I love when you get to explore where you live and discover hidden treasures. Yesterday morning I met up with two friends to begin our adventure!

Okay, backstory here. I’m a Cincinnati native living in Michigan (kinda Detroit suburbs) so I’m still figuring out this whole Michigan thing. Some days I love it and I ALWAYS love my friends up here; whereas some days it snows for two months straight and I’m ready to pack it up and kiss the frozen tundra goodbye. So you’ll have to forgive me if I should’ve known about these places before hand but didn’t.

Our destination was to go to Dearborn and explore the “Glass Academy.” On our way down we stopped and grabbed Mediterranean food because when in Rome you do as the Romans do! (If your not from here and that reference went beyond your head let me fill you in all the best middle eastern food is in Dearborn.) We had some amazing Hummus and Chicken Shawarma sandwiches. (Sorry I forgot to grab a picture.)

From there we drove down some narrow streets then found parking to enter a hidden paradise. When we first walked in they were showing off their new purple pumpkin which gives 10% of the proceeds to a local organic farm in Ann Arbor. Who doesn’t love shopping local and supporting local.

We decided to sit down and watch the demonstrations where they were making custom orders in front of us. I don’t know about you guys but this was absolutely fascinating watching as they were working with molten glass!

After the demonstrations we explored their studio for a little. I took thousands of pictures of all the unique and individual pumpkins. It was like walking in a glass pumpkin patch!

I finally settled on an adorable light blue almost teal glass pumpkin that will make an adorable addition to my fall decor.

They were sharing flyers for their Christmas show which also looked pretty impressive. I can honestly say I can’t wait to go back and explore again.

Today has been a day both good and bad. This morning started out with an alarm going off at eight am. I had to get up and get moving! I had to be over at a procedure center by 9:30 for an epidural steroid shot. For those who don’t know I might’ve managed to injure my spine resulting in a herniated, bulging disc.

(Okay don’t panic on me. The doctors are optimistic that with physical therapy and some medicine I’ll be back to my normal constantly moving self soon.) Today was my first shot and I was kinda freaking out. I don’t like needles. (Let me repeat that I don’t like needles; they freak me out!) I got there early, signed up and was back to check vitals then meet the doc. The doctor was great. He answered any questions I had, then it was time to go.

Once in the procedure room the doctor talked to me about Dex and trying to determine if I named him after the show Dexter. (No, I didn’t name my dog after a serial killer….) He numbed me up then injected the steroids. It kinda felt just like that. It was that quick and we were done.

After that I went over to SweetWaters Cafe where I was able to zoom into my meeting and sip a Carmel Chai Latte. It tasted like a spicy apple cider. I’m a big fan and will be happily going back for another all season long!

The next part is the best part. Grant actually went with me to the procedure this morning and SweetWaters Cafe is across the street from his work. He drove over and we ran to get lunch together.

We wound up over at City Barbecue where I got their two meats specials and Grant grabbed a brisket sandwich. We also shared a few sides (potato salad, corn bread, hush puppies and fries.) The sides were amazing but I think my favorite might’ve been all the BBQ options. I’m a sucker for a sweet bbq. I love their sweet bbq and the original. Grant likes the Brushfire sauce. That one packs a punch but he wanted some heat! Overall we really enjoyed grabbing lunch together.

From there I dropped Grant off back at work and I went home to continue working for the day.

Yesterday I realized that as I start to do more of my own thing and build up my business that I might need a shredder. So I decided to buy one. I looked at Amazon and Target. I decided to get the one at Target.

I packed up Dex in the car since it wasn’t too hot for a Roo to sit in the car while I ran in. I knew the isle I was headed and I did sooo great getting in the store, I even skipped looking at clothes and the dollar section. I went right to the office supplies section. I found the shredder I wanted, put it in my cart and then the ultimate fail happened. I wondered towards the home section instead of back the way I came.

Needless to say I found the most adorable chunky knit blanket in a deep red color. I have been wanting one for a while but I just hadn’t found the right one. I loved the ones on Etsy but I was hesitant to buy one online because I wanted to be able to feel the blanket before buying. So…. When I found it at Target, in grey, I looked at the price and then saw the one in red. It is traditionally only available online but they had it in stores!

As you might’ve seen online I did purchase the blanket. I did the walk of shame all the way from my car to my house. On the positive side Dex really likes it so its not a total Target fail!

However, the real kicker is that the stupid shredder I went to buy in the first place couldn’t fit a single piece of paper without folding it almost four times… It had to go back. So ultimately the entire trip was a bust. I didn’t get what I needed and I impulse bought a blanket.

That being said I am really happy cuddled under my blanket right now! No regrets right?

Dex and I decided to just pack up and enjoy working remotely! We drove up to Port Huron and were able to lounge around in the sand all day.

My poor puppers is not a water guy. He is all about playing in the sand (okay well digging and romping in the sand) but today he just decided to get a little sun on his fur! For those of you who think its that he can’t swim he totally can, as a puppy I made sure he was able to swim since there is a pool at Mom & Dad’s. Dex is a fully capable swimmer; he would just prefer the only water he experiences to be the one he is drinking his water from.

We got a little bit of a late start and didn’t get to Port Huron until about three. It was a little too chilly to get in the water so we set out our towels and got cozy. He took a snooze and I read some of my book. (Technically I finished my book.) Then we just sat in the sand watching the waves roll in. We even got to see a few sailboats. I don’t know what it is about the sound of waves but every time I hear them I instantly feel more relaxed. (Personally I’m all about the salt water oceans but hey when in Rome!)

As the day slowly progressed it did get a little chilly and I put my hoodie on so we could stay later and keep enjoying. Then on our way home I had some interesting music that we were rocking out too. A little bit of “Men At Work” followed by some Springstein. We had a great drive singing and barking along with the music; windows down of course! This is one of those perfect end of summer days and I am very thankful I got to spend it with a pup named Dex.

Dog park, dog park, dog park! I got to go to the dog park! Yesterday Grant, Bridget and I packed up a pup named Dex and headed out for an adventure! (If you have no ideas yet reread the first sentence of the post.) You guessed it; we ended up at the dog park! If you even say the words dog park in my house his ears come to full attention, he stops whatever he is doing and promptly stares at you awaiting the let’s go bye bye that follows.

Our first stop was Goodison Cider Mill for some fresh confining sugar donuts and cold cider. I love it here. It’s about fifteen minutes away, they are dog friendly and they have fresh squeezed Apple Cider. It doesn’t get any better. We all had some donuts (even Dex managed to get a few nibbles in.) On Sunday’s they try to encourage more business so they make it a family fun time. There was a man there making balloon animals and a live band. We were able to sit in their big free tent and just enjoy our brunch.

Then our next stop was the Orion Oaks Dog Park. I think this might be Dex’s favorite place on earth. He gets to get off his leash and just romp around. He loves chasing a ball (sometimes he will bring it back and sometimes you get to bring it back. It’s sorta like Russian roulette as to who brings the ball back; no one knows…)

So Dex is about 20 pounds and a pretty small pup (don’t underestimate him though since he’s all muscle and if he get you on the back of the knees you’re going down and the lick attack will begin) but he has no fears. He’ll run up to the big dogs and chase them around. He’s even been known to get on his back legs and go full Rocky; boxing the whole time.

Today although he played with other dogs a little bit he mostly just wanted to run after the ball that Grant or I happily kicked/threw for him. At one point we stood on opposite sides and tries to kick it back and forth playing slight keep away from Dex, but he’s just too clever and caught the ball every time.

Then when he ran for a while he would just flop down on the grass under the tree where we were sitting at and lounge around cooling down. As soon as you think maybe he’s ready to go home he gets another burst of energy and he starts running around again. He did finally get himself all worn out and at that point we proceeded to the car. As soon as he was situated he fell asleep for our drive over to Culver’s.

When we went through the drive through he magically woke up in time for a puppy treat! I really do love how well they treat dogs at the Culver’s restaurant.

After devouring his treat he fell back asleep until we got home where he’s proceed to nap the day away. The dog park sure tires my little babe out! (I’m not gonna lie; it’s a family favorite activity not just a Dex favorite. Bridget was even the one who suggested it today.)

Okay, full disclosure here. As soon as we finished eating there might’ve been some post fun in the sun napping to be had in our house. Dex didn’t even make it to bed choosing to sleep on the couch before eventually moving his tired puppy booty to bed.

Oh my lanta yesterday was an absolute blast! It was the annual Expecto Pub Crawl over in Royal Oak. This was the second year I’ve participated in it and while many of you know I’ve never read the series (I have listened to the majority of the books on CD as my younger brother listened to them as I was getting my driving hours in) I love going.

We got super lucky. Priya was in charge of tickets and she waited for a promo code ensuring we got the VIP experience at the regular rate. Thank you Priya. If you don’t have one of her in your group your seriously missing out! The VIP package included an upgraded Harry Potter lanyard that you could pick your house, a mug in your house color, an acceptance letter, a wand, a deathly hallows necklace and a Marauder’s Map.

Our first stop and check in point was, The Royal Oak Tap House. Priya, Bridget, Grant and I got there. Then Sarah and Adam met us too. When we finally got to the bar to order drinks we got a traditional Butterbeer and a Unicorn Blood. I had the Butter Beer and it was really good. I’m not sure; I think I like the butterscotch version better but this was really good. Nikki arrived as we were ordering drinks meaning our group was mostly complete.

Then we headed over to Pronto where it was a little less busy and we could actually reach the bar without throwing elbows. Here we got a round of Poly Juice Potion. Unfortunately or fortunately for us there was no hair in it so there was no transfigurations to be had. I got to remain me and the group did as well. Personally I don’t want to get to enjoy that transformation.

From there we headed over to 5th Avenue where we got to enjoy the Harry Shooter. It was a fun drink and that’s where Matt and Jess met up with us. This means that our entire group was together! After introducing Matt & Jess to the group I enjoyed a round with them and we headed out!

From 5th we grabbed O’Tools for the nastiest drink of the crawl. It was called the Kreature and it sure tasted like a nasty Kreature. It’s easy to say that as a group we didn’t enjoy this one and we packed our gear up and headed onward to the next destination.

Then we crossed the train tracks and wound up over at Tequila Blue where we got to enjoy an Expecto Hangover. The name didn’t do it justice. It was actually really good. That was our last shot before we decided it was time for a snack. We decided to hit BDubs so Sarah and I headed over since we couldn’t grab seats.

At BDubs we basically all had some version of Honey Barbecue Boneless wings. It’s safe to assume we’re a group with similar tastes. We needed the break since most of the bars offered food but getting to the bar and ordering was difficult enough. We thought that this was the easiest solution.

Okay we’ve had our food so it’s time to keep chugging along. The next stop we went to was Mesa where we got the Muggle Struggle. This one was really good and we snagged a table where we could sit and drink the drinks. Talk about a great timing moment. We stayed here and talked for a bit before heading over to the next destination.

The next spot was Mr. B’s which is a classic pub crawl spot. It’s huge with pool tables and the best part clean bathrooms!!!! Here we ordered The Drink of Despair and there was nothing disparaging about it. I’d happily get it again.

Then, for our final destination we ended up at the Rock on 3rd. This is the best one to end up at. They have good food and you never, let me repeat that, never start out at the Rock on Third. We technically ordered Huffelpuff Punch but I think only a few actually drank it. We were all disappointed. They didn’t have the Jell-O shots anymore. (The only downside to winding up here.) While here we got some mozzarella cheese sticks and nachos! Plus we did have a round of shots. I’m happy to announce that Adam had his first ever Yeager Bomb! I choose a gummy bear. I’m not about those bombs.

The funny thing about this stop was the bathrooms were so gross Nikki and I braved the pouring down rain and hustled over to Mr. B’s to use their bathroom. Then on our way back we played in the puddles outside and I don’t just mean walk in the puddles but we actually jumped in them.

From there we all of us headed our separate ways. I think it’s safe to say we all had a fantastic time and are looking forward to next years festivities.

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.)