we called it a night.

Christmas Spirit
Michigan · Ohio

Christmas Spirit

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

What does Christmas mean to you? Is it sipping Eggnog or Hot Chocolate with your family or is it a Cruise to somewhere sunny?

This year I got bitten by the Grinch bug and was a little more focused on what I had to get done instead of spending time with those I care about. I was more preoccupied with the money I needed to spend and who all I needed to buy gifts for. I did eventually get my head out of my grinchness and remember the true meaning of the season.

I’m making a promise on my blog here and now. I want to be better. I want to put more focus into the time spent with others; not the amount spent.

Usually I think of Christmas as a time where it’s okay to go a little slower, it’s good to say hello and happy holidays to a stranger waiting in line, to give a few extra dollars or a card to someone who does something helpful for you.

In that spirit a friend and former colleague of mine makes cookies with her sister every year. They probably make thousands of cookies together. It can’t be easy but that’s what Christmas is all about; spending time with those you love. This year I was home for the holidays before the cookies were finished. She offered to give me some of what they had or she would mail them to me in Cincinnati. I said it wasn’t necessary but I appreciated it and happily gave her my address.

I honestly forgot about it and then today both my dogs went completely bat shit crazy at the mail man. As soon as I saw the return address on the box my heart just melted. That is the true definition of Christmas and the Christmas Spirit. It’s doing something for someone because they matter to you. When I opened my box and saw the holiday tin filled with cookies I was so happy and filled with joy.

I am making this an early New Years resolution; to keep the Christmas Spirit in my head throughout the year and to do more things for the people I love and care about. It’s not about the money spent or gifts bought but the gestures we do for one another and the time spent with them that matters most.

Who wants to join me and make this a year round goal and not just an after Thanksgiving through Christmas kinda thing?

Michigan

Fisher Theater

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Do you ever just need a weekend to recover from your weekend? I might need one today! My weekend was amazing. Grant Priya and I decided to spend Saturday night down at the Fisher Theater. They were doing a Christmas Event. They had Christmas trees everywhere, old fashioned arched games, beer/wine and all the little shops inside the building were open. It was breathtaking.


Okay let’s back it up since we’ve done the overall let’s get down to the actual details. We started off by Priya meeting us at the townhouse. From there the three of us headed to the Civic and off to Detroit. (Okay fine. Because I know Priya will comment if I don’t we might’ve made a pit stop at Starbucks for hot chocolate. We couldn’t go to a Christmas themed event without it.) Once we got to Detroit we found a lot across the street and parked (Thank god Priya had cash!) The lot was really nice and the attendant was a complete charm!
After taking a few pictures we headed over into the building.

Our first stop actually stopped me in my tracks and believe me that’s hard to do. It was called the Peacock Room. (I could make this whole post about them to be honest. The staff were delightful, the store breathtaking, both structurally and merchandise (clothes) and it felt like the roaring twenties meets Europe. I’m literally in love!) They had everything from clothing to princess tiaras. While I was there I picked up a long strand of pearls (we never ask a lady if they are real or not.) and a cute vintage style ring. I actually added the pearls to my outfit and they looked amazing.


Plus I was able to grab a few last minute Christmas presents. The store even had funny inappropriate socks. My favorite was F*ck off I’m reading. I nearly died reading that. They might’ve had the next Princess Monica Birthday Tiara. I’m going to make a note to run grab that come early February.

Even as we were in line the staff was constantly checking in on everyone. While we were in line I won’t lie I was really tempted to check out the floor length ball gowns but I’m not sure of an appropriate occasion to wear them too just yet. (If you think of one please let me know!)
Priya even had success and got the cutest Christmas Glasses! I think overall it was a very successful trip and we’ll be going back.


After that we wondered in and out of the other shops looking around. We all received prize tokens to the Stella Good Coffee inside the building. I won a free latte, Grant ended up with candy and Priya a T-shirt. Overall I think we got the right prizes in the end. (Okay we might’ve all switched the tokens around so I got the coffee and they got trinkets/swag.) The latte was really good and the barista was really sweet and fun. It reminded me why Starbucks was a fun place to work before I got my career started.


After coffee we decided to hit up the bar. I had a Blake’s cider which was really good and the orchard is in Michigan. I actually drank a local Michigan “beer”. (Okay fine cider but it counts!)


As we were drinking we explored the building. It‘s absolutely stunning! If you get a chance you really need to sign up for one of their tours. I couldn’t recommend it enough. The buildings architecture was to die for plus the chandeliers and painted murals! They definitely don’t make buildings like that anymore!


After we explored and took more photo opportunities than I care to mention we headed over to play games. Wesettled on air hockey and I don’t know what it is about that game but I love it! My competitive nature kicks in and I get a little too into it…. This time I played against Priya and when my score hit three I subbed out and Grant got to play. (We could’ve all kept playing but there was a line.)
As the evening wore on we were getting a little hungry… There was a shop in the building, Pure Detroit, that had a s’mores station! We had a s’mores, did a bit of browsing then decided it was time to go. We checked the area but everything was closed for the evening.

We then decided to just hit up Applebee’s by the townhouse for dollar pomegranate margaritas and call it a night. After some food and a margarita we were all successfully at the townhouse where we said bye to Priya and went in to see an anxiously awaiting Dex.

Michigan

Campus Martius

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Last night Grant and I decided to go downtown. We bundled up and loaded up in the civic with Detroit as the destination!

We wanted to go down and checkout all the Christmas festivities at Campus Martius. Usually they have ice skating, a Christmas tree, carriage rides, live Christmas tree shopping and local shops.

This year it was the same. We luckily got to park right in the thick of the event and it was only $10. Hello cheap city parking! When we came up all we had to was. Go through the round about and we were at Campus Martius. The first place we hit was the ice skating rink. We didn’t go on the rink this time but watched as the Zamboni cleaned the ice and made it sparkle. We took a bunch of pictures and just enjoyed watching the ice sparkle.

After that we headed over to the Christmas Tree. It’s on top of the fountain so it is absolutely beautiful. I love watching the lights twinkle on the tree. Plus you can see the water cascading down the fountain in tune with the lights twinkling and reflecting in the water! Detroit couldn’t have picked a better location to put their tree!

We then headed across the street to the holiday village where the local shop owners rent out glass houses to sell goodies. The first one we went into was Lush Yummies Pie where we actually had this lemon cheesecake pie. It was fantastic. It was like a hint of lemon in cheesecake but a pie! It was really good. I’d go back! We checked out a few other shops and just enjoyed walking around the village. (Side note we ate the pie when we got home.)

We decided to go check out the winter tunnels and carriage rides. The carriage rides are a really cute idea but if you don’t have a group of four or more you have to ride with another group and we just weren’t feeling another group. So we decided to skip this year. We did really enjoy the winter tunnels though they are absolutely breathtaking. You feel like you’re living in a hallmark movie walking through all the green forestry.

At this point we’ve hit everything and the chilly air is starting to get to us so we decided to pack it up and head home to have our pie! ( know I mentioned a Christmas Tree Area but we already have a tree at home so we skipped the tree shopping but when driving past they did look really nice.) it was a great date night.