This blog post is a little different I’m giving Dex a voice for some of his opinions. They are based off his facial expressions and attitude.
Over the weekend we went to see Santa! Who doesn’t love telling Santa what they want for Christmas? Apparently, Dex would prefer to not associate with the Jolly Old Fat Man.
I decided to be adventurous this year. I wore skinny jeans with a long sleeve black turtle neck and then added a knit cardigan that was quarter length sleeves. I liked that it added a level of depth to my outfit. It really brought the entire outfit together. Grant wore his dark jeans and navy sweater looking as handsome as ever. Then Dex decided to wear to his red stripped sweater (for the record he picked the red over the green.) I added his green scarf to the outfit. It just makes him look too cute!
I love my Roo. He took it like a champ he didn’t bark, growl or even get cranky with Santa.
The three of us arrived at Great Lakes Outlets at 7pm when the mall closed for their pet photos with Santa. We walked over to the line and patiently waited for pictures to begin. (They have you begin arriving at 7 and pictures start thirty minutes later.) Dex was in between a puppy and two nervous dogs.
Dex walked over to the puppy who tried to play with him. Dex gave a look that basically said go away you obnoxious twat and walked away. The puppy was really really cute but a little hyper.
The two fellas behind him really sparked his interest. They had a carrying bag and a wheeled backpack. When they were out and about he was cool to sniff and be entertained with.
While Dex was busy playing with the pups we were making decisions about what package to buy. We settled on the prints with the digital option as we know I have to post it on insta!
The line moved fairly quickly; then it was our turn. I walked over to Santa and brought Dex with me. He looked over at Santa with the look of and who do you think you are? Despite the look and a little encouragement Dex sat on the bench next to Santa.
Grant came around on the side Dex was sitting on and pick up Dex and put him in Santa’s lap to smile and pose like a good puppy. The photographer snapped about ten pictures but thankfully we found one where all three of us are smiling or at least looking at the camera with our eyes open. I’ll take it any day of the week I love these boys and the pictures we got. I’m really grateful both my guys get it and are happy to go with me every year and get their pictures taken with Santa!
Sweet baby Jesus. I’m not afraid to admit I’m more terrified of it than it is of me! My instapot scares the living crap out of me. I bought it last year on Black Friday but haven’t actually used it yet…. I tried my moms a while ago and let’s just say it didn’t end well. I caved into the fad and bought my own.
Tonight I was bound and determined to make it work. Awhile back Grant and I bought three starter recipes from Willams Sonoma to make the instapot less scary but it didn’t. We didn’t make them. Tonight though I can correct that statement to say we made one!
The first step was to heat olive oil. Okay, I can do that easy. Then it said to sauté the ground beef. Okay, this is not bad. I can do this. I added the ground beef, broke it up and tried my best to leave it alone and let it cook. (I wasn’t very good at that part. I kept stirring so it took a few minutes to finally cook.)
Now we’re at the hard part. I was told to pour in the starter mix and not stir. Set it to high pressure, cook for six minutes and then it would basically be done. I poured the mix in and it killed me a little to not stir but I resisted! I put the lid on and fumbled with the buttons. Nothing was happening…. I then got it on pressure cook and adjusted the heat!
Okay I’m making progress right? I was on the phone with Sarah and I was beyond a nervous nelly waiting for something to happen. It was getting warmer to the touch at-least. I checked the steam valve and saw it was on vent so I switched that.
Still nothing…. Okay I’m losing now. Worse case scenarios are going through my head. Sarah, always the voice of reason, reminds me worst case I’d just have to order pizza. I pulled out the instruction manual and kept reading over the directions. I did all the steps!
Then the display switched from on to 6:00 minutes and it was blinking. OMG OMG OMG I think it’s working I yelled into the phone at Sarah who might’ve been ready to kill me over the buttons beeping on the instapot.
The timer kept running. I was actually doing it. I was cooking with my instapot. Next thing you know it was time to release the steam. After two failed attempts to release steam I got it! (It started to steam and I jumped not getting the release in the right position.)
The steam stopped. It was time to open the pot and I did. Sure enough it looked like food! I stirred the soup and it smelled good. Grant came home at this final process and said that something smelled good.
I served it up and we were happy campers. It tasted wonderful. The best part was it’s minimal dishes since it’s basically a one pot does everything. We really only had to wash the bowls, the spoon and the pot. I love easy clean ups!
Oh boy. Where do I even start on this adventure! My friend Karen is really good at finding really awesome adventures for us and they are always the most eventful things I could ever think of.
Today’s epic adventure was to go to Epiphany Studios over in Pontiac! We didn’t start there though. We started at Roadside B&G. It was really cute. They had it decorated for Christmas and everything! My favorite was the branches over head with fake snow and twinkling lights. (Nothing is better than twinkling lights.) The atmosphere was great but the food was better!
I know that doesn’t seem real but it was. I got the best Berry Cocktail. It was light and fizzy plus raspberries. It tasted really amazing! Then my brunch was chicken and biscuits. It had eggs, gravy, chicken and biscuits (basically biscuits and gravy with eggs and chicken). It was savory and filling. I was a big fan! I’d be happy to go again if anyone wants to go with me. Karen had the breakfast burrito and then Sarah grabbed a soup and sandwich combo. The food was fantastic; we all really loved it.
After brunch we just gossiped and hung around the table until we were ready to head over to Epiphany Studios. Let me explain a little more about them. They are a glass blowing studio that is completely local and owned by women! If that isn’t the definition of shop local and empowering other women then nothing is!
When we first got there they have lights lining the walkway and glass ornaments in the trees! It couldn’t have been more beautiful. Then we walked in and my mind was blown. It was one of the most gorgeous things I’ve seen in a long time; the light sparking off the glass.
They had ornaments, vases and icicles that floated from the ceiling. It was breathtaking. The three of us were able to watch a few of the demos as they were blowing the icicles in front of us. They had a hand blown glass decanter that I really want for myself. It had paw prints on the glass plus the top of the decanter was a pup! Then the decanter comes with glasses that had color mixed in and paw prints! I don’t think it could honestly have been any better!
If you need any last minute Christmas Presents I encourage you all to check out local art galleries around your homes. They could be one of the most breathtaking pieces you’ve ever seen. I would happily accept anything they had as a Christmas Present myself!
Okay this is half rant, half shopping with my mom for me so if you aren’t interested in a rant this might not be the post for you.
I recently started Weight Watchers with a few of my coworkers and I’m proud to announce I’m down three pounds. I still have miles to go before I hit my goal. I’m currently an XL top. I can find clothes in both normal and plus size stores which is usually great; however, right now I’m really struggling. I wanted a camel blazer for my swearing in ceremony and I bought the most amazing blazer from Banana Republic. I paid extra and everything to get it here in time. When I got home and saw the package I was over the moon excited. I took it out of the bag and tried it on.
Unfortunately it was perfect but not for me. It was too tight in my arms. I was utterly devastated but thought okay fine; I’ll find another.
Well I am very annoyed to report I didn’t find another one. I was able to shop my closet and find a great blazer. I am so sick and tired of clothing only being for the tiny, skinny people. It’s utter crap. The worst is that so many stores now sell plus sizes but they are online only.
Well you know what. That doesn’t work for me. I want to be able to see the fabric to feel it and be able to try it on before I buy it and pay shipping and handling. Plus when it doesn’t fit then I’m still out the shipping and handling!
Back to the main topic. I’ve been on the hunt for a few weeks now and finally mom and I went to Kenwood Mall. We searched the mall for blazers. We really didn’t find much; it was a bit disappointing. So we decided to switch it up and look for accessories to make my current blazer look more amazing.
Mom and I were successful on that front. We found this adorable locket at Brighton and they printed the pictures and everything to go inside the locket.
I’m happy to say that even though Dexter cannot go with me to the swearing in I’ll have his picture in my necklace all day.
When we were over in South Bend at Grant’s Grandma Marty’s (if you missed the post about visiting Grandma Thomas stop now, go read it and then resume here. Yes, that’s an order….) asked if we wanted to go check out Lake Michigan. We thought, sure, why not it’ll be cool to see it! So the three humans and one pup named Dex bundled up and went to the car!
We drove up with Grant and Marty in the front seat and Dex sleeping on my lap in the backseat. When we finally got there we went over a little bridge and then BOOM parking lot and lake! It was very windy so Marty decided to wait in the car. (Pretty sure she kicked us out of our own car….) Dex decided to stay in the car too. He wasn’t having this windy cold water thing.
That left Grant and I to go and explore! He and I walked for maybe a mile along the sand to avoid a lake sized puddle in the middle of the sand.
After the puddle was cleared we were able to walk along a rock bridge and be right on the water. It was beautiful. The waves were incredible. I’ve never seen Lake Michigan have waves like that before. (We stayed more inland to avoid getting soaked. It was about thirty/forty degrees with 30mph winds.)
I was able to really geek out and take all the pictures I wanted. Thank goodness Grant gets me and doesn’t say a word.
The beach did give way to a sand dune that had the best views imaginable. It was a decent hike, then a few flights of stairs, but it was incredible. We walked to the top and were able to just stop and stand there amazed by the views.
The boardwalk atop the dunes did have an option to take a different flight of stairs down back to the parking lot.
Grant and I were able to sneak down and the view we saw at the car might’ve been the most adorable event of the day. Dex was sitting up in the passenger seat in Marty’s lap cuddling. It was a great trip even if I think apart of me froze on that beach.
Okay before we begin this story remember I’m a hockey girl and I didn’t really tour colleges in Indiana. I’ve never been to Notre Dame before last weekend!
Grant’s Grandma Marty (if this is your first time reading about her stop now and read my post from earlier!) had an appointment she needed to go to on Saturday Morning. Instead of sleeping in Grant and I grabbed Dex and hit the road.
We wound up at the university (okay fine in all honesty we went to Starbucks first but it’s not relevant). Grant and I parked in a subdivision to avoid the fifty dollar fees. (I’m a parking goddess and was able to snag a spot!)
The boys and I explored the campus and just got to see the amazing architecture. We were able to just walk around and see all the golden leaves.
We walked all over the campus from the student center to the center of the quad it was like reliving college days all over again! Plus this time we had Dex with us to enjoy college.
The weather won out though! Once it went from rain or sleet to snow we hustled back to the car. (We would’ve made it all the way except we got a little distracted by urban outfitters. They had this cool shirt that had Jimmy Neutron on it. Hello throw back to childhood. After we thawed out and Dex got all the pets he could ever ask for we actually headed to the car.)
Once we reached our car we headed to grab some lunch and return to Grandma Thomas’ House where we would thaw out for a little and then head out to Lake Michigan. (If you wanna hear about that adventure stay turned a blog post is on its way!)
Okay, before we start the actual post I just wanna say how thankful I am for my besties for constantly watching my house as I’m traveling nonstop! I couldn’t do it without you guys.
This weekend we packed up the civic and headed over to South Bend, Indiana to visit Grant’s Grandma Marty. She lives a few hours from our house and we decided to make the trip for the weekend.
Marty is one of those women who was a pioneer in her time and blazed trails for women like me to follow. She worked full time, has an engineering degree and an MBA. Plus she had five kids. (I’m not gonna lie. I’m overwhelmed just imagining it.) She’s an incredible woman and I’m honestly lucky to know her.
When Grant and I first arrived we met up with Marty and Grant’s Uncle. We got settled into her house and then the four of us went out for Mexican. We split a pitcher of margaritas and Marty might’ve egged Grant and I on to keep drinking up! After dinner we went back and hung around the house just having an easy night. We might’ve all crashed around 10pm… I blame that on it was a Friday.
The sun is shining and it was Saturday morning! (We might’ve cheated and set an alarm to make sure we didn’t sleep in too much.) Grant, Marty and I had bagels and eggs for breakfast. Then Marty had an appointment and so Grant and I took Dex and headed over to Notre Dame for a little exploration. (That is a full blog post on its on so be on the lookout for that!)
After we got home from Notre Dame we hung out with Marty who suggested we go check out Lake Michigan over in New Baltimore. (There is a full post for this too!)
After Lake Michigan we went back to the house. We all were feeling a little exhausted and watched the end of the Notre Dame game. (Brian Kelly got lucky if you ask me…) Then we had dinner! Marty made (we helped like good small children) spinach and cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Grant cooked the vegetable and I made the salad. It was really good!
Despite utter exhaustion we all gathered in to watch a movie or two… We started with a Morgan Freeman classic; Along Came a Spider, which actually had me guessing at plot twists. Then a quick check on the IU game to make sure IU was winning. Then Marty for the win recommended a Netflix movie Highwaymen about Bonnie and Clyde. It was after midnight when it ended and all of us stayed up to see the end!
We did get a break though with daylight savings when we woke up this morning it didn’t feel as early as it really was! Grant and I took Dex for a quick walk before we headed over to breakfast!
We had breakfast at the Pancake House and it was really good. Everyone loved their food. Marty and I might’ve fought over who gets to pay and I’m happy to announce I won!
After breakfast we went to Costco and omg it was like Black Friday at the mall! The place was packed! We grabbed everything Marty needed and partook in a few yummy samples. On the way home, as if she could read my mind, she said, “oh there is Starbucks. Does anyone want to stop?” Let’s stop! We got coffee! She fought Grant for the bill this time and he didn’t win… (We’ll keep his training continuing; he’ll get there next time.)
Unfortunately after we got back to her house it was time to unload groceries then pack up to hit the road. We took one last selfie, gave lots of hugs and said goodbye.
Last night was Halloween. Grant and I decided to dress up as Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable! Dex was dressed up as a little lamb (he was the cutest little lamb!). The three of us were on the couch watching an old Disney Movie (Halloween Town II) when we got the call that Sarah was lost.
Dex and I got ready to go out; a leash for him, shoes and a coat for me. We walked out to the main street and waited until we saw her car. When we saw her she rolled her window down and then next thing you know Dex is in her car riding back in the warm dry passenger seat. (He totally abandoned me.)
From there the three of watched Disney until about 7:30 when we loaded up in our cars and went to Royal Oak. We parked and got into Hopcat where we were seated quickly. Our waiter was a trainee named Dylan. He was fun and he tried hard but the best part was his trainer Kim. She was dressed as bat shit crazy for Halloween! She agreed to do a selfie with us!
Then we walked over to Astoria Bakery because it’s Halloween and everyone needs a treat. Priya (the TY dinosaur) and Sarah (the kitten) had to help me with my ankle brace ((still recovering from my pothole tumble) and shoe. This was not my finest moment but they just told me to sit down and let them help. Gotta love your besties!
From there we went to Jolly Pumpkin and while I normally would happily recommend this place after last night my suggestion is either don’t go at all or go to Ann Arbor. When we walked in we were asked if we wanted food or beverages to which we said just drinks. The waiter said they closed in fifteen which, okay, we thought that’s fine. It’s last call so we’re happy to just get a drink.
Unfortunately he meant the close close in fifteen minutes he spent the remainder rushing us to order then when the drink I got was nasty he was less than helpful about new suggestions. Plus to make it worse he just flat out said; we’re closing finish up. I wouldn’t recommend Jolly Pumpkin after that and if I did I would say you don’t want that person. (I won’t put his name out it’s not fair for him but if I were seated in his section I’d ask for a new person or say never mind I’m leaving.)
After the UnJolly Pumpkin we headed over to our cars. Sarah drove her own way and Priya carpooled home with us. The drive home was not good weather wise. It was snowing and the ground was soaked from all the rain over the past few days. Grant drove perfectly and got us all home to our beds safe and sound. Overall it was a fun time. Always great to be with friends.
So I need to make a confession. Over the summer I took a really big risk. I signed up for the Ohio Bar Exam. I was very fortunate that my coworkers, family and a very select few friends knew and supported me. I signed up in the winter time; then I picked a bar study course (Barbri huge shout out!)
We made it one of my goals at work to study for the bar and to prepare; they were behind me every step of the way.
Then around mid June the anxiety kicked in. I confided in Mom and Grant that I was really struggling with the amount of studying and working. We all agreed that it was time to put my two weeks in. I told my boss and while she wished there were other options she was still my mentor and supported me. We decided that after the bar, when I was functional enough, I had a home to come back too.
I traded my 8:30-5 corporate job for an even more challenging job. A full time studier! I was really really fortunate and my law school found out through Barbri that I was planning to retake and they offered me guidance and a customized study plan. I met with my Criminal Law professor and she helped me decide a plan of attack (around 100 multiple choice questions, then four essays a day.) It was tough and grueling but I knew if I put the work in then it would pay off. I also met with our career guidance counsel, Shari, who couldn’t have been a better accountability partner. She had me bring in my score every week and go over where I was struggling and excelling. She even was there for me with the anxiety ridden text messages to remind me to stick to the plan and if I did that I had a good chance.
I woke up everyday at 8am, got dressed, packed my lunch and went over to campus to study. I watched lectures from 9-1; then lunch. Next it was multiple choice time for about 45 questions and then you guessed it, essay time! After essay time my amazing fiancé, Grant, usually had dinner for us so I could come home or leave my home office to eat dinner, watch an hour or so of TV and have puppy cuddles. Then it was back to the multiple choice with a review session of what I’ve missed since the start. He took care of the house, worked full time and provided as much support as I needed. I couldn’t have done it without him.
Suddenly it was time; the weekend before the bar. I am hunkered down in the library in Cincinnati putting in last minute reviews. When Sunday night came we did a big dinner out (I was allowed to study on the way there but it had to go in the trunk on the way home mom insisted. For those of you who don’t know my mom, well she is a force I still don’t wanna question.) Once we got home I watched tv then headed to bed.
Monday before the bar I did a little self pampering, I had one of my best friends and hair stylist (she really should just be called a hair goddess) squeeze me in for a de-stress session. Did I say that I meant hair transformation (lol!). Then mom and I loaded up her car and we were off to Columbus. We got to our hotel early evening and mom was already scoping out getting me out to keep me from stressing (she’s really great that way). We walked and walked then decided on this cute little Mexican street food restaurant. The tacos were amazing, the margaritas were to celebrate for! Then we walked some more before settling into the hotel for the evening.
It’s Tuesday Morning and it’s time to wake up for the bar. Mmy alarm goes off with it’s “Perfect Day” by Hoku. It’s kinda my theme song when I need good luck. (Yes it’s the opening song in Legally Blonde. I’ve already warned you it really is my movie.) Mom and I grab breakfast then walk over to the convention center. I said good bye to mom, my Apple Watch and my phone, but it was worth it! After two multistage performance tests it was time to grab lunch, see mama bear and breathe. I felt like it was going well so far then back in for six essays. I left feeling exhausted but still good. I had a mini panic attack when I couldn’t get my answers submitted online but that passed quickly when I got it submitted in the lobby. Then mom and I did pedicures and hit Melt up! When we finally got back to the hotel we were understandably exhausted.
Okay Wednesday is here. It’s time for 200 multiple choice questions overall. I did one hundred in the morning, had lunch with my mom, then back in for another hundred questions. After I walked out I just felt dead and exhausted. Thankfully I didn’t need to upload essay answers tonight. The good news when I was too exhausted to want to do anything I got really lucky that mom had plans for us. We went and did candle making! My candle turned out smelling like a freshly baked bakery. Then we grabbed burgers and vegan shakes. Once back in the hotel we watched the Lake House and went to bed.
Okay last day six more essays then freedom! I picked up all my bags (thankfully mom loaded up the car while I was in the bar.) We walked over to the convention center I got all my exam stuff ready and boom we’re off. I wrote all my essays then time was called. I packed my bag, walked back to the hotel, submitted my essays, got in the car and drove away!
Fast forward to today and I’m hyperventilating as I see my name on the list! Its official I’m going to get sworn in and I’ll be an attorney. Hello I’m Monica Carson attorney at law.
Recently a friend of mine asked me how I do it all. This was after a day full of running around. (See the last two blog posts for all the details.) I ended the night over at Muldoons Bar.
To be honest I would have loved to go home and crash on my couch but one of our group members is leaving to move to California so this was our last hurrah of sorts. We picked this bar because it’s our local favorite. The food is good, the drinks are wonderful and the prices are great. It might also help we love the staff!
We went on a Saturday night which as we know is Karaoke night. Normally I refuse to sing in public; however, a few weeks ago bets were made and everyone but me was forced to sign….However I got roped in due to the fact that I got there a bit later than everyone else.
I don’t know how it happened but Sasha and I were up first to sign to Frozen. We belted out “Let It Go” like pros. We didn’t even die of laughter! Then next up was Priya and Rishab. They did “Rude” by Magic.
It was a great time although I should’ve ordered the motzerella cheese sticks I was thinking about. (Yes I know of all the things to regret from karaoke night it was not ordering cheese sticks. I’m aware of the silliness of the situation.)
(Editors note I’m sorry there aren’t videos but it’s been decided no videos of that night should be shared your ears will thank you.)
The Real Elle Woodz 