What I Wore, Ate and Did this Memorial Day

Posted on May 26, 2020 by

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[curled up by the bonfire with my favorite blanket]

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day! With everything going on, this extra day of rest was definitely needed by many. I mean, I currently do not have a job and I was still excited to just have a day that I was not glued in front of my computer applying for countless jobs.

[spent time hiking and trying to stay hydrated in the heat]

Being a Michigander summer holidays are best spent up north, preferably on the lake. However, with Michigan under a stay-at-home order because of Covid-19, I found myself making the best out of home life. While my weekend may not have been filled with hikes through state parks, trips to a local ice cream shoppe for superman ice cream, and plenty of time along with one of the Great Lakes, I did enjoy spending quality time making the best of my three-day weekend.

Jack and I went for a bike ride – he loves hanging out in the Kurgo and the wind in his face, had some delicious bbq food, and spent sometime around the bonfire with my aunt. Here is a glimpse of my favorite parts of this holiday weekend.

 [Enjoyed campfire popcorn]
 [Ate chicken and ribs]
 [Drank homemade lemonade]
 [Campfire necessities: chairs, blanket, cooler and of course a firepit.]
 [Ate more ribs]
 [Played bags and learned I\’m really good at it]
 [Enjoyed the water]
 [Didn\’t have a photoshoot with this little one for the first time]
 [Indulged in my mums s\’ mores dip]
 [Picked rhubarb from Meeme\’s garden]
 [Took Jackers for his first bike ride]
 [Made campfire apple pies]
[And, of course, never wanted the weekend to end]

Movie Review: The High Note

Posted on May 25, 2020 by

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[this is a sponsored post, all opinions are strictly my own]

Get ready ladies, The High Note is the next must-see girl\’s night movie. Set in the fast-paced world of the LA music scene, The High Note is the chart-topping rom-com that we all need in our lives right now. The High Note brings you the story of Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), an iconic musician who hasn\’t had new content in years, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), her personal assistant, who aspires to become a music producer. While working for Grace Davis, Maggie discovers a young singer to help produce, however she puts her own career on the line to do so.

The music
The musicThe High Note was absolutely wonderful, and some of the original songs were a sheer delight. I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of the songs were to end up instant radio hits. One big turn off for the music is Grace has one big hit that fans love, and the movie hits it hard. Perhaps a little too hard as the song in a variety of variations is played countless times throughout the film. We understand from the beginning that the song is pivotal to the storyline, however it on repeat so many times became a bit much.

Dakota Johnson
I will always think of Dakota Johnson as “the 50 Shades of Grey girl”, and don’t know if I will ever get passed that. In 50 Shades of Grey, I did not like her as an actress at all, I just didn’t think her performance was all that great (I know, I know – agree to disagree). As Johnson has transitioned into other roles I have just struggled with her and The High Note was no different. I am not sure if it was her acting, the writing, or a combination of both that I just didn’t care for. One thing that bothered me was Johnson’s character experienced some serious successes when pursuing her passion to become a producer. However, her excitement wasn’t communicated. Her performance fell flat at times, but overall it did not ruin the movie.
Tracee Ellis Ross
While we know Tracee Ellis Ross for her acting roles, I was excited to see her transform into a character that is similar to what her mother’s (Diana Ross) real-life career was like – which was really a huge draw for me when it came to me wanting to watch The High Note. The best part Ross actually sings her own songs, which really got her away from the typical roles we are used to seeing her in. Tracee Ellis Ross shined in the role of Grace Davis and her singing voice much like her mother\’s absolutely blew me away.

Final thoughts 
The High Note is headed to your living room this week on digital on-demand. It’s a lighthearted movie that will keep you entertained throughout the entire movie. With amazing singers, a love story that will absolutely melt your heart, The High Note is the perfect movie for your next girls\’ night. My friends and I will be watching it from the comfort of our own homes, while on a Zoom call with each other. 
About The High Note:
Set in the dazzling world of the LA music scene comes the story of Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), her overworked personal assistant. While stuck running errands, Maggie still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
The film is directed by Nisha Ganatra (“Late Night”) from a script by Flora Greeson. It is produced by Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. The film’s executive producers are Nathan Kelly and Alexandra Loewy.

Five Things

Posted on May 22, 2020 by

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[When you\’re 4\’10\” you can walk under tree branches on paths no problem]
(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.

 [Great Blue Heron]

 [Local flyover]

 [Birds are beginning to migrate back into town]

[My new favorite spot]

Erma\’s Frozen Custard DIY Strawberry Shortcake Kit

Posted on May 21, 2020 by

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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

Posted on May 19, 2020 by

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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?

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