Okay; are you ready for this? Last night Bridget, Priya and I went to the Rascal Flatts Concert and it was spectacular.

To start off the evening we were picked up by an Uber driver named Charles and his subie. He was hysterical. He is a former journalist and he was inquisitive and funny. He made our twenty minute commute very entertaining. Then when we got to the venue he refused to drop us off at the entrance where the Uber sign was. Instead he kindly drove us all the way in to where we set out our picnic spread.

Kudos to the concert planners. They even had a band performing in the park to accommodate tailgating.

When we went in we got to our seats and were able to sing at the top of our lungs to Jimmy Allen who had the most touching comment and song about his father who passed away. If that didn’t bring tears to your eyes nothing will.

Then Jordan Davis came out out and I couldn’t not sing along to “Singles You Up”. That song gets me every time. I love it. With the line “if he’s even stupid enough “I somehow just can’t help but smile and laugh at the same time!

After that the show truly began. We got to see Rascal Flatts. I love that they are confident enough as a band to sign their favorites and not just the top hits! I’m gonna be honest. They have music for every type of feelings your facing from crushing depression to the best day of your life. I know that no matter what I’m feeling they totally get it.

I think the best part of the concert though was the people I got to share it with. I introduced two of my very best friends a few years ago and they completely hit it off. It didn’t matter who was in the middle we were a group of three instead of two and two. I absolutely adore that my friends were able to become friends on their own. It was a successful night!

Today Bridget and I got up at the crack of dawn to get ready and go to Port Huron! At 8am we were motivated. The good news we made it to the Lake by 10am. Dex stayed home unfortunately to guard the house (and to avoid the potential deadly threat of blue algae. Gotta keep my babe safe!!!)

When we first got there the beach was empty and we had the whole place to ourselves. We set our gear down on a picnic table and went straight for the water.

The water might’ve been a bit chilly but we sat on sand and the little support beams with our toes splashing water around. Then we went rock hunting for Bridget to add to her treasures for the rock collection at home.

We were able to just walk around and play in the sand all while enjoying the last little bit of summer.

We might’ve packed some wine in our coffee cups to enjoy with our brown bagged lunch of sandwiches, Apple Sauce and granola.

Then we took our tumblers and walked along the beach where the water meets the sand. It was great to have our feet slowly sinking into the sand.

Overall I have to say we had an absolute blast.

Our first stop was Sister Pie where I had the Banana Pete pie. Oh my lanta; the crust was light and flakey. It was perfect! Then there is the filling which is the perfect combination of heavy and creamy.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Plus as we were walking in they had this sign at the door that made it very clear that they welcomed anyone and this was a safe place. I really appreciate that they make sure anyone who enters their store feels welcome. One of my friends did try the Salted Maple Pie and I might cry now just describing it. The combination of sweet and salty was what dreams are made of. If you are in the area you have to try it.

Then next on the list we went to HopCat and tried their new fries so we could vote on which ones we liked best. I had the funnel fries and I really hope they last. It’s a perfect late night dessert. I also tried the fiesta fries and if I got them again I’d have to try it with chili cheese! The last and certainly not least fry was the Shakshuka Spiced Fries which had this amazing tingle and just made me want to keep eating!!! I paired these with a cinnamon spiced cider. Overall this was an great lunch option to not overdose on sugar!

After HopCat we arrived at Bon Bon Bon (Yes the name really is all three Bons lol)? and if it’s possible to have love at first sight it happened here. The desserts are almost too cute to eat! You’ll have to see the pictures! Plus the worker who greeted us gave us all the information so we could get flavors that suited us. I did take home a frowny faced bon bon! Then when they boxed up my bon bons it was all in recyclable materials that they cut to size to help reduce waste!

Could it have been any better. The bon bon itself melted in my mouth I had a S’more and I literally was transported in front of a roaring bon fire sipping hot chocolate and taking my marshmallows off the fire and into the awaiting graham cracker and chocolate. If you are up to take a mini trip with your imagination I seriously suggest making a trip.

So if you know me then you know I have a soft spot for a good macaroon. The next place we tried was Le Detroit Macaroon. When you walk inside the walls are Tiffany blue and have a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It felt like walking into a dream. As a girl who has proclaimed Tiffany Blue as my favorite color for far too long to mention I might’ve been sold right there! There were samples and I tried an Oreo cheesecake macaroon. It might’ve been the best I’ve ever had. It was a little bit of Chocolate and a lot of creamy cheese cake stuffed in between two cookies. It made me want to never eat anything but macaroons again for the rest of my life. Not to mention the cuteness of the shop!

So if your walking along with me in your head we next stopped at Good Cakes and Bakes which had the largest amount of bundt cakes and coffee cakes I’ve ever seen. The store just smelled like a fresh right from the over bakery. I’m not sure what my dessert tastes like yet. (Confession time here. I got a triple layer birthday cake in a mason jar and I haven’t been able to eat it yet! It’s dessert tonight though and I promise I’ll give you all the details on Facebook or Instagram later!)

Okay our next stop was a little more traumatic. It was by Campus Martius which is very hoping on a Saturday night. We circled the area four times. to find parking. The attendant at the lot kept count for us…. We finally caved and paid event parking and just did it. From there we went to Cannelle by Matt Kino and it felt like walking into a French Patisserie. It was a little overwhelming to be honest. I couldn’t decide what I wanted. So finally I picked a gigantic chocolate macaroon that had chocolate moose inside. Im sure your ready to guess it but…. It did not disappoint! I couldn’t finish it to be honest I was so full after a few bites it was lush and decadent.

The rest of the group had an apple tart which was a perfect bend of sweet and tart and the crust was magically made to be a tart.

Then there was the Framboise Choco which basically was a chocolate cake with raspberry and it had the chocolate moose with hidden raspberry filling. It was sweet and refreshing all at once. I would highly recommend if anyone is on the fence the food tasted as good as it looked!

The last dessert we had was mini donuts and they were covered in cinnamon sugar. They were fresh and delicious. So delicious in fact my shirt decided to try to wear some home.

As any good dessert tour comes to a close we did get Italian sandwiches over at Rocco’s Italian Deli. Omg I had the Chicken Parm sandwich and I might not be able to eat at all for the remainder of the day. (Think a Thanksgiving level fullness here but desserts.) It was so filling and the bread they make was perfect. It was warm and soft on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside. If this is on your Foodie list, go now, do not stop until you get there!

After that point I went home and slept for a solid night and most of the morning. I highly recommend everything we tried. Nothing was less than amazing and the shops were all unique and fun. Let me know if you have questions and I’ll happily give suggestions. (Like if you don’t finish your macaroons in one sitting store them in the freezer since they taste better that way.)

Have you ever had one of those night where you just get to act like your seventeen again; no cares or worries? I had a bit of one of those last night.

I finished up a work call around 5:30 and I was done for the day. I went into my bedroom look at my hair straightener and said let’s do this! While it was preheating I diligently put a heat protectant on my hair then pulled it into an awkward ponytail and started at the bottom making my way up. I also redid my make up.

Once my hair was finished it was time to pick out the outfit. I decided to wear a cute pair of jeggings that have a ripped knee. Then I went with a classic black T-shirt followed by a plum vest. Then paired it with a really cute mixed metal necklace and a pair of dangling silver earrings. I let Dex out and when he came back in it was time to go. I took one step outside and realized with the slight rain I was going to freeze my butt off. I was able to swap my T-shirt out for a long sleeve black shirt and the outfit was saved!

Then Grant and I drove off to meet my friend Sarah. We went to the Rainforest Cafe and had great food and drinks! Plus after, we took silly pictures by the animals.

After Rainforest Cafe we walked around the outlets in the hunt for Harry Potter swag. So I don’t look like a complete muggle at the pub crawl next weekend. While none of us got anything we had a blast just wondering around.

Finally the part we had been awaiting for was upon us we went and saw Hustlers at AMC. I had a grape soda and my inner seven year old was the most satisfied human being ever. The movie was surprisingly busy for a 9:30pm on a Thursday but hey we get it. I am not going to go too much into the movie. I won’t spoil it for anyone but at some points I laughed so hard I cried. I really hope I can look as good as JLo when I get to be her age. Also they are in amazing shape. If I tried to do any of those tricks I’d be on my butt hoping someone would take pity and call 911 for me.

I’m so glad we got to go and just have an epic adventure in the middle of Auburn Hills.

Today I got to experience one of those perfect relaxing Sunday Mornings. I was able to sleep in. Then when I finally woke up a friend of mine inspired me with her picture of a book and coffee so I decided it was time to break out my French Press.

I went into Sweetwaters Coffee shop when my mom was still here and they gave me two samples of coffee. Today I decided to try out their House Blend (it’s a medium dark roast). I put my almost boiling water into the press with my coffee; then came the grueling part of waiting three and a half minutes.

Once it was done I was able to pour my very hot coffee into my purple rookwood mug. (I have a very soft spot for a pottery mug. I blame my mom. She has always treasured it and it’s clearly passed on to me.) I poured my coffee in and added just a hint of cream. Then I took my coffee into the living room and set out to update my planner for the week.

I know it’s old fashion but there is nothing better than writing out my agenda for the week on paper. Currently I’m using a Happy Planner. It gives me the ability to customize my planner to what I want. I can add in pages remove them and add stickers to spice it up. It’s great for me.

So I sat down and started to plan out when I have work, what social activities I have going on and when I wanna try to get a blog post out. (I’m still working on that schedule but I’m getting better.) I am also using the fill in sheets to help me meal plan. I really need work on that one but I’m going to get better about it.

I really like to just write it all out. It helps me stay on top of things and keep organized. So tell me how do you stay organized?

So last night a few friends and I decided to hit up Honcho over in Clarkston. Mind you this was the perfect opportunity to wear some cute lighter fall pieces I have been eyeing. I decided to try one; an army green onsie. When I say a onsie I do mean a full onsie with a mock turtle neck and everything. It was super cute. I paired it with a mustard yellow blazer and a pair of jeans. I felt really cute and warm in my lightweight fall clothes. 

One of us had been before and swore up and down that it was amazing. That the Margaritas were fantastic, the food would not disappoint and the desserts were swoon worthy and let me tell you she was not wrong. 

However, there was one part she didn’t mention that really made the evening for me. I was told that they let dogs on the patio so we all agreed that we would take a Patio table so I could bring Dex. Well let me tell you not only were they dog friendly but I think every single worker came over and said how cute Dex was and went on to pet him telling him how much of a good boy he was. 

As a dog mom there is nothing I love more than being able to take Dex with me when I go out and about and for him to be welcomed so enthusiastically really made my night! 

I ordered a Watermelon Margarita for me and, a nice pink water bowl for Dex. The two people I went with also ordered Watermelon Margaritas, which made for a very nice photo opportunity! They also had color changing straws in their margaritas!!!!!! My inner four year old could not contain herself at that part! 

Dex got to make his rounds. At one point he was sitting in everyone’s lap getting all the love and attention he could handle. 

For dinner I had enchiladas and they were the perfect combination of light spice and real flavor. I am getting better at eating spicy foods but I am by no means a spicy food connoisseur and these were perfect. Then we had a Chocolate Cinnamon Bundt cake with caramel drizzle over it and then Horchata Ice Cream. It was hot and cold at the same time. I couldn’t even finish it but I really enjoyed it. 

Overall, I have to say this was a great night. The three of us really enjoyed our food, conversation flowed well and heck at one point I almost laughed so hard I had water coming out my nose. Then to make a great night one I will never forget Dexter James Carson was able to go with me and spend the night enjoying my friends and I. I’m not gonna lie; I really love friends of mine who love and value Dex as much as I do. Not only did they invite him along they were willing to sit outside on a misty weather day so he could go with us and not have to stay home alone.

Today has been a whirlwind. It started out with me being impulsive and wanting milkshakes! If you know me this won’t surprise you. I decide I want something and goodness gracious anyone in my way might want to back away. (Ask poor Bridget about the time we drove over an hour for pitas! It was worth it though btw).

I didn’t just want any milkshake. I wanted to try out M Street Bakery’s Milkshakes. They are up in Howell Michigan and if you haven’t followed them on insta be prepared. You will wind up driving out there and having to have one.

The three of us piled into the civic, set the GPS, and an adventure began. It took over an hour to get there and we saw a little bit of everything on our way from a lake in the middle of no where to a big city center. When we finally arrived it kinda felt like driving into Stars Hollow where everyone knows your name and your life story but in the best way possible.

Poor Dex didn’t enjoy the next part but he waited impatiently in the car while Grant and I went in and explored the menu. I decided to go cookies and cream whereas Grant went strawberry shortcake.

Once we had our order we grabbed a pup from the car and sat at the patio tables. They were amazing over the top milkshakes that left me thinking sweet lord can I move or am I going to be living my life from this table for the next ten years? (Punch line I did move.)

Once we had eaten all we could Grant spotted this little boutique shop up the street and we went in to check it out. If I weren’t stubborn in my ways about no fall decor in our house yet I wouldn’t have been able to resist the urge to load up. The homemade candles, the cute towels, the trinkets! Omg I was sold. We did manage to make it out without a purchase but only because I refused to give into fall.

Then from there we walked around the town and grabbed a bench where Grant and I read books with a puppy sun tanning at our feet. While I am very clearly a big city kinda girl this was really nice and if we ever decided to relocate to a small town I think I could be okay with that life decision. (Stop the panic; I said I think I could not I would be or I’m going to do it!)

Alright enough for now I’m looking forward to kicking my seat back and maybe sneaking in a small nap on the long drive home.

Today I had one of the best manicures I have had in a really long time. I went to The Woodhouse Day Spa over in the village by my house and it got me thinking which is ultimately better; quality or quantity? 

I think after that manicure I can safely answer that quality is way better than quantity. Let me start from the beginning. I am a big fan of having my nails painted.  Sometimes they are normal colors. However, sometimes I get a little crazy and have a glow in the dark french manicure. I am not very talented at painting my own nails and have since given up on painting them myself.  With that in mind I am always on the lookout for a great manicure and pedicure home. 

Frequently I go back and forth on should I just go to one of the cheaper places and do a walk in or should I book an actual appointment and have a proper manicure. I have had the dips on my nails for about a month now and while the regrowth was very visible there was no chipping or anything. I was overall happy with them but I want my real nails back. 

In Cincinnati I had a guy who was terrific;however, he is exploring the world for a year and I was outta luck. In Michigan I just keep bouncing around. I haven’t found the right place yet. So I decided in the spirit of blogging I would try somewhere new and then use it as a blog post. 

When I arrived at the Spa I was promptly greeted and then taken to an area where I could have a warm robe, shower, and check my belongings. I decided to skip the robe.  It’s summer so I’m good without it. I did check my purse in one of the lockers which you pick the combination and lock it. (The worker explained if I forgot the combination to simply hit the button and someone from the staff would help me.) 

From there we went into the quiet room which is painted in soft hues with gentle relaxing music on. There was an assortment of complimentary nuts and fruit infused water. While I was waiting for my appointment the receptionist offered me a drink I gladly accepted a mimosa and then was sitting there drinking it when my manicurist came to get me. 

Once I was in the manicure area the manicurist Tanya was super friendly and kind. She set to work removing the Dips from my nails (btw when the dips were removed my nails just felt really weak and fragile….. I’m done with the Dips.) She explained that they can be harder to remove and that this might be a process. She wasn’t kidding.  She soaked my nails then buffed the polish off with a file and continued the process until it was all removed. Then she talked to me and used a gentle moisturizer on my skin and put my hands in warm mittens. She had me sitting in those mittens for probably 20 minutes but hey,no complaints here,  they felt amazing! During that time she left the room and returned with  a fresh mimosa that I was able to enjoy as soon as I was out of those mittens! 

Then when the mittens were off she used an agave serum and gently massaged my arms and hands. (At some point I began to think I had died and gone to heaven!) From there she added cuticle oil to my nails and gave them a few minutes of tlc. Then she put a polish on my hands and more oils to help the nails grow back stronger and better than ever. 

While I was waiting for the polish to dry I was moved to the quiet room to just relax and let the polish dry (I was also offered another Mimosa but turned it down.) I stayed in the quiet room to let the polish dry and did some quiet reflection I think for this girl quality is always going to beat out quantity and I have officially found my nail home in Michigan!