Real Life Dinners by Rachel Hollis: The title alone sold me! The book has over 80 recipes that are going to fit right in the the chaotic and busy season that all working Moms find themselves in! With the boys going back to school, the shops still open, etc. easy dinners are just what our family needs! I’m excited to dig into this new cookbook! I’ll be sure to update you and share my favorites once I’ve started using it!

There are 14 buildings in the fort and all are open for you to visit! Did you know that the fort has the oldest building in Michigan? You will learn fun tidbits about Mackinac’s and Michigan’s history while on your tour of the Fort! One of the buildings is called Kids’ Quarters, with has interactive games and hands-on displays that your kids will love! 

We love eating at The Tea Room for lunch! The Tea Room is operated by the Grand Hotel and has tasty lunch treats for you and the kids!  

This summer, we’ve been enjoying Movies After Dark at the Fort! We just went to watch The Lego Movie on the Parade Ground at the Fort this past week and the boys loved it! They are always having fun events like that at Fort Mackinac for you and your family to enjoy. 

Next time you’re on Mackinac Island, be sure to add visiting Fort Mackinac to the list! 

Summer is coming to an end and college students are getting ready to go back to school. Which means they’re packing their bags and getting together everything that they’re going to need for the school year. It got me thinking about what I would need to head back to school - so I went around the shops and found 5 items from each shop for a total of 15 Essentials for College Students!

 

Little Luxuries

1. Inspirational Soft Cover Journal: Every student needs something to write down their notes in, so why not get an inspirational journal that’s adorable and uplifting!

 

2. Island Girl Lilac Collection Hand Sanitizer: Not only is it easy to take on the go because it comes in two different sizes, but it also smells amazing! Who doesn’t want to smell good while also being able to keep their hands clean?

 

3. Mackinac Bath and Body Room & Body Mist: Everyone loves products that have multiple uses. Room & Body Mists come in four different scents and can be used on your body as well as in your room, making them perfect for a student living in the dorm!

 

4. Island Girl Tote: Let’s be honest, college students are always on the go and sometimes run late. The Island Girl Tote is perfect for those with a busy lifestyle because it’s easy to grab things, slip them into the tote and go! It’s also a great size so you can fit all of your books and other college essentials inside.

 

5. Rifle Paper Weekly Desk Pad: In college it’s important to be organized and keep track of when homework is due and when exams are, that’s why this Weekly Desk Pad is perfect! Just place it on your desk, write down any important tasks for the week and there you go, you’re organized and prepared to take on the semester!

 

The Artists Market

1. Mulberry Pines Essential Oil: We all know that college can be stressful and there’s nothing more relaxing than diffusing some essential oils. Plus, essential is literally in the name!

 

2. Mackinac Mittens: If you go to school somewhere where winters are anything like they are on the island, you’ll definitely be needing a pair of these mittens to keep your hands warm!

 

3. Lipstick Holder: Attach it to your keys or your backpack and you’ll never lose your lip gloss again!

 

4. Red Cabin Studio Stickers: These stickers are the perfect addition to any laptop or water bottle!

 

5. Masks: Considering they’re required, masks are the most essential thing there is right now so why not make sure you have one to go with every outfit? These Karen Allen masks are two-sided, have adjustable ear straps and a strap that goes around your neck so that you’ll never lose it!

 

Canvas and Paddle

1. Rolltop Backpack PLUS: This backpack has enough storage to hold everything you need for classes!

 

2. Keweenaw Coffee: Caffeine is always a must when it comes to college. It’s perfect for those early morning or late nights spent studying!

 

3. Canoe Canvas Pouch: Throw all of your pens and pencils into this pencil pouch and you’ll be all set to take notes in class!

 

4. Canvas and Paddle Water Bottle: Do you want to be able to take your favorite drink to class and have it stay the same temperature the whole time? This water bottle is amazing because it has a copper plated inner wall that helps retain the internal temperature longer!

 

5. Jumbo Notepad Meal Planner: If you’re someone who has a busy schedule and doesn’t have time to plan what to eat every day, this meal planner is meant for you. It makes it easy to plan your meals ahead of time and you’ll never have to worry about what to eat!

 

College can be stressful, but I hope that these essentials will make things a little easier and a little more relaxing!

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!

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and orange juice; stir well.