Travel Diaries: Lexington

Being a Michigander I have made my way adventuring around the state, discovering new cities – however I have NEVER been to the thumb before (oh in case you’ve never been to Michigan or met a Michigander before we will tell you where we are from by pointing it out on our hand). Everything has been super overwhelming lately, we just found out my grandma has cancer, Jack spent 17 days being extremely sick (he’s okay now), and my personal life hit some serious hardships. I knew it was time to get out of dodge for a hot minute and headed to Lexington. I have never been to Lexington before (obviously – first time visiting any city in the thumb!) and the quaint town was just what I needed.  The beach seems to be what cures both Jack and I because that little puppers had just as much fun as I did. We walked around Lexington, and enjoyed all the sights. Seriously this town is super adorable. Lake Huron looked absolutely gorgeous, and the weather was even nice enough for us to enjoy a delicious pizza outside at Sweetwater – this restaurant is amazing as they let me have Jackers on the patio. Here’s some pictures from the adventure….

Man with a Marker

 

Imagine being a storyboard illustrator working for major accounts in the Detroit area (Detroit Tigers), and then the great recession hits, you lose it all – your job, car, home. You find yourself homeless and with everything you own in a single suitcase. It’s a completely heart breaking story, but with the help of a new kind of family David Smith will hopefully find permanent housing. The owners of Michigan Mittens and Earth to Earth held a fundraiser for David Smith this past Friday at Alleycat Café in Pontiac. The evening showcased Smith’s gorgeous artwork for sale, delicious appetizers and live jazz music, with hopes that enough money would be raised to provide Smith with a stable housing environment. Here is a look at Smith’s beyond amazing artwork and if you would like to commission him for your next project he is of course available.

Detroit Giveaway: Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Disclosure: I have an ongoing partnership with 313 Presents. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is heading to the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit for a three day engagement and you have the chance to WIN a 2-pack of tickets to the Friday, December 1st show at 7:30pm. 
One lucky winner will have the opportunity to win a 2-pack of tickets to the Friday, December 1st show at 7:30pm –hello amazing date night… am I right?

About the Show:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up Detroit in 2017 at the Fox Theatre with its 10th anniversary national tour for five unforgettable performances Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3 as part of the Fifth Third Bank Fox Theatre Series. This critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a Broadway musical, new cirque adventure and family show wrapped in one. 
Tickets (range $29-$69) are now on sale and can be purchased at 313presents.com, The Fox Theatre box office and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611. Series subscription packages and discounts for groups of 10+ are available by calling 313-471-3099.
Broadway Director Neil Goldberg has reimagined the anniversary stage spectacle of Cirque Dreams Holidaze the New York Daily News proclaimed “A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load.” Its “The perfect holiday gift and show everyone will enjoy” raved BroadwayWorld of the sold-out performances that “Dazzled…at The Kennedy Center” hailed the Washington Post.
Audiences around the country will celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at this multi-million-dollar live stage production with never before seen performances, over 300 costumes, 20 of the world’s best acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites.  Experience elaborate costumed characters, snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, Santa and ornaments…flying, balancing and stretching imaginations in this groundbreaking holiday celebration.  Exciting theatrical production numbers, illusions and gravity-defying feats will leave you on the edge of your seats at this “Las Vegas…meets family entertainment…meets musical theatre” Cirque Dreams Holidaze production declares the Boston Globe.    
Says Creator/Director Goldberg, “Our 10th anniversary season of Cirque Dreams Holidaze is not just an entertainment spectacle and uplifting holiday celebration filled with gifts of amazement but is our largest and most elaborate production to date with something for everyone in the family to share and enjoy.” 
For more information, visit: www.cirqueproductions.com
 
Performance Schedule:
Friday, December 1 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 2 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 3 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Giveaway:
Enter to win via the widget below (Giveaway is also being ran on Instagram). Giveaway ends Saturday, November 11, and the winner will be notified via email the next day and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Winner will receive a 2-pack of tickets to the Friday, December 1st performance, 7:30pm at the Fox Theatre. Winner’s tickets will be available for pick up at the Fox Theatre Box Office the day of show.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pumpkin Poppers

It\’s the most basic time of the year, and my cabinets are stocked with pumpkin puree which means anything I can add pumpkin to I do. One of my favorite recipes right now is pumpkin muffins – I used a mini muffin pan to make them so I can easily pop them in my mouth while I am on my way to work.

Pumpkin Poppers

Ingredients
1.5 cups rolled oats (I put them in a food processor and turn them into \”flour\”)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup apple sauce ( i make my own because I like it chunky)
1/4 cup almond + coconut milk combination ( you can use any milk though)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (I switch it up depending on what I have)
2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
dash of salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions
1. Pre-heat oven to 350.
2. Lightly spray your muffin pan with cooking spray (I used coconut oil).
3. Combine all ingredients.
4. Mix until well blended.
5. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until done.

Pumpkin Carving

 

When it comes to Halloween there are a few traditions that I follow.
1. Head to the pumpkin patch and pick out the perfect pumpkin.
2. Spend way too much time trying to decide what to carve.
3. Eat pizza while carving pumpkins.
4. Make pumpkin seeds.
my favorite are coconut oil, cinnamon + sugar and salt.
5. Eat taco salad on Halloween.
I honestly have not dressed up for Halloween since 2007 (I was Strawberry Shortcake), so the costume part is usually out for me – however the pumpkin carving part is always a must.