You're 175 today!

A little Michigan love while making this year's Christmas cookies.

Happy 175th Birthday to my very favorite of the 50 states. When I was little the best thing about my state was the fact it was shaped like my hand. And even though that's still really awesome and all, as I've gotten older I can look back and really appreciate the place I grew up. We don't just have good freshwater lakes, we have great ones. We have four seasons and two peninsulas. We are home to Henry Ford, Madonna, and Betty and Gerald. Growing up I was able to experience summers spent camping, visits to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Traverse City for Cherry Festival, and bike rides on Mackinac Island. Having lived in a Detroit suburb until I was 18 I was lucky enough to attend Tiger's games and plays at the Fox Theatre. Now, having moved to Grand Rapids, I get to enjoy the best of the small city life with Lake Michigan just a stones throw away.

I'm not sure I will always stay here, the world is far too big a place for me not to go out and explore a little more. However, Michigan will sure always feel like home.

Wanna represent some Michigan love? Check out this great local company Michigan Awesome. (They're offering a 17.5% discount today too) Smitten with the Mitten is right!