Five Things
Happy Friday! I hope that you\’re having a wonderful week. Today marks the end of week 16 in quarantine. Can you even believe that? While numbers were doing great here and dropping, we\’ve suddenly had a spike. This spike isn\’t just Michigan related, it\’s cross country and it is pretty scary. This week \”Big Gretch\” made the decision to shut bars back down, since that is where Covid-19 has been spreading like wildfire. Hopefully, this will help Michigan get things back under control. Well, if people actually wear masks maybe we can get it under control again.
This week was filled with plenty of time on the water, delicious food, and even a trip to the Detroit Zoo! Jack and I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July, follow along with us on Instagram to see everything we are up to this holiday weekend.
Social Distancing at the Detroit Zoo
We\’re in week 16 of quarantine, and I did something big… I went to the Detroit Zoo. If you know me, you know that the ONLY thing I have done is go to grocery stores. I have not casual shopped, nor have a dined in a restaurant. So going to the Detroit Zoo was kind of a really big deal for me.
On Tuesday, my aunt and I headed to Royal Oak to visit the Detroit Zoo during our designated time slot of 9:30am. Aside from staying six feet away from other guests, the Detroit Zoo makes all visitors wear a mask the entire time they are at the zoo. They also do not allow guests in most of the buildings (including the polar bears), to keep the guests and animals safe.
Why did I decide to go to the Detroit Zoo?
The Detroit Zoo is one of my favorite places to visit year-round – yes even in the winter. With everything being shut down I was disappointed that I was not headed to the zoo every week. When the zoo was able to open back up, I knew that despite being an OCD germaphobe I would be heading to the zoo. Why? Because, even on a busy summer day, you can easily avoid people at the zoo. You\’re in an open spacious area with plenty of places to roam away from people, and that is why I felt safe enough to go to the zoo.
The Detroit Zoo during a quarantine
Every precaution is in place, and it\’s amazing. The Detroit Zoo makes EVERYONE yes, EVERYONE wear a mask. Even though you are outside, masks are required at all times. There are some large open areas that say you can take off your mask, other than that keep it on. There is hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE, make sure you use it as often as you need it. Anything you can climb on, or pose with for a picture is blocked to prevent the spread of germs. You\’re kept out of buildings (the polar bears) to ensure that the zoo has a constant flow and no area is getting backed up with the people. I felt SAFE while I was at the Detroit Zoo.
If you\’re looking to get away for the day, I highly recommend the Detroit Zoo. They make you feel safe, and all the employees and volunteers are very helpful. I would recommend bringing your own food in as well as water bottles – the drinking fountains are all closed and with good reason.
31 Things to Do in July (Quarantine Edition)
Hello July! \’Tis the season for backyard BBQs, trips to the beach, sunsets, and bonfires. Thankfully, all of these can be done fairly safely during these uncertain times. Since July is a sun-soaked month here in Michigan, and many other places, I have included lots of fun ways to get outside so you can get the most out of summer.
1. Be confident when you step out in flip flops or go barefoot at the beach, and give yourself a pedicure. I am loving neon pink, coral, yellow, and teal.
2. Make homemade graham crackers.
3. Take a day trip to a local metro park, state park, or national forest. Don\’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy.
4. Happy Fourth of July! While your community fireworks and parade activities are canceled there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Open a box of sparklers, grill out, or play some yard games.
5. If you\’ve never been camping before, this is the perfect year for you to give it a try. Campsites are a great way to keep everyone socially distanced. Bonus points if you find a campsite near the water.
6. Head out on the water and give kayaking or paddle boarding a try. Most metro parks rent kayaks and paddle boards.
7. Whether you\’re heading to a drive-in theater or taking a TV outside make sure you enjoy a movie outdoors with plenty of snacks.
8. Eat some watermelon! Watermelon is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
9. Celebrate national sugar cookie day, by whipping up a batch of cookies to decorate. Here is my favorite sugar cookie recipe.
10. Drop some food or toys off to the dogs at a local shelter.
11. It\’s national Rainer cherry day. Whether you pick some Rainer cherries at a local farm or buy them in the grocery store – today is the perfect day to add a little sweetness into your life.
12. Why not rent a canoe and take an adventure around a local lake?
13. National forest week begins. Why not visit your favorite national forest to celebrate.
14. National mac and cheese day. Whether you make it at home or grab it for takeout (hello lobster mac and cheese) today is the perfect day to indulge in some delicious macaroni and cheese.
15. Grill some kabobs, my favorite is sweet and sour kabobs with chicken, pineapple, and plenty of peppers.
16. Rubber ducky, swan or dragon paddle boats move at a leisurely pace and are a great way to get out onto a lake. Today is one of my friend\’s birthdays and we\’ll be spending it peddling around on a rubber ducky I believe. Don\’t forget the sunscreen!
17. National peach ice cream day, and I\’ll be sharing my favorite peach ice cream recipe this week.
18. Visit a local farmers market and buy fresh produce, honey, jams, and more.
19. It\’s national ice cream day, celebrate by visiting your favorite local ice cream shop.
20. It\’s national ice cream soda day, and I am beyond excited. When I was younger my grandma would take me to this soda shoppe in downtown Romeo. We\’d get cherry sodas and a tuna fish sandwich. Unfortunately, the soda shoppe is no longer there, but the memory will remain forever. That\’s why today I will be recreating that memory. If you don\’t have a soda shoppe near you why not make a Boston cooler or root beer float at home?
21. Give fishing a try. Whether you\’re in a boat or onshore, fishing offers the perfect way for you to relax.
22. National hammock day is the perfect opportunity to grab your hammock and hang it in the woods, or set it up somewhere outside and just enjoy nature.
23. Make a batch of homemade pickles.
24. Taco salad is one of my favorite summer staples, why not make some today?
25. Play a round of bocce ball in your backyard.
26. Head out for a hike.
27. It\’s national crème brûlée day, why not make some at home or order it to go from your favorite restaurant or bakery.
28. Take a bike ride around town.
29. Get up early and watch a beautiful summer sunrise.
30. Why not paint a picture today, it\’s a fun way to relax and a great way to get some new art in your house.
31. Did you know today is national avocado day? Why not celebrate by whipping up a batch of guacamole or indulging in avocado toast.
The Best Eggless Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
It\’s strawberry season here in Michigan, and with temperatures heating up I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try to make my own batch of strawberry ice cream. After visiting Verellen Orchards (my favorite place for local produce), I stopped off at the grocery store for vitamin D milk and heavy whipping cream to create a rich and creamy strawberry ice cream. This recipe tastes like summer in a bowl and is so simple to make because it does not have any eggs in it. What is your favorite summertime ice cream?
Easy Eggless Homemade Strawberry Ice CreamIngredients
1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup white sugar
dash of salt
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
1.5 cups mashed strawberries
Directions
1. In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients.
2. Pour the mixture into the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker.
3. Free according to the directions of your maker (I did 25 minutes)
4. Remove from ice cream maker and enjoy as soft serve or freeze for harder ice cream.
You\’ll Have Troll Much Fun with #CampDreamWorks This Week
This week in honor of the release of Trolls World Tour #CampDreamWorks is bringing you all things Trolls! You can learn how to draw Branch, learn about some trollstastic Fourth of July activities, and make Poppy\’s popcorn recipe!
In case you missed it, DreamWorks Animation wants to make sure your little ones have the best summer ever despite everything going on. That\’s why they released #CampDreamWorks.
This is one summer camp your kids won\’t want to miss out on! http://camp.dreamworks.com
Fashion meets Food 