Michigan · Uncategorized

Throwbacks Became A Reality

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.

Michigan · Uncategorized

Relaxing Sunday Morning

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?

Michigan · Uncategorized

Girls Night with A Dex Twist

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. 

Just a little preview of fall colors!

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. 

Dex in the car on his way to girls night!!!

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! 

That Straw was yellow when warm!

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.

Someone passed out when we got back home!
Ohio · Uncategorized

Headphones and Waiting Rooms

So today I’m waiting around in a hospital waiting room for my Mom. (Yes I’m aware of the repetitiveness of that statement waiting in a waiting room.) She is having a cardiac ablation procedure done. (For those of us that don’t speak doctor they are burning parts of her heart to make sure it beats like it’s supposed too.) Her Doctor seemed optimistic that this is going to be the time it’ll fix it.

While this isn’t an abnormal procedure they still put her under and use a breathing tube. I’m pretty calm for the most part considering it’s my Mama Bear but, I know she would want me to be brave and strong so that’s exactly what I’m doing. (Hello kicking waiting room ass and taking names.)

One of the first times I realized my Mom’s heart wasn’t like the rest of us was a cool fall day back in elementary school it was a later soccer practice, I had just gotten out of the goal from practice and, my neighbor picked me up. I thought it was weird but hey it’s my neighbor (also one of my best friends Moms so it wasn’t too weird.) When we got back to their house they told me mom was in the hospital that her heart is beating too fast. I think at the time I was probably just really confused my Mom seemed healthy she still does to be honest. They put her on medicine and childhood Monica didn’t think much else about it.

They have been managing it for a long time and this is her second attempt at this procedure but back in December she had to have one of her heart valves replaced and they did a small procedure alongside it to get her stubborn ticker to just beat normally.

Well, for the most part it’s behaving but here we are today and I am honestly positive that this is it that this time we’re going to beat the stubborn heart into behaving as it is supposed to. If not by the doctors then my own stubbornness is going to go head to head (Monica v Mon’s Heart) and her heart is going to have to behave because I said so. (Mama didn’t raise no sissy girl that heart is going to behave if I have to talk to it myself!)

I’m happy to wait here all day if it means that Mom’s heart will beat in rhythm and be the best possible version of itself it can be.

I’ll post an update on insta later today to let everyone know how Mom’s doing.

Michigan · Uncategorized

Small Town USA

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.

Food · Michigan

Lobster Fest In Michigan!

Okay I’m in a food coma! I went out to lunch with a friend and we decided to try lobster fest at this cute restaurant in Birmingham. To start off we parked in the garage (Garages need to have attendants. The poor person two cars ahead of us couldn’t get the card reader to work. It got to the point where the car in front of us, the guy driving, got out to help them…. Just as he got out the car was able to enter the garage.) Then when we got parked we took a short stroll downtown and wow! I want an apartment down there. It’s beautiful and always picture perfect but the rent might be a bit too crazy!

Once we got to the restaurant and we’re seated we looked over the menu and shared an appetizer. OMG it was clams, lobster toast, then shrimp. Talk about heavenly! Plus I had this really good lemonade with tequila and while I’m a vodka girl I could be converted!

The food was fantastic and the appetizer was amazing. Then to make it better we decided to just go full on food baby and did the Connecticut Lobster Rolls. They were warm and buttery with a hint of fresh lemon. OMG I’m drooling again just writing about it. It was absolutely wonderful.

To make this even better I got to enjoy just relaxing and having lunch with a friend. We had excellent conversations, and amazing food. I ask you what could be better! I’m so glad to have amazing people in my life and get the opportunities to spend time with them enjoying unbelievably delectable food.

Michigan · Uncategorized

Just Like Heaven (Or a great manicure you know whatever!)

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? 

Can anyone honestly say they don’t want to cuddle in that chair and take a nap?

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! 

Why yes I would love a mimosa!

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. 

The final results!

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!

Michigan · Ohio · Pupper!

Dexter James Aka Bruiser

Welcome to My World

Whoever said Diamonds are a girls best friend never had a dog!

This is it! My first post! So for my first post I am going to introduce one of the leading men in my life. This is Dexter James Carson Dex for short. He is a Cheagle. In typical legally blonde fashion I had to have the perfect best friend to live my perfect days! I actually got Dex from a family run pet shop in Cincy our Hometown. I was running errands with my friend Bridget when we went into the pet store to pick up bird food for her birds. There were the cutest puppies in the front of the store. (Back Story at the time I was getting a puppy for graduating college before moving to Michigan to start my law school career. I had decided I wanted a Pug named Pugsly and was set to meet breeders to pick out my perfect puppy!)

However, when we saw the puppies we had to play with them. There were two boys and a girl. I bent down to pick one up and next thing you know he is licking my nose. The rest is history. I fell in love head over heels with the puppy in the window. (We like to call it love at first lick.) I was back in the store the next morning okay fine in all honesty I was standing outside the store ten minutes before they opened with Mom and Bridget to guarantee we got a pup named Dex.

He was all of five pounds when I first met him whereas now he is a solid 20 pound puppers. He can still fit in my purse but he has evolved in his tastes and prefers to ride in style in his doggy stroller. If you see us out and about feel free to come say hi I’m pretty sure he thinks he is a person anyway.

Alright enough for today but that is the story of how this Elle met her Bruiser!