My son and I stayed here on one of our trips to Michigan. We got in late and the innkeepers were amazingly hospitable. There was a group off women sitting in the breakfast nook playing cards, I found out later that they were on a friends retreat. As I walked in and toured the place, I imagined how wonderful it would be as a wedding venue. Plus, you could have close family and friends stay at the B& B. The outside is gorgeous, and I especially love the breakfast nook on the inside. This would also be such a fun place for reunions or a friends getaway. The B&B has a private chapel that holds 50 people and an outdoor wedding garden. If you used this place as a wedding venue, I think it would be best to rent the whole B&B to family and friends. My son loved this place as it had a storybook quality to it!
Resources:
Cobblestone Manor
3151 University Drive
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326
(248) 370-8000
http://www.cobblestonemanor.com
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Chicago - architectural and Historical Cruises, cocktail cruises at 6 or 8 PM
My son and I went on an architectural and historical cruise last night. We went to the 6 PM as the time worked best for us, but on the cruise there were many couples! If you pay a little extra, you can have cocktails included, plus there is already free appetizers, coffee, and lemonade. Our guide, Chris Meister, is a local Chicago high school teacher, and he was clear and informative. Plus, there were times after we passed the lock, separating lake Michigan and Chicago River, where they just played music.
This was my favorite activity that we did in Chicago! We did another boat ride earlier in the week. I won't mention the name as I only write about things I enjoy, but I will say that the experience was totally different. On the other boat, I couldn't even understand the guide, the staff wasn't friendly, and there wasn't even half of the ambiance of this cruise. I would highly recommend going on the Chicago History Museum's Chicago Line Cruises. I wish we'd gone on this one the first time!
Through this tour we also learned that the gigantic ferris wheel at Navy Pier was first designed for the world's fair. We walked to Navy Pier after we got off the boat. It happened to be Wednesday night, which is the weekday night during the summer when they have fireworks at 9:30PM. It couldn't have been more perfectly planned if I'd tried. We ate at Bubba Gump's restaurant at Navy Pier, which my son loves (they also have a location in San Francisco).
Navy Pier and Fireworks:
Resources:
Architectural and Historical Cruises
Chicago Line Cruises
Chicago History Museum
North Pier Docks at River East Art Center
465 N. McClurg Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-2002
www.chicagoline.com
This was my favorite activity that we did in Chicago! We did another boat ride earlier in the week. I won't mention the name as I only write about things I enjoy, but I will say that the experience was totally different. On the other boat, I couldn't even understand the guide, the staff wasn't friendly, and there wasn't even half of the ambiance of this cruise. I would highly recommend going on the Chicago History Museum's Chicago Line Cruises. I wish we'd gone on this one the first time!
Through this tour we also learned that the gigantic ferris wheel at Navy Pier was first designed for the world's fair. We walked to Navy Pier after we got off the boat. It happened to be Wednesday night, which is the weekday night during the summer when they have fireworks at 9:30PM. It couldn't have been more perfectly planned if I'd tried. We ate at Bubba Gump's restaurant at Navy Pier, which my son loves (they also have a location in San Francisco).
Resources:
Architectural and Historical Cruises
Chicago Line Cruises
Chicago History Museum
North Pier Docks at River East Art Center
465 N. McClurg Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-2002
www.chicagoline.com
Friday, July 12, 2013
Inns By The Sea, California Bed and Breakfasts
The Inns By The Sea consists of eight inns along the California coastline. They are the following:
Babbling Brook Inn - Santa Cruz, CA
Candle Light Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carriage House Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Cypress Inn - Half Moon Bay
Dolphin Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Inn At Depot Hill - Capitola by the Sea
Svendsgaard's Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Wayside Inn-Carmel-by-the-Sea
I've stayed at both the Babbling Brook Inn as well as the Inn At Depot Hill. The Babbling Brook Inn is downtown and walking distance to nearby downtown restaurants and shopping, it is charming!
The Inn At Depot Hill is also walking distance from downtown Capitola, restaurants, shopping, and beach. I stayed at the inn last summer. I would go to either of these Bed and breakfasts again.
Resources:
Inns By The Sea
Reservations (800) 610-3239
P.O. Box 101
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Ask about special packages this summer! Mention this blog for special VIP packages.
Babbling Brook Inn - Santa Cruz, CA
Candle Light Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carriage House Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Cypress Inn - Half Moon Bay
Dolphin Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Inn At Depot Hill - Capitola by the Sea
Svendsgaard's Inn - Carmel-by-the-Sea
Wayside Inn-Carmel-by-the-Sea
I've stayed at both the Babbling Brook Inn as well as the Inn At Depot Hill. The Babbling Brook Inn is downtown and walking distance to nearby downtown restaurants and shopping, it is charming!
The Inn At Depot Hill is also walking distance from downtown Capitola, restaurants, shopping, and beach. I stayed at the inn last summer. I would go to either of these Bed and breakfasts again.
Resources:
Inns By The Sea
Reservations (800) 610-3239
P.O. Box 101
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Ask about special packages this summer! Mention this blog for special VIP packages.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Barbecue Flank Steak with marinade - yummy recipe for summer BBQ's
Barbecue Flank Steak
For Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce or wheat free tamari sauce
3 Tablespoons of honey or agave
2 Tablespoons of white vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder or fresh garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons of ginger
3/4 cups of salad oil (olive, canola, etc.)
1 finely chopped green onion
Mix all ingredients in a ziplock bag and shake well. Add a flank steak and marinate overnight or at least six hours in refrigerator, turning bag once. Allow to return to room temperature. Grill meat over hot coals or gas flame, five to seven minutes each side for medium rare.
For Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce or wheat free tamari sauce
3 Tablespoons of honey or agave
2 Tablespoons of white vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder or fresh garlic
1-1/2 teaspoons of ginger
3/4 cups of salad oil (olive, canola, etc.)
1 finely chopped green onion
Mix all ingredients in a ziplock bag and shake well. Add a flank steak and marinate overnight or at least six hours in refrigerator, turning bag once. Allow to return to room temperature. Grill meat over hot coals or gas flame, five to seven minutes each side for medium rare.
Free birthday activities - zip lines, cave rappels, climbing tower climbs, and guided cave tours- adventure!
On my next birthday, I want to experience an adventure at Cave and Mine Adventures in the California gold country. Free activities are offered on your birthday, more information and details are on the website. There are three caverns. Black Chasm Cavern is in Volcano, CA, and is a National Natural Landmark. California Cavern is a State Historic Landmark and is in Mountain Ranch, CA. Moaning Cavern Park has a chamber large enough to hold the entire Statue of Liberty and is in Vallecito, CA. When you bring in proof of your birthday on your actual birthday, you can participate in FREE birthday activities at each of the locations, including zip lines, cave rappels, climbing tower climbs, and guided cave tours.
Resources:
Cave & Mine Adventures
(866) 762-2837
Thursday, July 4, 2013
4th of July at Costanoa Lodge, Pescadero, CA- concert and BBQ too!
The Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero, CA is an eco resort, and has "clamping" accommodations. There is also a KOA resort on site. Today, 4th of July, there is a Rock and Roo BBQ from 12 noon to 6 PM.
Resources:
Cotanoa Lodge
Pescadero, CA
1-877-262-7848
http://www.costanoa.com/
4th of July Rock & Roll BBQ from 12 noon to 6 PM
Resources:
Cotanoa Lodge
Pescadero, CA
1-877-262-7848
http://www.costanoa.com/
4th of July Rock & Roll BBQ from 12 noon to 6 PM
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
My husband's very favorite ice cream
My husband's current very favorite ice cream is Straus Family Creamery Super Premium Ice Cream Organic Mint Chocolate Chip or Cookies and Cream. There really is a difference and it is worth the price difference. Sometimes I also get the Straus Milk but it comes in glass containers and I dropped once once and it was quite a mess!
Resources:
Straus Family Creamery Organic Ice Cream
Resources:
Straus Family Creamery Organic Ice Cream
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)