The GR Guide Spring 2021 Issue

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SPRING 2021 | ISSUE NO. 6

SPRING FORWARD MOVING FORWARD INTO A NEW SEASON.

DISCOVER NEW RECIPES, MY FAVORITE OUTDOOR DINING IN GRAND RAPIDS, GARDENING TIPS FROM LUDEMA'S AND MORE IN THIS SPRING ISSUE!


YOUR GUIDE TO ISSUE NO.02

8 Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins You can't go wrong with these lemon poppy seed muffins this spring! With bright notes of lemon and a sweet icing these are sure to be a big hit with your family.

10 Easter Bunny Cake My mom has been making this Easter bunny cake for my sister and I since we were really little. This cake is easy to make and perfect for the kids to enjoy after your Easter brunch.

12 Lemon Pasta This lemon pasta is a great weeknight meal for the spring season. The tart lemon with creamy parmesan cheese and fresh basil is truly amazing.

14 Mint Julep Cocktail Are you ready for the Kentucky Derby? Cory made a mint julep that's perfect for watching the big horse race. Cheers!

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17 Shop Local for Your Home Make some updates to your home this season with some of my favorite finds from local boutiques. Adding a pillow, new rug or lighting can really transform your space.

21 Gift Guide: Mother's Day Mother's Day is right around the corner! Get a head start on shopping with this gift guide for Mother's Day. All items in this gift guide are from local West Michigan shops.

25 Spring Fashion Finds Spring fashion is my favorite! Check out some of my top picks for spring from local boutiques here in Grand Rapids.

28 Gardening Tips with Ludema's If you're starting a vegetable garden or planting flowers this spring check out these helpful tips from Ludema's!

32 Spring Bucket List The spring bucket list is here! Start checking off these fun activities for spring with your family. I also included some national holidays to celebrate this spring season.

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38 What I'm Currently Reading I'm sharing a few books I enjoyed, and what I'm looking forward to reading. If you need a new book check out this article for some ideas!

40 Best Outdoor Restaurants in GR You guys asked for some of my favorite outdoor dining in Grand Rapids. Check out my favorite places to grab a drink, have a date night, and enjoy brunch on a patio.

46 Michigan Vacation Spots Planning a summer vacation in Michigan? I'm sharing my favorite vacation spots in Michigan in this article.

48 6 Spring Self-Care Ideas Take some time for yourself this season with these six easy self-care ideas.

50 Spring Playlist A new season requires new music. I created a spring playlist that's great for enjoying on a drive to the lakeshore, spring cleaning or relaxing at home.

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HELLO FRIENDS -

Hello spring! I have a special place in my heart for this season that brings new beginnings. When you live in Michigan you look forward to this season more than any other. Am I right? Flowers blooming, birds singing, and longer days are such a blessing. This spring issue was so fun to put together with fun recipes, gardening tips, all of my favorite outdoor restaurants in Grand Rapids and so much more! I'm excited really excited to share this content with you, and appreciate all of your support. I hope you enjoy flipping through the pages, and become inspired to try something new this season. Like I said, this is a season of new beginnings. Take some time to enjoy the beauty all around you this spring.

Sara Visser

o5 | www.thegrguide.com EDITOR, SAVORY MAG


Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.

ANITA KRIZZAN o6 | www.thegrguide.com


THE BEST SPRING

recipes

CELEBRATE THE NEW SEASON WITH THESE EASY RECIPES


You can't go wrong with these lemon poppy seed muffins this spring! With bright notes of lemon and a sweet icing these are sure to be a big hit with your family.


These lemon poppy seed muffins are perfect for spring! With bright notes of lemon and a sweet icing these muffins are delicious for

DIRECTIONS

breakfast or a snack.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with 6

INGREDIENTS

ICING

1 1/8 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1-2 tbsp lemon juice

paper liners. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add in poppy seeds and salt.

1/8 tsp baking soda 1 1/4 tsp poppy seeds Pinch of salt 1/2 cup granulated sugar Lemon zest (from 2 lemons 1/2 cup greek yogurt 5 tbsp skim milk 1/4 cup butter (melted) 1 large egg 1/2 tbsp lemon juice 3/4 tsp vanilla extract o9 | www.thegrguide.com

In a medium bowl combine the sugar and lemon zest. Add the greek yogurt, skim milk, melted butter, eggs, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together and add to the flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Pour the batter into your muffin tin. Bake the muffins for 13-15 minutes or until the muffins are slightly golden. Let the muffins cool on a wire rack. To make the icing, combine the powdered sugar and lemon juice. You want the consistency to be loose but also hold up when drizzled over the muffins.


My mom has been making this Easter bunny cake since I was little. I have so many memories decorating this cake with my sister using our Easter candy. This is the perfect cake to make this Easter with your family!


Your family is going to LOVE this Easter bunny cake.

DIRECTIONS

This cake is really fun to decorate with kids, and don't be

Make the cake mix as directed on the box. Pour the patter

afraid to get creative!

into two 9-inch round prepared cake pans. Bake as

INGREDIENTS

directed on the box.

1 box of your favorite cake mix 2 containers of your favorite frosting

Remove the cakes from the pan and allow to cool

Red food coloring

completely on a wire rack. I usually leave my cakes to cool

Shredded coconut Candy coated chocolate pieces Chocolate covered almonds

overnight. Use one of the round cakes as the head. Cut the other one like the diagram for the bowtie and ears.

Chocolate mini eggs Get creative with the decorations! I used some red food color with the frosting to make the pink inside the ears. I also used shredded coconut for the hair of the bunny. For the eyes I used chocolate covered almonds and the nose is a pink chocolate mini egg. The bowtie is Easter candy coated chocolate pieces. You can use any candy or decorations you 11 | www.thegrguide.com

like for this cake. Have fun!


For a quick and delicious weeknight meal you can't go wrong with this lemon pasta. I love the parmesan cheese, fresh basil and bright notes from the lemon.


This lemon pasta is perfect for a spring dinner. The

DIRECTIONS

fresh lemon and basil really make this dish taste

Fill a large pot with water and add some salt. Bring to a

amazing. Enjoy!

boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Save about a cup of the pasta water before you drain the pasta.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. Linguine pasta Zest of 2 lemons

In the meantime zest 2 lemons and juice the lemons. In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.

Juice from 2 lemons

Add the extra virgin olive oil. Once melted add the pasta,

4 tbsp butter

lemon zest, lemon juice and 1 cup of the parmesan cheese.

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Add the pasta water as needed. Toss until combined.

1 1/2 cups grated fresh parmesan cheese Fresh basil for the top Salt Pepper 13 | www.thegrguide.com

Serve with fresh basil, some parmesan cheese, a little olive oil and pepper.


Get ready of the Kentucky Derby with this mint julep cocktail! This cocktail is perfect for watching the horse race on a spring afternoon.


It's gonna be a horse race! Enjoy this mint julep while watching the Kentucky Derby this spring. Cheers! INGREDIENTS

Crushed ice 1/2 ounce simple syrup 5 mint leaves 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey

DIRECTIONS

Muddle the simple syrup and mint leaves in your glass. Add the bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir together. Garnish with a mint leaf and serve.

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LOC A

DS FIN

D E E C M O O R H L

Looking to update your home this season? Check out these home decor finds from local West Michigan stores. PS you can click the images on the next page to shop!


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1. A new light fixture is a fun and easy way to update your space. Stoffer Home has a wide selection of amazing lighting fixtures for your ceiling, floor, wall or table. This star flush mount in antique brass would be beautiful in your entryway or a hallway. 2. You can’t go wrong with adding items to your space that help with extra storage. These seagrass baskets from Abbreviated Design come in a small or large size. I love the texture of the seagrass and that these baskets have a lid. 3. One of my favorite ways to update my home is new artwork. Amy Carroll is such a talented photographer and her Fishtown series is one of my favorites. Check out her beautiful botanical and animal prints as well! 4. Another easy way to change up your space is with new pillows. I love this Marannelle pillow with performance velvet and performance linen that would look perfect in your bedroom or living room this spring. 5. This throw from Ada + East is perfect for your living room or bedroom. The black and cream color of this throw is a great neutral piece to add to your space. 6. These beautiful vases from Spring Sweet are the best for adding some spring flowers in your home. One of these vases with some tulips would look beautiful in your living room. 7. If you really want to make a major change in your space - update your rugs! I love this rug found at The Counting House that would look so pretty in a kitchen, bedroom or living room. 8. Add some green to your home with a new house plant from The Plant Parlor. This Audrey Bengal Fig would look great in your living room! 19 | www.thegrguide.com


I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen. ANNE LAMOTT


Shop local for Mother's Day with these fun gift ideas! Click the images on the next page to shop. 21 | www.thegrguide.com


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1. A Mother's Day card is a must! I love shopping cards from Finch & Fleur, and this card would be perfect for my mom. 2. If your mom enjoys doing puzzles, she'll love this Gray Malin puzzle that you can find locally at Rebel. Cory and I really enjoyed this puzzle, and the best part is it's double-sided. 3. You can't go wrong with a cookbook for a gift if your mom enjoys cooking. Giada de Laurentiis just came out with a new cookbook that you can shop at Schuler Books. 4. Your mama will love this fun baseball hat from Pink Lemonade that's perfect for wearing this spring and summer. 5. A personalized gift is great for Mother's Day! This personalized recipe board from Mason Jones can be engraved with a handwritten family recipe. How fun is that?! 6. The Capri Blue Volcano scent is my sister's all-time favorite so I know she would enjoy this hand cream. You can shop this hand cream locally at Parooz in Cascade. 7. If your mom enjoys cooking, these stoneware measuring cups would be a wonderful gift from Reinspired Treasures. 8. These stoneware pinch pots with lids from Ada + East would be so cute in your mom's kitchen. 9. Jewelry is a great idea for Mother's Day! I love this pretty sandstone ring from Dime & Regal. 10. This candle from Anatomy of a Home is one of my favorites! Gift mom "The Vibes" gift set from Anatomy of a home with a candle and matchstick cup. 23 | www.thegrguide.com


To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. Audrey Hepburn

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Update your closet this spring with these finds from local boutiques! Click on the images found on the next page to shop. 25 | www.thegrguide.com


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1. I love a bandana as an accessory during the spring season. This gorgeous silk scarf from Eso Studio would look amazing tied to a handbag, around your neck, or in a ponytail. 2. This bucket hat is bringing me back to the 90's and I'm totally here for it. You can find this vegan leather bucket hat at Spring Sweet. 3. I'm obsessed with Staud bags and this one can be found at Leigh's here in Grand Rapids. This leather bag is perfect for spring! 4. Florals are a must for spring right?! I love this dress from Lee & Birch that has a beautiful floral print and button details. 5. Here comes the sun! With sunny days ahead it's time for a new pair of sunglasses. Check out these sunglasses from Frances Jaye. 6. I've had my eye on these Rag & Bone jeans for spring that can be found at A.K. Rikk's. 7. I'm in love with fun hair clips this season. This opal shimmer hair clip from Adored Boutique would look beautiful with a half-up hair style. 8. These hoop earrings from Basic Bee are lovely for spring! You could easily dress these earrings up or wear them casually with jeans and a t-shirt. 9. Espadrille wedges are back for spring! I'm loving this pair found at Paperdoll in Rockford. 10. These black sandals from Dear Prudence are great for spring and summer!

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Are you thinking of starting a

When should I start my vegetable

How often should I water my

vegetable garden or planting

garden?

plants?

You can start prepping your

How often you water your plants

garden right now, now that the

really does depend on the type of

weather is warm. This is a great

soil that you have. If you have a

MI. I'm always so happy with

time to turn nutrient rich

more sandy soil, you may need to

their plants and customer

topsoil and manure into your

water more often. If your soil is

service. I sent Ludema's so

gardens to make sure that they

more dense and holds moisture,

gardening questions that I think

are ready for planting season.

you will need to water less. The

flowers this spring? When it comes to getting vegetables plants or flowers I always go to Ludema's here in Grand Rapids,

best thing to do is to put your

you'll find really helpful if you're thinking of starting a garden

You will not want to start

fingers into the soil to feel if it

this season. A huge thank you to

planting your vegetables in the

is damp or dry.

Ludema's for your help with this

ground until the risk of frost at

article!

night is completely gone, which is usually mid-late May.


If it’s dry, water. If it’s slightly

If you use a flower fertilizer on

damp but the temperatures are

your vegetables to start off with,

going to be very hot (80+

it will promote your plants to

degrees) that day, watering in

produce flowers, which in turn

the morning on damp soil will

produce fruit/vegetables.

not hurt. If your soil is wet, do not water.

Once your plants start producing fruit/vegetables,

Remember that even though we

switch to the vegetable fertilizer

might get rain, rain does not

which will help your fruit and

always penetrate deep enough

vegetables develop.

into the soil to ensure that your vegetables are fully watered. Shade vs. sun...what's best? For vegetables, you will want full sun. Sun will really help your vegetables produce the most!

How do I control the weeds in my garden?

What vegetables should I plant? You should plant the vegetables that you like to eat. If you cook with peppers and onions often… start there. If you want to try your hand at canning or freezing, try beans, corn, cucumbers (for pickles!), or tomatoes.

You can control weeds by using a product such as Preen prior to

Get creative with your garden!

planting. Although weeds are

Try an eggplant if you haven’t

annoying, the best way to

before or a watermelon or

control them is simply to weed

muskmelon…having a garden

your garden and to make sure

that produces food is so What do you recommend for fulfilling!

when you are pulling weeds out, you are getting the full root system. What type of soil do you

recommend? Should I also use fertilizer?

starting a salsa garden? Starting a salsa garden, start with choosing the flavors that you like. For example, do you like a lot of heat or something

Rich soil with topsoil and

more mild? Choosing your

manure is great for vegetables.

peppers first will set the tone for

Fertilizer is very helpful as well.

the amount of heat in your salsa.

With our growing season being

Choose tomatoes that are good

so short in Michigan, fertilizer

for salsa or slicing. Add onions,

will help your plants produce

cilantro and any other flavors

great vegetables and fruit. At

you like to see! At Ludemas, all

Ludemas, we have two types of

of our tomatoes and peppers are

fertilizer available: the first is

labeled very clearly so that you

for flowers and the second is for

will know what flavors you will

vegetables and Geraniums.

get and which ones will work best.

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What are the easiest flowers to grow?

What plants work best in pots? In Michigan, it does not work to

With basic growing knowledge

put perennials in pots…it’s too

about sun/shade preferences and

cold during the winter for them

being conscious about watering,

to survive. Annuals work best in

most flowers are fairly easy to

pots, and there are so many

grow. If you struggle with

options! First, you need to know

regular watering, there are some

if your pots are going to be in

annuals and perennials that are

sun or shade. Full sun is

more drought tolerant but they

considered 6 or more hours of

will still need regular attention

hot sunlight, which is usually the

on really hot days.

late morning – afternoon sun.

I really enjoy growing Zinnias, tall varieties of Marigolds and Salvia because I feel they are fairly easy and they make wonderful cut flowers so you can pick yourself a bouquet or give one to a friend!

Should I plant annuals or perennials? This is a great question! I like planting a mix of both. For instance, you can plant some beautiful rose bushes or Hydrangeas, which are perennials (that will come up every year) and then accent around them with annuals every year. This is a great way to always have some consistent color that will appear every year in your garden but you can change your selection of annuals year to year.

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When you pick out plants for your pots, you should choose a tall element, a mid-height element and something that will cascade. For example, in my full sun planters, I love to use a bright, tropical Canna in the center, some Superpetunias and Verbena for fullness and Licorice Vine or Sweet Potato Vine to trail over the sides. This gives me color in every part of my planter.


If you have shade planters, you

For shade planters, you can

When I water or fertilize my

could do a fun, tall decorative

fertilize 1-2 times a week if you

planters or hanging baskets, I

grass in the center, colorful New

would like (at least once a week).

watch for the water to start

Guinea Impatiens around the

We suggest a fertilizer that you

running out of the bottom of the

grass and Licorice Vine, Wire

dissolve in water and pour on

pot….this way I know that all of

Vine or Sweet Potato Vine to

your plants. When you fertilize,

the roots of my plants have been

trail over the sides.

you never want to fertilize if you

watered or fertilized, which is key.

accidentally forgot to water your planters…fertilizing them when

By fertilizing, you will prevent

they are super dried out will

your plants from becoming

burn your plants. In this case,

“stringy” half way through the

For annuals, you want the

skip fertilizer that day and just

summer when we are dealing with

current soil that is on the plant

water.

extra hot temperatures.

to be level with the soil in your

When you do fertilize, use the

pots. You don’t want to go

fertilizer water as your water…

Be sure to visit Ludema's this

higher than that.

not water first and then

spring and summer for your

fertilizer or vice versa.

garden!

How deep should I plant my flowers?

For tomato plants, to keep them sturdy, our grower does note that it’s okay to slightly mound the dirt around the base to keep the plant upright.

What soil is best and should I use fertilizer? For your planters, you only want to use potting soil…never top soil. Top soil is too heavy inside planters or window boxes. You want to use a potting soil that is well-draining so that your annuals do not remain too wet all day long. Yes, you should absolutely use fertilizer….especially because our growing season is so short. For full sun planters, you can fertilize 3-4 times a week if you would like. (But be sure to do it at least once a week!)

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SHOP AT FARMERS MARKET SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOME

VOLUNTEER

GO FOR A WALK

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC

FLY A KITE

SHOP LOCAL

MAKE EASTER BUNNY CAKE

CLEAN YOUR CLOSET

WATCH KENTUCKY DERBY

GO GOLFING

EASTER EGG HUNT

DO SOMETHING KIND

HAVE A SELF-CARE DAY

MAKE LEMON PASTA

DO A NEW EXERCISE

HAVE A PICNIC

START A GARDEN

PLAY A GAME OUTSIDE

GO FOR A BIKE RIDE

DINE OUTDOORS

DECORATE EASTER EGGS

TAKE A DRIVE

VISIT A NEW PARK

VISIT THE ZOO

PLANT FLOWERS





In March the earth remembers its own name. Everywhere the plates of snow are cracking. The rivers begin to sing. In the sky the winter stars are sliding away; new stars appear as, later, small blades of grain will shine in the dark fields. And the name of every place is joyful.

MARY OLIVER


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1. I just finished reading American Royals by Katharine McGee and I couldn't put it down. This young adult romantic comedy book was a quick and easy read that kept me entertained. If you need a beach read this is the book for you. FYI there is also a sequel to this book Majesty. 2. I'll be honest about The Chicken Sisters and say this book was so-so. I found the story line a little predicable, and wasn't hooked on the characters. 3. I can't wait to read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I've heard great things about this book so I'll be sure to let you know what I think. 4. I'm currently reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and it's been really good. I'm a huge fan of Kristin Hannah, and this book is great so far. 5. If you haven't read Daisy Jones & The Six I would highly recommend this book! The book is written in the form of an interview which was interesting, but I really enjoyed this book. 6. If you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain or cooking you have to read Kitchen Confidential. This book changed my perspective of the restaurant industry and was truly a great read. 7. The Guest List by Lucy Foley is another book I'm dying to read. I love a good suspense thriller book and I've heard this one is great. 8. I wanted to read Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner last summer, but didn't get a chance to read it. So I'm excited to read this book this spring or summer!

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Looking to grab a drink outdoors? Here are some of my favorite bars and restaurants with outdoor dining.

Post Off The drinks at Post Off are fabulous, and they have a great patio in the back.

Mertens Rooftop Drinks with a view? Yes, please! You'll love the view of downtown GR from Mertens Rooftop.

Knoop For more great views of Grand Rapids head to Knoop. The cocktails and the pretzel flight are really good.

I Don't Care I love grabbing a drink at I Don't Care and enjoying the views of downtown. Warmer weather is on the way, which means

The Score

dining outdoors is a must. Many of you reached out

Pretend you're someplace tropical with

on social media asking me where I love to dine

the sand and palm trees at The Score.

outdoors. So, here are my favorite spots to grab a

Jdek at Margaux

drink, dine with my family, enjoy a date night, and get brunch on a patio.

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For great views of the river and a good cocktail head to the Jdek at Margaux.


Butcher's Union My favorite date night restaurant is Butcher's Union. You'll find great food Planning a date night and want to sit

and drinks here.

outside? Here are my favorite restaurants

Ando Sushi + Bar

with an outdoor patio to enjoy with your

Craving sushi? You'll love the food and

significant other.

patio at Ando Sushi + Bar downtown.

Reserve

Donkey Taqueria

Cory and I LOVE date nights at Reserve.

When I'm in the mood for tacos and a

The food is amazing and their outdoor

margarita I'm all about Donkey Taqueria.

dining is great.

They have a wonderful patio and the best margaritas + tacos.

Bistro Bella Vita You can't go wrong with the delicious menu at Bistro Bella Vita (I love their salmon). 42 | www.thegrguide.com

Bowdie's Chophouse Cory and I always enjoy date night's at Bowdie's Chophouse in EGR. Amazing food and wonderful patio!



The Green Well My family loves The Green Well, and they have a great patio to enjoy with the warm weather.

The Old Goat Located in Alger Heights, you'll love the food and patio at The Old Goat.

Bostwick Lake Inn Take a little drive to enjoy beautiful views of the lake + great food at Bostwick Lake Inn.

Looking to grab lunch outside? Check out these great restaurants serving lunch outside.

Rose's on Reed's Lake You can't go wrong with Rose's for great views of Reed's Lake and good food.

The Winchester Dining outdoors with your family? Here are great spots to enjoy a meal with kids.

Hancock Great food and a large outdoor space can be found at Hancock. 44 | www.thegrguide.com

For a wonderful lunch outside check out The Winchester. PS they also have a great brunch!

Aperitivo Head to the Downtown Market to enjoy some lunch at Aperitivo. I can't get enough of their grilled cheese.


Terra You guys know how much I love Terra, and their brunch + patio is fantastic. Brunch is the best when you can enjoy it outside. Am I right?! Here are some wonderful restaurants to have brunch alfresco.

The Sovengard I'm obsessed with the brunch menu at The Sovengard! Enjoy brunch in their beergarden on a warm spring day.

Paddock Place Paddock Place has a wonderful patio and a new brunch menu. It looks amazing! 45 | www.thegrguide.com

That Early Bird You'll love the food and patio at That Early Bird for brunch!

Royals Check out Royals for brunch with your family and a great patio.

Nonna's the Trattoria Head to Ada to enjoy a delicious brunch at Nonna's the Trattoria.



Staycation in GR

Mackinac Island

Detroit

Enjoy a staycation right here in Grand Rapids! There's so much to do here in GR and great hotels. I would recommend the JW Marriott or the new Residence Inn. See the butterflies blooming at Meijer Gardens, take a walk around Reed's Lake and enjoy dinner at one of your favorite restaurants.

Cory and I love vacationing on Mackinac Island during the summer. You can read all about my favorite things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in this blog post on The GR Guide. This is a wonderful vacation spot to enjoy with your family.

Exploring Detroit is on my bucket list this summer. I would love to stay at the Shinola Hotel and enjoy walking around the city. There are some amazing restaurants, and activities to enjoy with kids in Detroit.

Leelanau County

Holland

Petoskey

During the summer we can't get enough time in Leelanau exploring Traverse City, Glen Arbor and Leland. You can check out this blog post on The GR Guide for my favorite things to do up north.

Holland is just a short drive away from Grand Rapids. Enjoy some time at the lakeshore with your family as well as great shopping and dining in downtown Holland.

Take a drive up north to enjoy Petoskey and Harbor Springs! You can read all about my stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor which is perfect for staying with your family or just your significant other for a weekend getaway.

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6 Take some time for YOU this season with these 6 self-care ideas. This is the perfect time to reset and take care of yourself. You deserve it!


Get Some Fresh Air

Have a Spa Night

Read a Book

With the weather getting warmer and the sun staying out longer now is the perfect time to enjoy some fresh air. Take a walk, go for a run, or just spend some time reading a book outside. After a long and cold winter, it's time to enjoy the nice weather.

One of my favorite self-care ideas is having a spa night at home. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure or put on a face mask and just relax. This is a great way to unwind after a long day.

Put your phone away and pick up a new book! If you need some book ideas be sure to check out my book recommendations in this issue. I love reading a new book from the library in my backyard on a warm sunny day.

Get Organized

Put Your Phone Down

Start a Journal

I'm all about spring cleaning right now. It feels so good to get organized, clean out my closet and give my home a little refresh. Keeping my home organized always makes me feel more at ease.

Put your phone down and get outside or pick up a book. I've been trying to be better at leaving my phone at my desk while watching TV or going for a walk. I don't need the extra distraction of looking at a screen.

One of my goals this season is starting a journal. Whether you write a gratitude list or just scribble some thoughts, this is a great exercise for self-care.

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OCEAN SOFT GLOW SPRINGTIME WE'LL MAKE IT THROUGH RE: STACKS MUST BE DREAMING LET THE GROUND REST WILLOW UMI COME ALIVE LOVE YOU WELL REARRANGE US DREAMS BUTTERFLIES HOLD MY HAND GONE RIVER WIDER SWEET DISPOSITION

JOSH JACOBSON TALETTA CHRIS RENZEMA RAY LAMONTAGNE GRETTA RAY, DUSTIN TEBBUTT BIEN CHRIS RENZEMA TAYLOR SWIFT YOSTE WYNNE SECRET NATION MT. JOY CHLOE MORIONDO KACEY MUSGRAVES SAM BURCHFIELD JR JR TALL HEIGHTS SAWYER



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