Happy Blogmas Day 20: "Holiday Decor...Apartment Edition"

The countdown is on - only five more sleeps until it's Christmas!!!   I apologize for taking an unplanned hiatus, but I had some unusual things occur the last couple of weeks and I'm just finally getting my holiday spirit back. 

We don't have much space in our apartment, but I still like to try to make it feel festive for the holidays without going overboard and making our space feel cluttered! 

My best advice for seasonal decorating in small spaces - keep it simple. 

We've got the usual suspects....

The tree: 

The stockings:

And a wreath {or two} on the door:

This year in addition to the wreath on the front door {left}, I wanted to add one to the door at the top of the stairs too {right}! 

Then a few extras sprinkled throughout: 

I kept things super-duper simple this year - partly because I was being lazy and partly because I got a late start this year.  I added a festive runner and my little snowman friend to the coffee table to keep my lanterns company.  I hung our little snowman frame from the closet door and placed this cute snowy terrarium, both homemade gifts from Rob's mom, to round out our upstairs holiday décor.   This year to jolly up the stairway, I added a few new holiday signs in the windows and hung some mistletoe! 

What type of space do you decorate for the season and how do you make it work?

Happy Blogmas Day 7 "Favorite Things to do in the Crimbo Holidays!"

First off, thanks to a quick google search and Urban Dictionary I now know what the Crimbo Holidays are!  If you're less-in-the-know like me, Crimbo is a slang word for Christmas. 

I typically like to kick-off my Crimbo Holidays with a healthy dose of Black Friday Shopping!!!  I can't help myself - I'm never looking for anything particular really but I do love to shop and people watch...and trust - BF is some of the best of both!  Plus I get a bunch of my holiday gift shopping done!  It's also the first time I allow myself to enjoy Christmas tunes. 

Either that same weekend, or over the next week/weekend I like to do all my decorating!  I throw on a holiday movie, drag out all the boxes of decorations, and get Christmasfying!  The tree goes up and we trim it with love.  We hang the stockings off the DVD rack with care (that's how the story goes, right?)! ☺  After a few more little finishing touches...viola we're in our own cozy holiday cove!

I also love to bake during the holidays!  When I was growing up, my mom, sister and I would always make sugar cookies together!  It was a big to-do - mom would make the dough and then we'd take a whole night to carefully cut out festive shapes and decorate each one with love!  We'd rock out to some holiday tunes and my mom and I would end up doing our special 'kitchen' dance...which consists of exactly one move which you might be familiar with...

 

Credit

 

I'm not a huge sugar cookie fan, but lucky me - my mom always makes me a metric ton of peanut blossoms - MY FAVORITE!  Then I gorge myself on way too many of them!  It's been a while since we've all baked together during the holidays, but we definitely enjoy the fruits of all our separate labors together as a family!

Here are some cutesy little Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Cake Pops I made for Rob's family Christmas Eve get together last year! 

Another favorite thing to do during the holiday season is wrapping and giving gifts!  I think the wrapping of the gifts really is one of the best and most fun parts of the whole giving experience!  I get some kind of wicked high from making a present I'm already looking forward to giving look beautiful, which in turn makes me even more excited to give it!!!  Here's last year's tree!!

Then of course there's dressing up the cat... Gatsby <insert word(s) opposite of loves here> it!  ☺♥

 

 

What are your favorite things to do over the holidays? 



Happy Blogmas Day 3 "Gift Guide"

I love gifting!  It's one of my most favorite parts of this season!  I get this natural high from picking out something special for someone else and then seeing their face when they open it!  Every year I gift to family, a few close friends, and a select group of my co-workers! 

Sometimes it's a bit of a challenge coming up with something useful, but also unique and special that says, "Hey, I like seeing your face every weekday!" or "Thanks for making my days go by a little faster and feel a little less like work!"

If you've ever racked your brain trying to decide what to get for those folks you see for 40+ hours a week I hope this helps!

GIFT GUIDE FOR CO-WORKERS UNDER $20! 
 
Calendars
Everyone has to know the date, right?   Here are a few work appropriate selections I found at Barnes & Noble. 

Share the nostalgia with a little daily Disney • Test your knowledge with 365-days of Trivia! •  Recommendations for the office bookworm!  •  For the guy or gal who like to enjoy a cold one.

 

Desk Accessories

Help your co-worker liven up their space a little with something like this fun Dino Memo Holder or a cute tape dispenser!  

 

 

Festive Soap

One of my favorite things to gift is Fortune Cookie Soaps from Fortune Cookie Soap - they're so cute, smell amazing, and I absolutely LOVE to gift some of my personal favorite things to people, hoping they'll enjoy them as much as I do!  {These also make wonderful stocking stuffers!}

 

 

Stationary

Who wouldn't love these super cute to-do lists from boygirlparty! 

 

 

 Mugs

Café Press has a ton of inexpensive options!  Check them out here!  I tend to gravitate toward the pop culture / movies, TV, and book themed mugs!   

 

 

Do you gift to your co-workers?  What are some things you've given in the past?



Happy Blogmas Day 2 "Wordless Wednesday"

Happy Blogmas: Day 1 "Five Things"

So, as it's abundantly apparent, I've been a little scarce lately - and by lately, I mean it's been practically a year since you've seen me regularly!  I know, I know....shame, shame. 

But, I'm BACK!  Or, at least I'm going to really try to be! ☺  I've recently {as in today} stumbled on this lovely little blog, Collective Strand who just happens to be hosting a Blogmas!  I've always wanted to do one (...ahem, if you recall my failed attempt at Blog Every Day in May a while back) but this time there are other people involved, so I'm feeling excited, refreshed, and ready to get back on this horse! 

So here we go!!! 

Day 1 is supposed to be a list of five things, either about yourself, likes, dislikes, etc. 

Since I posted 15 Facts About Me list when I last attempted daily blogging, I think I'm going to switch it up a bit! 

FIVE THINGS I LIKE

1.  I am knock-me-over-and-flip-me-upside-down obsessed with Harry Potter!  I just can't get enough!  I've read the books, watched the movies {far more times than I can count}, collected and built the Lego sets, donned the HP gear {tee-shirts, scarves, socks, costumes...you name it!}, baked HP themed treats, and even visited the Wizarding World in Orlando. 

2.  I love a good craft beer; so it's a good thing I live in "Beer City, USA" where the hoppy goodness is as readily available as air!  Founder's Brewing Company is my all time favorite place in Grand Rapids. 

3.  Enter the Master-Baker!!!  Kidding, I'm no master, but I do love to bake!  Even more, I love to eat the baked treats!!!   There's something so calming about baking.  I find it a wonderful source of stress relief! 

4.  You know the feeling when you crack open a new {or old} book for the first time - I just love it!  I've recently reconnected with my reading gene and I'm so relieved to be back at it!  I was stuck in a non-reading slump for longer than ever and I've finally managed to break it!!  REJOICE!  I CAN READ AGAIN!!!  Bonus!  My bestfriend and I are headed to Bookcon in Chicago next year!  I can't wait!!

5.  Adventure is out there!  Carl and Ellie from Up knew it, and so do I!  I love to travel and explore new places - even if it's just a town across the way!  I would absolutely love to travel overseas and experience all the beauty and wonder of the European, Oceania, and African countries some day!  Our most recent travels took us around 2,400 miles round trip through 9 states, not including Michigan! 

What are some of your favorite things?! 

If you're interested in hopping on the Blogmas wagon, head over here to check out the details!

Thanksgiving 2015 Recap

We turkeyed, we lurkeyed, and we turkeyed some more! 

Thanksgiving 2015 was celebrated over an action-packed three day span.  Since last week, I've found myself battling a bit of a cold, but thankfully after an extended holiday from work and a little extra R&R I was feeling so much better come midday Thursday for the first of our feasts! 

Thursday was our little twosome celebration.  Rob made a small ham in the crockpot with veggies.  This first meal, albeit no fuss, was still wonderfully tasty - even through my malfunctioning taste buds!  It was our first time doing the ham in the crockpot and it turned out fabulously!  The meat was tender and juicy - and we really enjoyed the fix-it-and-forget-it-ness of the whole thing! 



I failed at taking photos of most of the food, but I did take this of Gatsby, so enjoy! ♥☺

After enjoying our dinner, I saddled up for a little pre-Black Friday shopping trip!  I go out every year, usually on Thanksgiving night since we don't typically do the huge family get-togethers that day.  My mom works at a place that can't just close for the holidays, so we've always gotten a little creative with our celebratory planning!  To me, it's more about celebrating together when you can all be together, and less about celebrating on a particular day! 

I ended up hitting Target, Kohl's, Meijer, and Ulta.....and was able to put a pretty nice dent in my Christmas shopping!  I got home, showed Rob {most} of my finds, put everything away and relaxed with my main squeeze for the rest of the night!  After a few hours of slumber, I crept back out to hit Barnes & Nobel!  I was most excited to go here of all the places - they've had special signed editions of several hardcover books the past year or so and I just can't control myself!!!! 

These will make lovely additions to my bookshelf!

The rest of Friday morning was spent enjoying a lovely breakfast prepared by this cute guy I know and more lurking of online sales!  By this point, I'm pretty much done with my shopping - I've just got a few odds and ends to pick up yet! 

Friday afternoon we headed back over to the West side of the state for dinner with my family!  Bootsgiving 2015 proved to be a huge success!  The bird was a beauty, the stuffing was rich, the gravy was flowing, the deviled eggs were divine, the wine was poured, and the company was there to complete the perfect Thanksgiving table!  Dinner was amazing; we gorged ourselves silly, and reveled in each others company!  Thank the heavens my sick-kid taste buds finally took a hike!!!

After dinner we played a little rummy and my sister snuck up out of no where and demolished us all!  I came in last place if you were wondering....it's been a while since I've won, but boy do I enjoy the game!  That's okay, I totally won with my mom's homemade pumpkin pie - 2013 was a good year for pumpkin.  Mmmmm....

Lauren and I crafted this little Thanksgiving Day Want Ad for a Planeteer-esque roommate.  She told me I had to use all of the words - I think I made it work...or at least I'm giving myself an A for effort. 

When your powers combine....I am CAPTAIN PLANET!  Because, you know, we're thankful for the Earth...

Before we left to head back home, we had to do a little photo shoot.  Here are a few of my favorites. 
I'm really thankful I live close enough to my family to be able to spend this time with them.  They mean the world to me. 

Me, Mom, and Lauren ♥♥♥

 

Me and Rob ♥♥♥

 

Sisters Senior Photo Shoot!  ☺

Saturday we enjoyed yet another breathtaking Rob-original breakfast creation, followed by some Star Wars - getting in the zone for Episode Seven later this month!   I prepared a quick Apple Crisp and we were off to Rob's parent's house for Dertsgiving 2015!  Here I aided Rob in carving the most gigantic turkey I've ever seen!  (By 'aid' I mean I held my phone as a flashlight to help him see....me wield a large electric knife....hahahah - never in one hundred thousand years would you want that to happen!!)  But seriously folks, this thing wouldn't quit!  He kept carving and carving, cutting and cutting, and there was just more meat!  I couldn't believe it!  We did finally find the bone, but even the wishbone came out completely encased! 

When it came time to eat, we were placed at a very special table thanks to the seating creativity of Rob's 6-year old niece.

Behold, THE BIG KID TABLE OF BANISHMENT...

Banishment is clearly everything you would expect! ☺ 

 Don't let our expressions fool you....we really did enjoy ourselves and the food was delicious!  Rob's dad made his amazing applesauce, and there were these unreal roll-things filled with cheese, garlic, and herbs! 

After dinner we relaxed, digested, and enjoyed catching up!  It was nice to have Rob's brother, sister-in-law and their two kiddos home for the holiday!  They recently moved to the Boston area, and we've all missed them!

I'm sneaky...shhh ♥♥♥

We finished Saturday and Sunday up by taking it easy, relaxing on the couch and catching up on more Star Wars - all the way through Attack of the Clones!  It was a perfect long holiday weekend, even though it started off with a the sniffles, a bunch of tissue, and copious amounts of over the counter drugs. 

There are so many things I'm thankful for always, but this time of year always has a way of really bringing those things to the surface of my thoughts.  I'm thankful for the basics; I have a roof over my head, food to eat, clean water to drink, a job, people {and a Gatsby} who I love who also love me back.  Simple and to the point, Walt Whitman said it best, “I have learned that to be with those I like is enough."  Being with the ones you love {even if it's only through an email, a call or a text} is enough.  That's it after all....what's really important.  ♥  

I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving!

Butterflies in Bloom

Yesterday was a beautiful Spring day in West Michigan so Rob and I decided to spend it enjoying the butterfly exhibit and sculpture park at Frederik Meijer Gardens! 

Tropical Vegetation from the Butterfly Garden

Almost everyone else in the area must have had a similar idea....because that place was BUSY!  We parked way out in the boonies, but luckily they have plenty of space!  Once we ventured up to the actual building, we waited in quite a long line!  The sun was shining and there were things here and there to look at, on top of the people watching, so the waiting wasn't torture.  Plus, the line actually moved fairly quickly. 

After paying the line took us into a couple of greenhouse rooms where we could view and enjoy some interesting vegetation. 

Butterflies!!

First up was the Earl and Donnalee Holton Arid Garden.  This room was full of cacti and other plants that survive in some of the driest and most arid climates across the world!  Next up was the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse which currently was hosting The Caterpillar Room.  There were a bunch of Spring flowers in bloom.  It was also fun to see which plants were hiding caterpillars!  Then the line wound us through the Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor where Rob and I decided we should probably own a home where we could have a giant atrium and host weekly brunches!  Haha, if only! 

Then we finally made it to the Butterflies!!  This exhibit was recently renamed Fred & Dorothy Fitcher Butterflies Are Blooming to honor a couple who shared so many wonderful memories in the exhibition!  Dorothy Fitcher passed away last year and her husband, Fred, made a generous gift to permanently sponsor the exhibit in her memory.  What a romantic and fitting tribute!

Here's the first thing we saw!!!

Then a bunch of fluttering throughout the rest of our exploration of the exhibit!!! 

 

We even got a chance to see one of the tropical birds in the exhibit chowing down on some feed!

There were seriously butterflies everywhere!  Some landed on people, some landed on leaves for a bit, like this guy! 

 

There was a pretty little waterfall and bridge inside of the exhibit too.  It was like a mini-tropical escape! 

  

 

There was even an exhibit showing the different stages of caterpillars in cocoons.  They were all live; some were still completely cocooned, some freshly hatched and drying their wings and even one mid-hatching.  You can see it moving just the tiniest bit! 

 



After spending quite a bit of time with these magical winged creatures, we wandered through the rest of the gardens and sculpture park.  We stopped in the Nelson Carnivorous Plant House and checked out the strange Pitcher Plants and the Venus Flytraps. 

We walked the Frey Boardwalk around the Wetlands and spied some wildlife including Canadian Geese, Swans, and even a Muskrat!  We checked out some local vegetation in the Michigan Farm Garden, and then roamed through the Frostic Woodland Shade Garden. 

We learned there will be a new exhibit opening in June of this year, the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden.  From what they have up right now, a gazebo and a little bridge, it looks like it's going to be a good one! 

We then took a stroll through the Sculpture Park.  There were a lot of headless pieces, several abstract works, and a few things we though would fit well in a Tim Burton film.  No trip is complete without a visit to the giant horse sculpture, so we checked him out.  Obviously Rob and I have very little understanding of sculpted art - we just don't get it most of the time. 

After out outdoor excursion we made our way back inside to check out the Splendors of Shiga: Treasures From Japan collection on loan from various collectors and museums.  There were some really neat artifacts from as early as the 14th Century.  It's amazing to see how well they held up over the years. 

Unfortunately I kind of forgot to take photos outside the butterfly exhibit, and they weren't allowed in the Splendors of Shiga exhibit, but I mean....the butterflies really were the stars of the day!

Have you been to the Frederik Meijer Gardens?  What was your favorite part?  

If you're interested in planning a trip, they are open most days until 5pm.  The Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition runs until April 30th, so there's still time if you're interested in that!  There really is something for the whole family to enjoy at the Gardens!  They have tram rides around the sculpture park and a special children's garden too! 

50 Shades of Soap: A Valentine's Day Collection by Fortune Cookie Soap

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Who is a 50 Shades fan?  Did you read all the books?  Are you planning on seeing the flick for your big night out next weekend?  I will admit I gave into the curiosity a couple years back and read the first book.  I had to see what all the buzz was about!  To me, the book was just kind of eh... but because it left its audience with such a nice little cliff hanger, I felt compelled to read the second book in the series (but not until I had thoroughly cleansed my palate with some tamer YA stories).  Now that the movie is on the verge of coming out and one of my favorite indie bath companies released a 50 Shades themed Valentine's Day collection, I figured it's about time I closed out the series and picked up the final book.  I'm still working my way through it, slowly but surely. 

I probably will see the movie, eventually, like when it's released on DVD and I can rent it for a buck.  But this series is definitely not my usual cup of tea.  I'm not mad I read it, because now I know what everyone's panties are in a bunch about and even learned a few new terms (thanks to google).  I mean, you never know when bondage and S&M is going to come up in trivia, right?! 

Okay, let's get into the soap already....shall we!?

 Fortune Cookie Soap launched this collection mid-January.  It's considered a "mini" collection, which basically just means it's a smaller (or "mini") collection that comes out between their main seasonal lines.  There is usually a handful of products, each coming in just one scent. 

This collection had eight different products and even featured a new product!  At the launch they even offered the ability to purchase the entire collection (limited to a few hours, maybe even a 24-hour block?) at a 10% discount.  If you weren't feeling the entire collection, you could also just pick and choose the items that spoke to you the loudest! 

I'm a sucker, and purchased the whole dang thing - but I can't resist sweet, fruity and floral scents so as I was seeing the sneak peeks leading up to launch I found myself practically drooling over the scent descriptions, and I knew I needed to have it all!

Bitten Lip Scrub  $8.99

This was my least favorite of all the products.  The scent description on the website says it's spicy cinnamon and cool mint.  I don't have any issue with the scent, but when using the product, it kind of tastes like lipstick, which is not cool...especially for a lip scrub.  I'll use this, but I definitely won't be licking it off!

Hard Limit Massage Bar $9.99

This thing is huge!  That's what she said!   But seriously, this is going to last a good while.  It also smells amazing...fruity and floral, perfect for Valentine's Day!  My nose really picks up the lime and apples first followed by the rose and a subtle jasmine finish.  And....how cute is the handcuff and little key!?!?! 

Inner Goddess Whipped Cream $10.99

Whipped Cream is Fortune Cookie Soap's version of body butter.  It's thick and creamy and packs a lovely floral scent that lasts all day!  The floral scent is light and clean mixed with a mild fruitiness.  It's really a very pretty scent.  One of my favorites from this collection - I've almost used up the entire pot!

Laters, Baby Fortune Cookie Soap $3.99

Another favorite!  I just started using this in the shower this past weekend!  This smells good enough to eat...vanilla, brown sugar, caramel and coconut - YUM!!!!  I find the cookies usually last about a week to a week and a half with daily use in the shower, longer if I use it on and off with other shower gels / body washes. 

Pleasure Bath Bombs $6.99

If I could eat the Laters, Baby cookie, OH MAN could I destroy the Pleasure Bath Bombs!!!!  They smell like a decadent, rich, caramelly dessert!  Unfortunately we don't have a bathtub in our apartment, so these are on reserve for now.  But, I cannot wait until I can drop one in a warm tub of water and just soak up the sheer awesomeness of this scent! 

The Red Room Body Wash $8.99

I didn't find this to have much of a scent before I used it in the shower.  Even then, it's pretty light, but still smells nice.  I really pick up berries, vanilla, and marshmallows, and not so much of the musk or sandalwood.  It lathers really well!  This wasn't one of my top products in the collection, but I don't have anything particularly negative to say about it....I think I've just been off body washes / shower gels lately and instead have been on more of a soap kick!

Twitchy Palm OCD Hand Sanitizer $2.89

Watch out!  This one's full of glitter!  If you're not so into the sparkle farkle, this may not be for you!  But, if you can live with a little glitz, this does smell terrific!  It's super fruity and delightfully sweet all around.  I really love the watermelon - lemon combination!  It kind of reminds me of the OCD from the Spring 2014 Soap Box, Afternoon Delight, which I also loved and was sad to use it up last Fall!  This is another of my favorite scents in the collection - even though I don't love, love the glitters! 

Vanilla Linen Spray $12.99

This is the new product Fortune Cookie Soap premiered this launch!  It's amazing!!  I absolutely LOVE linen sprays!  I mean, what's better than sniffing on refreshed and revitalized linens!  I love to spritz my pillow and sheets as the first part of my nighttime routine.  That way when I'm finally ready to climb into bed, the spray has had time to dry and I'm left with a lovely fresh scent while I  nod off to dream land!  This spray is anything but just plain 'ole vanilla - it's also got a little citrusy love from lemon and orange with some underlying jasmine and a touch of musk!  At least that's what I've smelled while inhaling my pillow at night!

Overall, I really loved this collection (other than the lip scrub) and am really happy I decided to purchase the whole thing!  I definitely would have had some regrets if I wouldn't have gotten some of these gems!! 

Have you tried any FCS products, and if so, did you check out anything from the Valentine's Day collection?  What did you think?  Favorites?  Unfavorites?

If you did want to check some of these things out yourself, I did just peek at the website and it doesn't look like anything is sold out right now!  I personally love this company and the awesome things created by their beautiful soapy minds so I love to spread the word when I can!!!! 

To DIY For: Homemade Face Mask!

Hello!!!

I have been dealing with some pretty awesomely crappy stuff at work, so you add that to my favorite monthly visitor and BOOM....pretty awesomely crappy skin!  Don't you just love when that happens?! 

Seriously, when one pimple finally fades away, another pops up somewhere else!  It was like playing {and losing}the very worst game of whack-a-mole ever! 

I was craving the freshly made goodness of a Lush Fresh Face Mask...but alas, our local Lush was all sold out - both times I tried to pick one up!  So, I turned to Google in desperation.  Plus I have kind of wanted to try making one from things in my own kitchen for a while now so this just kind of nudged my hand a little.

I found this super simple recipe online and decided to give it a go, but first - a few words of caution.  If you have sensitive skin or any sort of allergy to either of the ingredients....don't use this!  If you're not sure if you're sensitive, test a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait until the next day to be sure you're safe before applying this directly to your face!  Heed this warning!  I'm not responsible for any adverse reactions you might encounter! ☺

Okay....so now that the boring part is out of the way, here we go!!

What You'll Need

• Honey
• Cinnamon
• A small bowl
• A tablespoon

What You Do

1. Combine 1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon with 2 Tablespoons of Honey and mix until well blended.  The mixture should become paste-like, spreadable, but not too thin. 
2. Apply the mixture to a clean face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. 
3. Rinse with warm water. 
4. Apply a toner and/or moisturizer. 
• Hint:  If you don't have a toner, you can make one with ingredients from your kitchen!  Just dilute a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with water and apply with a cotton ball.  You don't need much, but if you have leftovers you can refrigerate it for a few days. 

1.  Just plain old honey and cinnamon from my cupboard, nothing special!  2.  Combine the goods.  3.  Form a paste. 

I found this mask helped tame my break out and left my skin smooth.  The cinnamon and honey work together and provide your skin with intense exfoliation when you're rinsing it off. 

When rinsing is the only time I experienced a little bit of irritation (I don't have sensitive skin or any known allergies).  It wasn't unbearable, just a little tingly and my face was a bit red after, but not any more so than normal after using an exfoliating produce.  Though I don't have sensitive skin in the normal respects, I do turn red quite easily after touching or scratching my skin, so any type of exfoliating products tend to tomatosize me!  My doctor suggested I might have a mild case of dermographism or something similar, however, I have not been actually diagnosed with anything to date.  The redness in my case went away after around 15 or 20 minutes. 

Creature Feature! 

So if you've patch tested the mixture on your arm and didn't have any adverse effects, I hope you enjoy giving this mask a go!  I was rather surprised at how much it actually worked and will be using it again and again!  I especially love that it's so simple and I always have the ingredients in my kitchen!! 

Have you tried any homemade masks?  What did you think?  Please share your recipes if you wouldn't mind!!!   I'd love to try some more!

It's Friday! Michigan Beers!

Hooray, it's Friday!  In honor of this awesome day that kicks off the weekend, I'm going to share with you five of my weekly sipping delights! 

It's no secret I love beer, and that I especially love craft brews!  So, whether you're a seasoned Brewster or a total newb to the craft beer scene, grab a drink...if you're of age of course, and if not, grab some sparkling juice and join me for the ride! 

1.  Odd Side Ales' Chocolade Koffie Stout

• Brewery / Location:  Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven, Michigan
• Style:  American Stout
• ABV: 6.0%
• Notes: Rich Chocolate and Mild Espresso blend together in a delightfully creamy stout. 

If you are drawn to stouts, particularly to chocolate stouts, definitely give this one a try!  It's all around a really great sipper!  The chocolate has a delicious rich flavor that powers through to the finish and there's really no after taste. 

Odd Side has a ton of really unique brews, so if you're local to Michigan, or find yourself near Grand Haven, it's worth a visit!  Unfortunately at this time I don't believe they distribute outside of Michigan! 

2.  Founder's Swish Mountain Brown

• Brewery / Location:  Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Style:  American Brown Ale
• ABV: 6.0%
• Notes: A unique brown, still mild, but almost with a touch of pale ale flavor. 

This brown was different than any other brown ales I've had in the past, not in a bad way, just different.  It was fairly hoppy and less malty than most browns but it was still tasty.

3.  Founder's Session Stout

• Brewery / Location:  Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Style:  American Stout
• ABV: 5.0%
• Notes: An easy drinking stout, yet still has a nice robust roasted flavor. 

Yes, another Founder's Brew on the list this week!  It was Wednesday, and Mug Club Night so Rob and I made it date night and headed out for brews and dinner!  (Note:  Their sandwiches are to die for.  Seriously.)  This was the first time I've seen a session stout so I had to have one before we left!  It was very smooth, and easy to drink but still packed a great stout flavor.  Nothing too, too special, but it's nice to know I can make a drinking session happen with stouts now! 

Founder's is hands down my favorite local brewery.  If you have the chance to check them out, definitely do it!  I know a lot of folks come from out of state just to come there as the final destination.  I think that pretty much says enough about a place's reputation!  That, and they're on yet another brew house expansion! 

But, if you're not from the area, and you can't make it up to Michigan (I don't blame you....it's crazy cold and snowy here right now!!) I know Founder's has a pretty expansive distribution market that seems to be expanding all the time!

4.  Short's Strawberry Short's Cake

• Brewery / Location:  Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire, Michigan
• Style: Golden Ale / Fruit Beer
• ABV: 5.0%
• Notes:  Strawberries and Sweet Creamy Milk.  You can even taste the biscuits....it's so crazy, I don't know how those beer wizards do it!  It's seriously liquefied strawberry shortcake in a glass...but not in a gross, weird way!  Promise!

This is one of Short's seasonal specialty beers.  It's usually released in the summer and sells out quick!  Most places around here place a bottle limit (1-2 bottles per person, etc.) which really sucks, because it's so, so good!  I managed to find some left over toward the end of summer and squirreled it away in the back of the fridge for later!  And, with all this cold, I needed a nice little sweet, summer treat! 

Snag some liquid awesome if you're passing through Michigan!  I don't think Short's distributes out of state either! 

5.  B. Nektar's The Dude's Rug

• Brewery / Location:  B. Nektar Meadery in Ferndale, Michigan
• Style: Cider
• ABV: 5.5%
• Notes: Sweet apples with a punch of chai spices, cinnamon, clove and a subtle finish of black tea.  I love how present the chai flavor is in this cider! 

I'm actually drinking this now...as I type this post out for you!  "No one messes with the B."  It's simply delightful!

B. Nektar makes a whole bunch of fun and unique meads and ciders!  They even distribute to several states!  Check out their webpage in the link above for specific locations! 
Look what I picked up for Rob!  He loves Star Wars! 

{Edited to include this photo...because I totally spaced when I published this post!}

If you're interested in getting your paws on bottles of any of these magical elixirs or any other awesome brews, I found this distribution map!  It seems like an awesome resource!  Cheers!!

Hope your week's were also filled with some amazing beverages (beer, wine, cocktail, something non-alcoholic)?  What is your favorite beer?  Or is it something else that wets your whistle???  Either way, happy sipping!!

Linking up with these lovely ladies:  Christina, Darci, April & Natasha for Five on Friday and September Farm & The Farmer's Wife for Oh Hey Friday!