Living on Cloud Nine: Lake Michigan

Showing posts with label Lake Michigan. Show all posts

GIRLS WEEKEND GETAWAY IN SOUTH HAVEN

Ohhh friends, if summer could bottle up joy, laughter, and the sweetest kind of soul care—it would look just like our girls’ weekend in South Haven, Michigan! It was our 4th Annual Summer Get Together. SPECIAL Edition of Friday Favorites here.

Last weekend with my dear friends Jill, Kathrine, and Laura, we packed up our bags and headed to the lakeshore for a few days of connection, fun, and fabulous eats. And let me tell you—it was everything my heart needed and more! (missed our dear Caroline)

Flowers brought for me brightened up
the rental and have made me smile all week!

We kicked things off with a walk down the pier to the charming lighthouse. South Haven never disappoints with its quaint streets, breezy lake air, and that peaceful small-town vibe that instantly slows you down. We were just anxiously awaiting Jill for the next day.

After an amazing breakfast and gift opening at the Air B&B the next morning, we changed into our chicest casual looks and headed out for shopping in town. Our favorite purchases: matching pajamas at Renaissance. We were even kind of matching that day.

Small Barbie Tote Bags HERE // Favor Boxes HERE // Barbie Head Pens HERE AND I must try Daiso! Loving that rice candy Kathrine

Then we hit up a delicious tapas restaurant called Taste—I’m still dreaming about the steak bites and potato pancakes with apple chutney! Local flavor with gourmet flair? Yes please.

And then came the vibe shift: live music at the Groovin’ Grove! Think retro vibes, disco balls, twinkle lights, the amazing voice of Shelby Lentz. With yummy bites and delicious cocktails, we sang along, we laughed, and honestly, it felt like a movie moment.

One of my favorite photos of the trip.

Back at our cozy rental, the matching pajama moment was peak girls’ trip goals. Think: blush pink florals, cool summer PJ vibes, and lots of fun timer photos. This pic was too good not to share again!

We stayed up late eating snacks, playing Catchphrase (competitive chaos!) and a deep-thinking round of Citizens of Humanity, which sparked some amazing conversations. And oh the laughter. We laughed so hard. There’s something so magical about the combination of laughter and vulnerability, isn’t there? Check out Laura's Lofthouse Cookie Bars. She found edible Barbie heads at Dollar Tree. Jill's tasty dip and lemon cookies were amazing too.

Saturday morning, we popped into the local farmers market to browse fresh blooms, berries, and artisan treats. (Yes, I absolutely left with summer blackberries & peaches in hand!)

Checkered Pants HERE

Afternoon Coffee and Tea Drinks were a must!

One of the most peaceful moments? Our visit to a salt cave at Salt & Soul. I’d never done anything like it before, and wow… 40 minutes of pure zen, salty air, and deep, calming energy. I could literally feel the stress melt away. (Highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you’re heading to South Haven!)

Captain Lou's for dining Alfresco is also a must!

Afternoon held more shopping, relaxing at the rental, sips and homemade pizza rolls from Laura in the backyard, a walk to the pier for outfit photos and dinner at a SH staple called Clementine’s.

Outfit pics for each other is always so sweet and

guaranteed great photos. Look at that seagull, lol!

My Outfit HERE // Sandals HERE

LOVE THESE BEAUTIES!!

Back to the rental for Hot Tub time, Would you Rather questions, and Face Masks. Sorry no photos, lol! Kathrine made her French toast casserole for us the next morning. YUM!

By the end of the trip, we were all glowing—from the inside out. Not just from good food or sunshine (although both were abundant), but from the kind of connection that only true, heart-sister friendship brings.

Have you taken a girls’ trip lately? Drop your favorite destination in the comments. Always say yes to girls’ trips and memory making. Can't wait til the next one.

Happy Weekend to you my Loves!

Linking up with Momfessionals and Between Naps on The Porch // Thursday Fashion Files // I Do deClaire // Hello Monday // Sunday's on Silverado // Life and Linda

xoxo

A GIRL'S WEEKEND MADE SPECIAL

What a weekend my gal pals and I enjoyed in my home the first weekend of August! The five of us try to get together a few times a year as we collectively live within 2 hours of each other and we often do fashion collaborations on our Blogs that are so much fun! Every time we get together there is so much laughter and so many smiles and we made such beautiful memories!

Many things made this weekend for #theblondsquad special!

Kathrine from Kathrine Eldridge

Jill from Doused in Pink

Laura from I do deClaire

Caroline from The Petite Fashionista

What gems!!

This time, we decided to gather in my home and do some things that are local to me. I was overjoyed to host these ladies and planned lots of sweet details for them. Being fashion and lifestyle bloggers, of course I wanted to include some fabulous gifts for them from well-known brands to local women lead businesses!

The ladies contributed some fabulous gifts and fashion as well. Last Friday, I shared with you the pajamas we got from Cozy Earth and we also acquired these darling ones from Emi and Kay. USE CODE: PINK20 for 20% off!!

I just love Watermelon Pink and I will share more of these Sarah Ruffle PJ's this Friday.

The fabulous balloon vignettes from my sweet Friend Kara at Honey Bunny Balloons.

Last Wednesday, I showed you our darling Cabana Life dresses and three colors that we put together a cute video for. We also got personalized beach towels from Hello Nautical/Pontoon Girl. Last Friday I also showed you the stilettos from Teddy Blake, how fun! More to come this Friday on the look with them!

After ladies got here we had the fantastic spread including the fabulous charcuterie talent from my friend Erica from Graze and the spread I had created afterwards, I got to open my hostess gifts and the ladies got to open theirs.

Some sponsors who helped make the weekend special and who contributed to the gift bags was the fabulous Thymes Fragrances!. Just look at the items, I bet you could smell them from your screen, lol. I especially LOVE the Simmered Cider Copper Mug

My friend Jen at the The Pretzel Co. Shared her DELICIOUS caramel and chocolate covered pretzels! YUM! We had decorations from Confetti Betti.

My friend Beth from Farm Grown Flowers created us beautiful bouquets from her Local flower business that you'll see in many of our photos. We got our own personalized candles with our #blondsquad hashtag from my friend Amy at Moondance Botanicals and the most glorious smelling soaps from Princess City Soaps.

Of course, we greeted the mornings with Peet's Coffee Las Hermanas means "SISTERS" so this was the Perfect Blend for us!!

I added in a few little treats of my own in the rose gold handled tote bags personalized from Land's End.

Here’s a little synopsis of more that we did.

Wednesday, I talked about our pool time. We recored a great Cabana Life Video too. On Friday night we went to a local restaurant of mine called Artisan, it is one of the top restaurants in the state where we enjoyed cocktails, food and the ladies loved the lighted menus.

It was so hot and humid that we just decided to come back for a slice of my mom‘s Key Lime Pie, do a fun PJ's Video Reels in the bunk room and get a good nights rest for up for Saturday.

Saturday morning we were up early where I have local Amish cinnamon rolls, amazing local Guilt Free Protein Donuts from the talented Rachel and some yogurt parfaits.

Of course we got a cute video in with our Emi and Kay pajamas. Check it our HERE!!! SO CUTE!!! Even though it was one of the most hot days of the year, we headed up to Lake Michigan hoping for a cool breeze where we begin the day at Silver Beach Pizza.

Such great cocktails food and conversation. we took a walk out on the pier and of course did a little shopping.

I had to kind of re-plan our itinerary due to the heat and humidity but that was just fine. Another round of cocktails a Journeyman Distillery and then a little fun at the local casino. I told the ladies we can do dinner but I was so happy we all ultimately decided to eat all the snacks and treats we had back home and go for a nice night swim and the BEST Conversation!!

More laughter ensued right after we went to bed when a chirpie smoke alarm needed five of us to get it fixed. The joke is how many blondes does it take to fix a smoke detector?

So sad the next morning they had to depart. We had my crustless quiche and some buttery croissants with Amish peanut butter and did a sweet video (sharing later this week on Insta) to wrap up our time together.

My heart is full.

Had to show our last photo one more time!

The blogging world has opened up more opportunities than I ever thought possible but the best thing to come out of it all is hands-down ~ the friendships! This is not a job for me, it is simply a hobby turned side gig that provides pretty well. I am not live or die getting tons of paid partnerships or working to the grind stone without enjoy life more. I'm not trying to catch coattails of big famous bloggers. No, that’s not what I am about. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, a Blogger has a very special heart, especially the ones that I call friends that don’t let success ever go to their heads. They put their hearts out there for the world to see in hopes of inspiring even just one person! When in reality, they end up inspiring more people than they know!

Until next time my beauties.

LINKING-UP with Style on the Daily // Metamorphosis Monday // Thursday Fashion Files // Love your Creativity // Hello Monday //Fancy Friday // Trend Spin

xoxo

FRIDAY FAVORITES...ON CLOUD NINE EDITION

Oh my goodness friends, the weather this week was absolutely grand! I was on Cloud "9" for Sure!! Had some fun daytime shenanigans, some pool time with friends and today, my mom and I are heading to Michigan to take my dear Aunt Linda to lunch for her birthday! Looking forward to a relaxed weekend as well!

1. Last Vacay Snaps

Thought I’d share some last snaps of our summer Lake Michigan vacation!This vacay always has me on cloud nine.

Can’t beat the best lemon custard, a red, white and blue slushie, The beautiful bay on morning walks, sunset views from the couch and tradition Friday night fish dinner from the coolest old school Fish Market.

2. Bedding

Cozy Earth

As you know, I am a huge fan of CozyCozy Earth and just love getting the high-quality items from them that makes sleep and cozy so much better! Not only am I wearing their pajama set in this picture which I also happen to own in blush, but I’ve put on our new summer bedding that includes a beautiful bamboo comforter from COZY EARTH! It is so luxurious and so well-made! It has the loops so you can attach it to the button of a duvet.

Use CODE: CECLOUDNINE for 40% off

Target Pillows

Here is a closer look at the beautiful pillows I bought from Target to compliment the summer bedding. I especially love the oblong one as it has little tassels. Pretty Blue Hues too. PS...I'm so ready for a new bedroom suit; a mattress company turned me down for a collaboration because we had sleigh bed, ugh!

Big 30 x30 Pillows HERE // Seersucker Shams HERE // Oblong Pillow HERE // Front Color Block HERE

3. Week's Attire

This first set is so versatile. It’s the Line from Third Love. The Henley can be worn to lounge or sleep with the set or alone with shorts, jeans, etc.

Use CODE: SUMMER20 to get 20% off!

Henley HERE // Shorts HERE

Tee HERE // Shorts HERE // Sandals HERE

Top HERE // Skirt HERE // Sandals HERE

4. Cabana Life

It’s no secret I love CABANA LIFE! Having had five skin cancers removed, I know the importance of protecting our skin. And when Cabana Life can aid in that by offering beautiful high-quality clothing with built in 50 SPF, well I’m completely sold! We took impromptu date day to new Buffalo Michigan on Saturday and I wore this little Terry Tunic Dress! It would also make a great cover-up! I just love the colors!

Use CODE: LIVINGONCLOUDNINE15 for 15% off

5.Misc. Fun

POSTS OF THE WEEK

Monday ~ Amazon Hello August

Wednesday ~ You're an Angel

50 and SASSY

This dear friend of mine also happens to be the mother of one of her sons girlfriends and she is just precious! Lauren, her daughter, had made us these precious T-shirts this year as we both turned 50 within two weeks of each other and we finally got a chance to wear them together!

Pink Toes

We all had on pink toenail polish, so a pool feet shot was warranted.

NATURE

Hummingbird

I sat patiently out on the back porch one night waiting to get pictures of the little hummingbirds and I was super happy with this shot!

Porch Petunias

So this year I decided to alternate the proven winners bubblegum petunias and fuchsia petunias and I love how they blend it in together and flow down the front porch steps!

Blue Heron

I shown you the sweet blue heron that comes to our pond every year many many times and gotten some great pictures of. Imagine my surprise when I spotted a baby! Didn’t see mama but that baby was flying around but was quick but I was able to catch this in flight, reflection on the water picture.