michigan

30 Days of New: Day 6

I decided today would be a great day to take myself antiquing in Old Town since I am finally feeling a bit better after two days of being a bit under the weather, and because, let’s face it, antiquing is just so much fun!  

Old Town Lansing is this ridiculously charming part of town with three antique stores, a number of boutiques, cool restaurants and a few coffee shops.  Just an artsy, homey, eclectic place.

I love antiques.  I love the thought of individual pieces with history, unique characteristics, and that rustic feel.  I would do my entire house in antiques if I could, and would love to start collecting items now.  Growing up, our house was filled with antiques that I adored, but only a few items have made it into my personal collection.

But where else could you find matching lamps like this:

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Or see something like this:

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After not finding what I was looking for at the antique stores, I wandered into my favorite store in the whole world: Grace. (I know it was an antiquing expedition, but I am an equal opportunity shopper).

In my eyes, this is the boutique of all boutiques.  Classic bags, jewelry, timeless clothes: I fall in love every time I am in there.  Everything is beautiful, and seems so one of a kind.  I fell hard for this dress today:

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Note the halo of amazing accessories that surround it. No, it’s not just you, there really is a heavenly glow.

Does this scream engagement party or rehearsal dinner? I know, I am not engaged yet, but there is no harm in planning ahead of time, especially when it comes to wardrobe preparation. 

I then wandered over to the newest store to join Old Town: Bradly’s Home and Garden.  One of the things I adore about shopping in Old Town is that you are generally greeted by the store owners themselves, and Brad was no exception.  His store is located in a historic building right next to the old railroad tracks.

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I should have taken this shot from further back so you can see the store front as well, but this is the side of Bradly’s Home and Garden.

I adored him and his space immediately.  I ended up buying a fabulous necklace and raw honey from his husband’s farm:

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Handmade necklace and Leo’s Honey. The woman on the front is the mother of the current owner. Most charming honey I have ever seen.

A small adventure, but an enjoyable one none the less.  And, I purchased something new and discovered a great new store, and made a friend of the owner.  What more could you ask for in a day?

I hope you all are having an enjoyable Saturday as well 🙂

Carbo loading across the U.P.

Let’s talk about the challenge of being vegan in northern Michigan…. and by northern, I mean the “Upper Peninsula.”

If you are at all familiar with, or are from Michigan, than you know that the U.P. is a completely different world.  Life slows down up here, the cities are quaint (the largest being Marquette with a population of just over 21,000), and it is the closest you can probably come to finding people who live off of the land.  A.k.a. not very vegan friendly.   If it is a hunt-able animal, you better believe they have made a jerky out of it.  Upon coming into town last night, there were more people out on the lake ice-fishing than there were in the town.

It is hard being vegetarian up here, much less vegan.  So, eating has been a bit of a challenge (nothing but carbs for the most part).  As I type, I am enjoying a lettuce and mustard sandwich.  But hey, beggars can’t be choosers.

The great thing about the U.P., though, is the people.  You will not meet nicer, more accommodating, salt of the earth people.   We pulled into town late last night (skated in basically), and could not find an open place to eat.  We did find a bar (thank God), and after telling us they didn’t serve food, gave us the numbers of places that might be open, and even places that would deliver to us right there!  So we ordered in to the bar.

If you ever get a chance, Michigan’s U.P. is a beautiful place to visit (just pack snacks if you are a vegan).

 

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

 

kapu-moana:

omg yummmyyyy! 🙂

As the weather finally gets hot here in Michigan, all I want is ice cream!!!  I think it is Pavlovian, but once the temp creeps above 80 degrees, the salivation srtarts and all I crave is the creamy goodness of ice cream.

I have yet to have my offical soft-serve break in of the summer, but I feel it coming soon.

So glad it is finally warm out!