Hi!
I'm Nicole. I am a wife, mother, shop owner on Mackinac Island, and lover of handmade. The little things and little moments inspire me. Follow me on my blog as I write about shop news, my travels, island life and motherhood.
Nicole
xo.

Read a little more about me.

browse

search

newsletter

 
hello there

Sign up for our occassional newsletter to learn about new goodies and upcoming events!

 
 

little luxuries

 

Grab Donuts from Cannon Ball: Cannon Ball is located at British Landing and is the halfway point when you are biking around the island. If you want to get a donut from Cannon Ball, be sure to get there early before they sell out!
Taste Caramel Apples from Sander’s: Don’t you remember growing up and eating tasty caramel apples? Relive those fall memories on Mackinac by visiting Sander’s for a delicious caramel covered apple!
Take a walk down Main Street to look at Halloween decor: This is one of our favorite things to do as a family! Take a walk from the Island House Hotel to Windemere Point looking at all the spooky decor!
Eat Lunch at Fort Mackinac’s Tea Room: The Tea Room is run by the Grand Hotel, so the food in delicious and the view of the leaves changing is spectacular!
Carve a pumpkin: We can’t wait to carve the pumpkins that will decorate the front doors at the shop! Stay tuned to see what the staff comes up with!
Hike to Fort Holmes: Many people never make it up to Fort Holmes, but the views from the top are incredible and it’s a lovely walk up there. On your fall stay, make time to head up there!
Visit Fort Mackinac: If you haven’t visited the Fort on past visits, do it this fall! It will be less crowded and you’ll learn so much history about Mackinac Island!
Jump in a Pile of Leaves: Look around Mackinac Island for a fun pile of leaves to jump in! You’ll probably be able to find a pile to jump in on your hike up to Fort Holmes.
 
Grab a Warm Drink from Lucky Bean: You already know my favorite drink is a Vanilla Chai Latte with Almond Milk! What is your go - to fall drink? 
 
Take an art class at Watercolor Cafe: Be sure to check out what fun art classes are happening this fall at Watercolor Cafe! 
 
Get the Best Apples from Friske Orchards, Found at Doud’s Market: We love Friske Orchards in Northern Michigan and we are proud to carry their fresh apples every fall! 
 
Pick up your favorite bottle of Witch’s Brew Wine at Little Luxuries: It is our secret wine blend enhanced with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other natural spices that makes this a crowd pleaser and favorite of Leelanau Cellars' fans. Perfect for entertaining, this wine will explode with intense flavor when served warm but can also be served chilled as an ingredient in sangria.
Is there anything you would add to your fall bucket list of things you really want to do on the Island? Be sure to let us know!
2 comments | share this
A summer day at the lake is the perfect way to spend a day off of work! Every summer, we take Sunday’s as our family day. This summer, we’ve been stealing away to my parent’s cottage on a small lake in Michigan for the perfect summer time with the boys, my parents and my brothers!
When we were there a few weeks ago, I realized that somehow I forgot my bathing suit! (Mom Brain!) My mom actually had a spare bathing suit she convinced me to try - it fit perfectly! The fun part is, it was her suit from the 1970s, but it was still in great condition and the style was so classic no one would ever know it was some 50 years old! Now, it’s my go-to summer suit when we are swimming at the cottage! So fun to see what has gone out of style come right back in!
Nicole Doud
While we were at the cottage this past weekend, my mom made one of everyone’s favorite recipes: Blueberry Muffins! We grew up with these muffins and now the boys love to eat them! My mouth is watering just thinking about them filled with fresh Michigan blueberries!
Ingredients:
1/2 rolled oats
1/2 cup orange juice (or water)
1 1/2 cups all purpose or unbleached flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Prepare muffin tin with either grease or baking cup liners.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and orange juice; stir well.
Add flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, coining oil and egg.
Mix together.
Stir in blueberries
Spoon into muffin tin, filling 2/3 full.
Blend 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over the batter.
Bake for 18 - 22 minutes, until golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins.
MMM! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and to hear if you liked it or not! Also, tell me, do you and your mom share any pieces of clothing that have gone in and out of style?
Xo,
Nicole

 

3 comments | share this

It’s time to introduce to you the Little Luxuries’ ladies of 2020! I asked them to tell you their favorite product and / or their summer goal! 

Allison is from Bay City, Michigan! Her favorite product is at the Artists Market of Mackinac Island: Peach Tree Lane. These necklaces are dainty and the perfect addition to any outfit! When asked about her summer bucket list / goal while living on the island she said: “Everything! I wanna explore as many of the trails as I can!"

We’re SO excited to have Hannah back this year working at The Artists Market of Mackinac Island! Hannah is from East Lansing, Michigan. She loves the Barn Social signs at The Artists Market. Fun Fact: These signs are made in Michigan! Her goal for this summer is to live slow and spend every moment possible outside. 

Meet Marea, who is back for her second summer at Canvas and Paddle! If you stop into Canvas and Paddle, Marea will be there to greet you with a smile! Marea is from Rogers City, MI. She loves all the vintage products that can be found in the Canvas and Paddle shop. Her goal while working at the shop this summer is to meet someone from every state! 

Amber, from Cadillac, Michigan, is here for her first summer on Mackinac Island! The Must Have Must Get Jewelry line is her favorite product at Little Luxuries! It’s cute, simple, and she likes the popularity of them. Her goal for the summer is to be able to ride the grand hill all the way through, try every restaurant on the island, kayak to the light house!” 

If you’ve been visiting Little Luxuries for a few years, you’ll recognize Tiffany’s smiling face, as she is back for her 3rd year! During the off season, she lives in Alma, Michigan. Her favorite products can be found at the Artists Market of Mackinac Island, Eclectic Bead Jewelry. Her goal for the summer is to learn as much as possible and have fun!

We’re so excited to have Gabi back for her second year! Gabi is from Ashland, Ohio. If you stop into the shops, ask Gabi which fudge shop is her favorite. Her goal for the summer is to collect as many coffee mugs as possible from all the shops on Mackinac Island! Gabi loves the silverware rings from The Artists Market of Mackinac! 

Meet Bry, who is back for her 3rd summer on Mackinac Island! Her favorite products are the candles from Milk Reclamation Barn. They are new this season and caught her eye immediately on her first day back in the shop! She love the idea of repurposing a glass milk bottle into a yummy smelling candle! As for her summer goal: "I hope to go on a sunrise kayak tour with Great Turtle Kayaks. This has been something that has been on my bucket list every summer and it’s about time I get out on the water!"

Meet Irena, who is a full time resident of Mackinac Island! Her favorite part about living on Mackinac Island is the no car rule! She loves to ride her bike around the island every chance she gets! If you ask her what her favorite food on the island is, she won't tell you fudge- but rather all the ice cream! Stop in to Little Luxuries to meet Irena- she'll bring a smile to your face and have a great recommendation for what to buy!

Little Luxuries is open every day, 9:30 AM - 10 PM. Stop in to meet these lovely Little Luxuries' ladies and to shop for your favorite goodies! 

add a comment | share this

Today on the blog I’m sharing some of my summer essentials for myself and the boys!

I recently purchased two tops that I love from Target. They are the perfect shirt for summer in the shop - cool and breezy and a good price!

Women's Bubble Elbow Sleeve Blouse - Universal Thread™

Nicole Doud

Women's Plaid Short Sleeve Collared Button-Front Shirt - Universal Thread™ Red

Recently, I bought a pepper plant from the Magnolia Line at Target! It’s the perfect addition to any room in the house! 

Faux Pepper Plant - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

The boys LOVE this new 2-1 shampoo / body wash that I got them! It’s toxin free (which makes me happy!) and, tear free and smells great! Plus, it’s called Fresh Monster! What little boy doesn’t love that?!

Fresh Monster Shampoo & Body Wash Ocean Splash

I’m a bath girl, I LOVE soaking in the tub! These 24 bath bombs from Amazon have 6 different scents. They are organic and natural and I bet that you’ll love them as much as I do! The boys are just as excited about them as I am AND they keep our skin extra soft!

 

This is my favorite laundry detergent! The garden - fresh scent isn’t too strong and I love that it’s a plant based solution. 

Nicole Doud

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent, Cruelty Free and Biodegradable Formula, Honeysuckle Scent, 64 oz

The boys are out in the sunshine everyday, almost all day! This sunscreen is great for the boys - the best part is - it’s water resistant and is easy to apply. 

Alba Botanica Tropical Fruit Kids SPF 45 Sunscreen, 4 oz

 

These are our current summer essentials! Tell me, what are your summer essentials? 

add a comment | share this

Happy Saturday!

Fall brings about a breath of fresh air on the island, as the leaves are changing and the season is starting to slow down. The air is crisp and the mornings / nights are chillier.

I wanted to tell you about two of my favorite spots to visit on the island: Watercolor Cafe and Lucky Bean!

Watercolor Cafe

Watercolor Cafe is new this year, opened by Kate Dupre, an artist on Mackinac Island. (Fun Fact: Her work is in The Artists Market of Mackinac!) Watercolor Cafe is an art space and beanery, hosting a cafe during the day and creative art classes at night. The boys enjoyed her Monday art classes that she hosted for children this summer! The menu is fresh, exciting and delicious! The view of Watercolor Cafe is peaceful and serene, as is it right on the water, next to the marina.

Lucky Bean

Lucky Bean is right behind us on Market Street. I love to slip in here in the morning for a chai tea latte with almond milk to start the day! Crisp fall mornings are perfect latte weather. This is Lucky Bean’s 9th season on Mackinac Island and I honestly don’t know what I did before it existed!

When you are on Mackinac Island this fall, stop in to each of these places for a sweet treat and great drink!

 

Xoxo

Nicole

1 comments | share this