Happy first day of Summer!

Two things I love in life are a wonderful cup of coffee in the morning and then maybe little glass of vino to end the night or after a long work day. Moving to the Detroit area has given me the opportunity to discover some wonderful gems in terms of coffee & cocktails. From custom mixology creations to industrial inspired coffee joints, I have got you covered on the best places to check out.


Metro Detroit:
Cocktails: Valentines Distillery, Ferndale
Why I love it: Not only is the outdoor patio amazing, but so are their drinks. From fresh pressed juices mixed with their original vodka to signature cocktails, this place is truly one of my favorites. The environment gives of a very relaxed yet chic vibe.
What I am wearing: Ferne Boutiques floral romper. It's comfy, bright and perfect for summer!
My "go-to" order: The "Cucumber Chill". Mint, club soda, lime and a splash of their custom vodka. Light and refreshing to kick-off summer!



Coffee: Atomic Coffee, Royal Oak
Why I love it: It truly is "the" place to be in terms of coffee shops around the Royal Oak area. The trendy decor mixed with a wonderful variety of coffee and food options makes this place a perfect pit stop. Whether you want to work, relax or catch up with friends-Atomic Coffee is the spot!
What I am wearing: Can you tell I love rompers? This striped one from Ferne Boutique is my go-to when I want to be comfy and stylish. The relaxed fit makes this an easy outfit to throw together (especially for a little afternoon of work or coffee date).
My "go-to" order: Honey Vanilla Latte (over ice or hot). It's the best "treat" during a long work week and perfect for a hot summer day!

Downtown Detroit:
Cocktails: Sugar House, Corktown
Why I love it: Of course their cocktails are to die for, but the atmosphere is very industrial, dark and intriguing. I also love how their staff is so knowledgeable and charming! They can make you something so amazing just by asking you a few simple questions.. Never disappoints!
My "go-to" order: Anything they create! I love going in there and telling any one of their skilled bartenders what I prefer in terms of flavor. After a few mixes and pours, I am gifted with one tasty and beautiful cocktail. Always a fun surprise! If you are not as adventurous, you can always order one of their custom cocktails off their menu.



Coffee: Roasting Plant Detroit
Why I love it: Located right downtown Detroit, this place serves a great cup of a coffee all with wonderful views of the city. An easy pit stop that is unique and very delicious!
What I am wearing: Ferne Boutiques "Easy Tiger" tee and jean jacket paired with my favorite hat from Lulu Lemon. Opening Day I received so many compliments on this "Tigers" themed tank. It's cute and very appropriate for living in "The D."
My "go-to" order: For the summer I am a HUGE fan of anything cold brew related at the Roasting Plant. I have been trying to drink my coffee darker and darker but it's SUCH a struggle. Another drink I love is their vanilla latte over ice. Perfect sweet summer treat.








Want more for the first day of summer? A few fellow Michigan blogger babes have you covered!

Niki, This Blissful Moment- Summer Style 
Nina, The HSS Feed- Summer Beauty


Love my outfits outfits, shop them here now at Ferne Boutique!



*The Sugar House Photo credited to  Sugar House Facebook. Account 

Hi friends-

With summer picking up, I am in full workout and health mode. I workout pretty often throughout the entire year but there is something about summer that kicks my butt to step up my game in the "healthy food" department and amp-up going to the gym. I typically go to the gym (shout-out to Jabs Gym) around 4-5x per week. To me, the hard part is the "eating" of any fitness routine. Finding something to snack on all while being a busy babe is something I struggle with.

I have asked a special guest to come on Modish Mitten and give us some her favorite recipes that are satisfying and perfect for summertime. Not only is she gorgeous, but has an A+ in the health and fitness department.

Take it away Shalie...


My name is Shalie Bireta, creator and amateur chef of #BIRETA BITES – food fueling fitness.
I grew up learning about the benefits of a natural, organic, and holistic lifestyle from my mother, a health teacher. I have come to nurture and value this lifestyle, finding myself to be fascinated by all aspects of health and wellness, but especially nutrition. I like to know exactly where food comes from and what it consists of, which has lead me to find deep satisfaction in the art of cooking. I am constantly trying new concoctions for meal prep, crock pot meals and healthy dessert alternatives!
Coming Soon... A COOKBOOK!  "Bireta Bites" - a compilation of 50 recipes that I’ve provided teasers to of over the years. More details to come!
Summer Bites below...

My personal mantra is PURSUE PASSION and over the past two years God has guided me towards furthering my involvement in the field of nutrition and one opportunity after another. I am currently working to obtain a Master Nutrition Certification from AFPA (American Fitness Professionals of America) that encompasses Nutrition and Wellness, Weight Management, Sports Nutrition and Holistic Health. I was blessed with the opportunity to begin working for Nell Nation Fitness earlier this year, a gym located in Lapeer, Michigan, assisting with aspects associated with nutrition.  I am also a distributor for AdvoCare, a health and wellness company that provides innovative nutritional, weight-management and sports performance products (most commonly known for "Spark" and "The 24-day challenge").

Ultimately, my goal is to help individuals hone healthy habits and teach them that “healthy shouldn’t have to be hard.”


Instagram: @shaliekae

Advocare: https://www.advocare.com/170128512/






Charred and Cheesy Asparagus  
·        1 lb. Asparagus
·        1 package Lean Jenny O Turkey Bacon
·        Plain or Garlic Goat Cheese
·        Mrs. Dash Salt Free Garlic and Onion Seasoning

1.      Wash asparagus and cut off split ends.
2.      Lay turkey bacon across cutting board.
3.      Cut small chunks of goat cheese and crumble across the center of slices of bacon.
4.      Carefully (so the turkey bacon does not split) spread cheese evenly, cover each slice. I found it best to use my fingers for pressing, rather than a knife, considering how pliable each piece is before being cooked.
5.      Wrap bacon slices around asparagus spears with the plain side facing outside. If slices are struggling to stay wrapped, spear with toothpick.

6.      Cook on hot charcoal grill for 10-15 or until spears have softened but not become mushy.  Also, can bake at 400 degrees for 15-25 mins depending on personal preference and oven cooking tendencies. 

Hi everyone-

 I recently shared a pretty special moment with one awesome Michigander. I have known Bret Miller, director of, Chasing the Star, for the past few years now. It's not every day where someone you know heads out west to follow their dreams of directing a large film! This film has been playing across the state and I was lucky enough to be invited to the Grand Rapids Premiere last month at the UICA. This venue is not only perfect for this type of event, but you could tell how proud the cast and crew were that this film came to life.

This movie was filmed in Mid-Michigan and Arizona this past winter, Chasing The Star was produced by Collective Development Incorporated, a Lansing Michigan production company.
Chasing The Star gives a unique perspective to the biblical genre. The film covers the story of the three Magi, or Wise Men, as they search for the foretold prophecy of Jesus. Through each character's journey you see individual battles and struggles unfold.




About Bret:
Besides being someone I truly adore, Bret is one talented Michigander and proud Spartan Alumni. Throughout directing and contributing to all sorts of projects (big and small) he has managed to make a strong name and effort on the focus of the film industry to our lovely Mitten.




My Thoughts:

I am no movie critic but I must say I was impressed and very intrigued. The plot was very interesting and something I would never expect coming from a "Biblical" genre movie. The history mixed with the story line is very well put together and played. It truly captured my attention and the need to find out "what happens next!!"

More to come,
Danielle

More Information:
www.bretmillerfilmmaker.com/

www.facebook.com/chasingthestarmovie/

www.christianfilmdatabase.com/review/chasing-the-star/


All Photos taken by Austen Ezinga.


*Bret- keep kicking ass my friend. Cheers to more films and adventures to come.

Hey guys!
This past Friday, April 21st, I had the privilege to attend Runway on the Rapids 2017 at the JW Marriott. The show was packed full of spring trends and stand-out styles thanks to some of the featured local boutiques and stores like DENYM, Lee & Birch, Elizabeth Halsey Boutique, and The Shoppe at St. Mary’s. The models strutted their stuff to DJ AB while looking fierce with hair and make-up from 15 East Style Studio, Bang Blow Dry Bar & Salon, Chasing Vanity Salon and Spa, and Hanna Wagner Design.



Co-founders Kim VanOeffelen and Alyssa Locke started this event when Kim was Diagnosed with MS in 2007, and they partnered to build awareness and bring support to the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program at Mercy Health. Kim said the event last year raised $12,000 for the multiple sclerosis program. They hoped to raise $15,000 this year!



Guests had the opportunity to bid at a silence auction along with a live auction on stage before the show started.


The shows closer featured Siss Viss, an avant-garde designer from Tennessee. Her winning Memphis Fashion Week collection appeared on this years runway, showing off unique recycled fashion and jewelry line made from bicycle inner tubes.

The entire evening was nothing short of fabulous and has left me in full SHOPPING MODE! Go check out the new spring styles that were on full display at Runway on the Rapids 2017.

Thanks!
Katie

* photos from Michael Buck

The JW Marriott ballroom glowed pink while everyone was dressed in their best “little black dress” attire! I along with hundreds of people attended The Little Black Dress Party, on Saturday, February 25. This was my first time going to the annual party and was I blown away! From the cocktails to the runway fashion show, every detail was done to perfection.



The evening kicked off with a fashion show sponsored by Humanity Boutique. They had endless models strutting their stuff in styled outfits to music by Dj Composition. The energy from the crowd was tangible, and you could feel the excitement in the room. Every woman on that runway exuded the confidence and sophistication that all women should feel. The dresses ranged from timeless to sleek and edgy.

I connected with Courtney from Humanity Boutique to get her persective of the entire evening. Here's what she said:

"This is year we were honored to participate as the featured boutique at the Little Black Dress runway show.  The JW Marriott was a pleasure to work with.  They handled the technical and logistical part of the runway show, which made it easy for me to do my part.  I selected the models, three of which are cancer survivors. Since the Little Black Dress party is partnered with Susan G. Komen I thought it would be the perfect fit to use survivors to model on the runway. 
Styling the models can be the hardest part because I want the clothing to fit their personalities as well as their bodies.  This gives them that extra amount of confidence on the catwalk because they actually enjoy what they are wearing. But together we came up with the perfect outfits, and all outfits flowed seamlessly on the runway.  Organization and helping hands are the key elements to pulling off a successful runway show.  I'm so grateful to have my amazing family who teamed up to help pull it off!"

Like Coutrney said above, The Little Black Dress Party partnered with Susan G. Women so that a portion of the proceeds go to supporting breast cancer research. Knowing that all these men and women had gathered for not only a great evening but an even greater cause was awesome! 



Once the fashion show finished, the music, drinks, and dancing kept going! Every corner of the room was filled with people. My friends and I took the stage for some dancing to DJ Composition. The night was filled with beautiful, inspiring women and I will definitely be attending this event next year!

Thanks!
Katie

* photos from Rich P. Photoraphy, Verium Photoraphy, and Mike Platz

Good morning friends-

Hello friends,

Whether it's a binge on chick flicks after work or hanging out over a bottle of Rose, there is always something fun to do with your girlfriends. This year I thought it would be fun to spend some time with my close friends and make some yummy drinks. Recipes mentioned in video below!

More to Come,
Danielle




Raspberry Sorbet Rose' 

Ingredients:
-Rose Champagne
-Cold/frozen raspberries
-raspberry sorbet
-mint (optional for garnish)




What to do:
Make sure the martini glasses are cold. Scoop out a small portion of the sorbet in a martini glass and then fill the glass with champagne. Garnish with raspberries and mint. Enjoy!



Pink Grapefruit Margaritas


Note: If you don't like your margaritas frozen, you could easily do this recipe in a shaker and pour over ice.




*These drinks are designed for individuals 21 and older within the US
*Please do not drink and drive