Martini’s, Champagne, and a Beautiful Bride

Another fun weekend in the books!

One of my best friends from college, Kara, got married this weekend. We have had fun over the summer celebrating her Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party.

I can’t believe her wedding has already come and gone!  Kara is one of my favorites! She is so vibrant and bubbly. She always makes you laugh and everything is more fun when she is there. I am so happy she found Mike. The love that Mike has for Kara is obvious and I know he will take take good care of her and give her the love she deserves.

Kara’s rehearsal was on Thursday night and the wedding was on Saturday so Cody and I actually had a nice 3-day little mini vaca.  We took advantage of our “free day” on Friday and drove to Lexington, MI for the day. Cody use to vacation in Lexington with his mom, aunts, cousins, and Grandma Peggy when he was a kid. He has so many good memories wrapped up in that town.

We drove by the house that his Grandparents use to own. They had a perfect corner spot with a beautiful lake view.

We ran into a long-time family friend, Debbie, who Cody’s family use to rent cottages from. She was out working in her yard and gave us a rock from her garden to give to Cody’s mom for her garden. This was such a kind gesture and it is the little things that make life sweet.

Wimpy’s Place is a classic diner that has been in Lexington for years. Cody raves about “Wimpy’s Burgers” and had to get one while we were there. We sat at the old-school diner bar and watched the owner’s sons whip up Cody’s Wimpy Burger and fries. When you are in Wimpy’s, it is almost like it transports you back into time. It is definitely a must-do if you are vacationing in Lexington.

 

The owner and one of his sons took a picture with us!

We also stopped at the General Store and bought some “penny candy”, although it is not a penny anymore! The owner said one of her best-sellers is candy cigarettes. I can remember loving those as a kid too. Cody said the store has not changed much! Why change a good thing, right?

Once we were done in Lexington, we drove back to the Detroit area and walked around Royal Oak and Berkley. We found a store called Our Greentopia that I loved! They had clothing, candles, soaps, and other fun goodies! Everything they carry is earth-friendly and they pride themselves on providing the community with better-for-the-environment goods! Next time I am in the area I will definitely go back.

One of the owner’s of Our Greentopia, Katie, recommended going to Amici’s for a martini.

When people give you recommendations you have to follow them! We love getting insider tips on where to eat and what to do.

Amici’s is a cozy little restaurant with a modern vibe. They have a secluded, beautiful patio for outdoor dining. Better yet, their martini list goes on for days. I opted for the Lavender and Honey Infused Sage Martini and Cody went for the Cajun Martini. Cody’s martini was made with jalapeno-infused vodka–yum!

Next time we go back to Amici’s we will definitely get dinner. Their pizza looked and smelled amazing–they have specialty-type pizzas with unique flavor and topping combinations.

After enjoying our cocktails at Amici’s, we went to Vinsetta’s Garage for dinner. This restaurant was right up Cody’s alley. Before it was a restaurant, it was an old car garage that was built in 1919. The decor is rustic-modern. They kept the garage feel but upgraded with modern fixtures. It was really cool.

The bartender, Kip, recommended the chicken wings as an appetizer–they are smoked and definitely have a unique flavor.

We met some new friends at the bar! They were super nice and fun to talk to. One quality that I love about my husband is that he makes friends with everyone!

I had the Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon with broccolini on the side. I enjoyed mine–it was served with an avocado cream sauce that was a nice compliment to the glaze on the salmon.

Cody had the Smoked Ribeye with macaroni and cheese on the side. The mac and cheese was another recommendation from Kip. I may or may not have persuaded Cody to get the mac and cheese so I could try a bite! It was good!

I think next time we go we will try a burger or the pizza. We noticed that there were a lot of burgers and pizzas being served which is probably a good hint that it is some of their best items!

Saturday, the girls spent a few hours at Lavish Salon and Day Spa in Gross Pointe getting hair and make up done. Kara looked GORGEOUS–she reminded me of a Kardashian with her hair straightened and her bridal makeup on!

The day of seemed to go by so fast by the time we were done at the salon, ate lunch, got our dresses on, headed to Cherry Creek Country Club, and took pictures! Don’t worry–we definitely made time to sip some champagne!

We got to spend a lot of time with our friends, Katie and Andy. Katie and Andy are both great friends from college. We always have so much fun with them!

A pic of Katie and I at the reception.

Kara and Mike’s wedding was absolutely beautiful. I am so glad that she asked me to be part of her big day.

It was such a fun weekend but I am excited to get back to my normal routine!

I guess life is pretty good when the normal routine is something you enjoy!

Have a great week!