Movie Review: The High Note
[this is a sponsored post, all opinions are strictly my own]
Five Things
(water bottle: EcoVessel)
Quarantine week 10, now complete. The governor did extend our stay-at-home order another three weeks, which I think we all knew would happen. She did, however, open up da yoop and some parts of upper Michigan. Obviously being in the Detroit-area where it\’s a hot zone we are still living that quarantine life.
I cannot believe how fast the year is flying by, this weekend is already Memorial weekend. Typically you can find me up north, but since we are under a stay-at-home order and I am not wreckless – I will be staying home.
Anyway, let\’s get into the good stuff – what I have been up to this week. I am still hiking everyday day, no matter what is going on in my life hiking brings center and balance back to my life. So I decided I would share some nature pictures from my adventures. Including a picture of a local flyover. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Don\’t forget to follow along with my adventures on Instagram.
Erma\’s Frozen Custard DIY Strawberry Shortcake Kit
Ever since I was little heading to Erma\’s Frozen Custard was a summer tradition. Every day they have vanilla, chocolate, and twist custard. Every week they have a couple \”weekly\” flavors. I am vanilla with sprinkles kind of gal unless they have someone of my favorite flavors that week: dreamsicle, dragonfruit peach, lemon chiffon or strawberry.
With a pandemic being in full effect and places being up able to open up, I was excited to learn this past week that Erma\’s Frozen Custard was open for curbside pickup and they had dreamsicle – yum! While I was looking through the menu online to place my order I discovered that they had a DIY Strawberry Shortcake Kit. With everything going on, DIY kits have quickly become my favorite, so of course, I ordered a DIY Strawberry Shortcake Kit, and let me tell you it was definitely worth it.
Erma\’s Frozen Custard DIY Strawberry Shortcake Kit came with a generous portion of vanilla ice cream, a slice of packaged SaraLee pound cake, and a container of delicious strawberry topping. I took the kit out on the trail with me, assembled it, and enjoyed it while I walked by the river.
Have you bought any DIY kits during the pandemic?
11 Snacks to Pack on your Next Hike
Depending on your level of hiking expertise, you may be fully outfitted for an all-day adventure or you may just be trekking a mile or two out to see the beautiful scenery. No matter what, there are a few essentials that you don’t want to forget. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, water, and snacks.
When you’re out there on the trail, your body exerts a lot of energy, which means it is crucial to keep it fueled and energized so you can continue moving. If you have ever been on a hike, you know that one of the best things about the hike is snack time. You find that perfect spot to stop, catch your breath, take in the view and of course give yourself some energy. When it comes to hiking snacks the possibilities are endless, and let me tell you I am a snack packer. I mean, who wants to end up starving and lightheaded while they’re on the trail? I know I sure do not want that.
Just because it is called “trail mix” does not mean it will suffice when you’re climbing up hills in the sun. Today I am sharing with you my favorite snacks to pack for a day hike. Not only will these snacks hold up in your backpack as you hike, but they taste delicious. If you’re looking for a few snack ideas to take along on your next hike, here are 11 snacks to pack for your next hike.
11 Snacks to Pack on your Next Hike
1. Trail mix
No hiking snack list would be complete without trail mix, right? You can go to the store and buy a pre-made mix. I personally love making my own and it usually contains nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
Pro Tip: When I don’t have time to make trail mix or don’t want to bring some with me you will always find individual packs of nuts, dried fruit, and seeds in my backpack.
2. Peanut butter and bananas
Peanut butter is full of energizing goodness (proteins, calories, and healthy fat), combined with potassium-rich bananas that will fight of muscle cramps.
3. Hunter sausage and beef jerky
Beef jerky and hunter sausage are easy to pack and protein-packed, which makes it a favorite amongst most hikers.
Pro Tip: I love individual packages of hunter sausage, it is easy and convenient.
4. Fruit
With fruits naturally-occurring sugars and an extra dose of hydration, it is the perfect perfect snack for any occasion. I love bringing watermelon or grapes out on the trail with me.
Pro Tip: Freeze some grapes the night before, to have a refreshing snack while you’re out on the trail.
5. Granola
Granola is one of my essentials to bring on the trail with me, especially in the mornings. You can make your own granola or pick up a package from the store.
Pro Tip: Grain-free granola has quickly become my favorite to have on the trail with me.
6. Tuna packets
Tuna is a great way to get quick protein. I love the fact that you can buy individual tuna packets, that are easy to open and pack in a backpack.
Pro Tip: Bring crackers to scoop the tuna out of the packet. I have been loving having tuna with Cheez-Its or Goldfish lately.
7. Dried fruit
Dried fruit is great for a quick energy boost. I love individual boxes of dried fruit to make it easier when I’m on the trail.
Pro Tip: Keep a box of dried fruit in the pocket of your hiking pants for quick access to an energy boost.
8. Nuts and seeds
Individual packets of nuts and sunflower seeds are easy to pack and are great for a boost of energy on the trail. Sometimes I will even mix it up with candied nuts instead of raw nuts.
9. Snickers
Yes, the candy bar. When I was in college one of my friends trained to hike Everest and the essential item he said he needed to pack was Snickers bars. Not only do they give a boost of energy, but they’re said to help with altitude sickness.
Pro Tip: Bring frozen mini Snicker bars with you so they will hold up longer in warmer temperatures.
10. Roasted chickpeas
These little guys are a great source of protein. You can buy a package or easily make your own.
11. Nutrition Bars
Nutrition bars are a quick and easy way to fuel up and easy to pack in your daypack. Sometimes I bring sweet bars out with me just to have as a “dessert” when I reach a certain point, other times I bring bars to enjoy in the morning or protein bars for easy energy during a hike.
Get creative with your hiking snacks and pack some nourishing food that will keep you energized while you’re out exploring. Make sure you pack snacks that you will actually eat. What are your favorite snacks to pack?
How To Make an Easy Cheese Board
Cheese boards have become all the rage. During the holidays this year I shared how to make a simple cheese board, and today I am going to share with how to make an easy cheese board. I am going to show you how to make a cheese board without breaking the bank.
When it comes to making cheese boards, the possibilities are absolutely endless. Whether I am pulling together a late-night snack, goodies for a girl\’s movie night, a quick and easy weekend lunch, or an appetizer for friends, cheese boards are my go-to for every occasion.
Cheese boards can be as fancy or as simple as you\’d like them to be. When I am doing a cheese board for guests I typically like to include: 1-2 types of meat, 2-3 kinds of cheese, a pile of crackers and a few handfuls of snack foods that I have stashed in the pantry.
Lately, I have been ditching the snack foods and going with pickles and apples. The combination has been absolutely amazing.
The secret to a great cheeseboard?
Pile it on there. Seriously.
Easy cheese board tips and tricks
Serving size of one ounce per cheese, per person
When I build a cheese board for 4-6 people I like to do at least three different cheese and two meats
If using fancy cheese leave the cheese out at room temperature one hour prior to serving
How to assemble a cheese board
Make sure to color block
Make it inviting
Get creative
Put jams, jellies, and spreads in small jars and replenish as needed
What to include on a cheese board?
A variety of cheeses
A variety of meats
Nuts
Crackers
Pickles
Grapes
Grape Tomatoes
Jams, jellies or spreads
Pretzels
Cheeseball
Salsa
Vegetables
Assorted fruit, such as apples
And more
My everyday cheese boards usually feature:
Dearborn Brand Smoked Kielbasa
A variety of store-brand cheeses
Assorted crackers
Pickles
Whatever fresh fruit I have in the house at the time (typically apples)
I have also been making cheese boards that have pretzels, vegetables, and nuts. When it comes to a cheese board the sky is the limit. Create one that you will love, not just one you\’re trying to make fancy and impressive.
Pro Tip: Splurge on a small chunk of your favorite fancy cheese and fill out the rest of the cheeseboard with much less expensive options.
How to preserve leftover cheese?
Tightly wrap leftover cheese in wax paper or foil and throw them in the vegetable drawer to ensure freshness.
How to display your cheese board?I like to use a serving tray, cutting board, small slabs of wood or a small sheet pan to make my cheese boards.
Pro Tip: By the time you get your cheeseboard piled high with all the delicious goodies, no one will even notice what you have used.
Fashion meets Food 