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!

Good to be back.

I love traveling, basically everything about it to be honest (apart from packing). I love the anticipation, getting coffee in the airport, and buying magazines for the plane. Hotel rooms are just somehow more fun than your own bedroom, and ridiculously overpriced room service somehow tastes way better than it should.

However, usually the best part of going out of town is finally getting back home. Obviously there is usually way too much to catch up on...emails, laundry, your cat whose downright pissed you left in the first place therefore has chewed through one of your favorite shirt sleeves. At the same time it's such a great feeling finally relaxing on your own couch.

I got home late Monday night from my trip to Florida and even though I was exhausted, I was able to spend the next few days sorting my life back into order. That next morning I kept finding little things that made me smile and remind me of how nice it was to be back.

My roommate's homemade granola.

My new Michigan Awesome sticker.

Coffee in bed (in my new giant mugs no doubt!)

michigan love

loving on my state (or any other state for that matter!) with these adorable pillows!
i saw them on one of my favorite blogs today poppytalk and now i can't stop looking through all of love, california's etsy products.

check out her other stuff here!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovecalifornia?ref=top_trail