As you read last week, I just had a big birthday, and because it’s a big one, I’m just letting the celebration continue all month long. So, I thought I would share with you all of the fun I’ve had being the birthday girl so far.

I started my birthday weekend off, with my parents and best friends, in one of my favorite places, Mackinac Island, Michigan. Have you seen or heard the Pure Michigan commercials? If you’re anything like me, they put you right in the setting of the scenery being described and give you goosebumps, in a good way of course. Well, Mackinac Island is as “pure Michigan” as you can get. It is a gorgeous island between the coasts of the upper and lower peninsulas. The island is full of Victorian charm, even down to the streets lined with horse buggies and bicycles. That’s right everyone, no cars allowed. It may sound awful,but that is what makes Mackinac, well, Mackinac.

It’s a gorgeous island, that while loaded with options of things to do, is incredibly peaceful and serene. It really puts you into a new mindset. One of my favorite things to do on the island is bike. I love biking anywhere, but it’s an all time best here. The 8 mile ride around the entire island is pretty perfect (and easy), with gorgeous views all the way around of course. You can be a little more athletic if you like, and bike up through the middle of the island, where you can see some of the most gorgeous homes, and go up some pretty large hills. It’s worth it, I promise! There are shops galore, wonderful restaurants, ice cream and fudge around every corner, great tours (horse, walking, kayak and bike) and so many places to pull up a chair and just enjoy the great outdoors…and some people watching too.

I’ve stayed at several places on the island and while my all time favorite is the Grand Hotel [One of the best hotels I have EVER stayed at. First class service all the way.], this time around we stayed at the Island House, which comes in as a very close second. It was a beautiful old hotel, close to the center of town, with a big front porch lined with rocking chairs and plenty of views no matter where you look. If you are looking for places to eat, the Pink Pony is always a fun spot, and for more elegant dining the indoor and outdoor areas at the Hotel Iroquois are incredible.

After a great weekend on the island, we headed back to my hometown, where I got to celebrate with my whole family. My birthday fell on Labor Day this year, and what’s more appropriate than a picnic for Labor Day? Not much, so we had one! Followed by a stop at the ice cream shop of course.

A week later, still celebrating, my friends and I took to the 90’s, and luckily we were saved by the bell. We went to The Max. It’s a fun little pop-up restaurant here in Chicago, that is an exact replica of the The Max from the TV show Saved By The Bell. They were pretty spot on with the decorating and you do feel like Zack, Slater or Screech could walk in at any moment. I won’t lie, you pay more than you should for the quality of the food, but it’s still a fun experience if you were a Saved By The Bell fan.

I’m lucky to have so many people in my life who are there with me to celebrate big milestones, this birthday being one. Thank you to everyone who made it so special. It means the world to me and I love you all!

Signed with Style,