mostefinitely

July 14, 2023July 14, 2023

Traveling to Beautiful Venice: Our Favorite Sights, Bites, and Highlights

Venice, Italy has been one of my top places to visit for years. There’s simply no other place like it in the world, and particularly with the city experiencing devastating flooding in 2019 and the ongoing effects of climate change, I realized it wasn’t the kind of trip to put off forever.

We had the opportunity to visit Rome and Florence during our honeymoon in 2009, but it’s taken 14 years for us to get back to Italy. Thanks to a pandemic-instilled wanderlust and binge-watching Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy series on CNN, the desire to revisit the country was at an all-time high the last couple of years.

In Summer 2022, we decided to book our dream Venice trip for the following July, arriving on the 4th of all days, and staying for five nights. With a just under a year to plan, we consulted friends who’d visited before, scoured blogs and travel websites, and saved Instagram posts and reels with all of the must-dos.

I created a trusty Google Doc to plot out our days, which thankfully wouldn’t be as painstakingly packed as our previous trips to places like Paris and Hawaii. The benefit of a shorter trip in a smaller city — we knew we still wouldn’t be able to see everything, but overall it felt manageable, the perfect balance of locking in some meals and tours while leaving time to just get lost.

Now that the trip has come and gone, I’m still in my Aperol Spritz haze. Venice was everything I hoped and yet exceeded all expectations at the same time. From the kindness and pride of the Venetian people to the gems that can be found around every corner, Venice has my heart forever.

Here is a recap of our favorite sights, bites, and highlights during our trip to Venice.

November 6, 2022November 6, 2022

I Vaccinate to Protect My School-Aged Kids

I’ve partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

This fall marked a momentous occasion in the Pohl house: our youngest started kindergarten. We officially made it to the full-day school stage, a milestone I remember dreaming about on days where the hours felt like they dragged on and yet dreaded as the big day approached.

I became a stay-at-home mom after she was born, and while her big sister was at school, we had a lot of time together. Her world was relatively small. And as the baby of the family, her firsts were the last firsts.

While the moment of dropping both girls off at school together had the celebration and bittersweetness I anticipated, it was also marked with a particular sense of worry. After a couple of years of virtual learning, reduced school hours, exposure scares, and plenty of at-home nasal swabs, the road to get to this big milestone was especially bumpy. Well, if that isn’t the understatement of the world.

November 10, 2021November 10, 2021

New Trend: Forever bracelets at Elaine B Jewelry

Friendship bracelets have come a long way since childhood. Instead of the summer camp classics, the newest trend of the last few years is the forever bracelet, a delicate and glam version that shares the same sentiment of connection.

Forever bracelet bars are popping up across the country, with jewelers offering customers the opportunity to choose from a variety of chain styles and add-on charms to create their own special statement. Instead of using a clasp, the chain is welded onto the wearer. Hence the “forever” part, although of course they’re not exactly permanent.

For a couple of months, my friends Linda and Ellen talked about getting the bracelets together. Ellen learned about forever bracelets from posts on Instagram, where popular shops like Catbird in NYC have been on top of the trend for the last few years. Still, a quick trip to New York isn’t very feasible, even in non-COVID times.

Some weeks later, Ellen found Elaine B Jewelry in Ferndale, which appears to be the only jeweler in the state so far that is offering the forever bracelet experience. They also offer anklets! We made plans for a Saturday afternoon to get bracelets, lunch, and of course a stop by Detroit Cookie Co. for treats.

October 19, 2021October 19, 2021

All about our complete kitchen remodel

Back in January, we began the first of two major remodeling projects at our house. From January to March, All in One Kitchen and Bath transformed our main bathroom from a white-tiled 90s paradise to a gorgeous oasis.

It was during the early stages of the bathroom project that we asked our designer Cara to come up with a design for our dream kitchen. While well-appointed and with some great features, our kitchen was head-to-toe oak, the floors matching the cabinets, with earthy tones throughout. Very 90s/early 2000s. We dreamed about white cabinets, darker floors, a backsplash similar to the subway tile in our new shower, and making the space more functional. We never used the small bar sink, the microwave was below counter level, and we wanted a narrower island to help open up the space.

Here’s how our kitchen looked before the renovation

Knowing that All in One’s schedule was already filling up for 2021, we locked in a summer start date. We figured that between time away at the lake and a couple of planned trips, it wouldn’t be so bad to live through another renovation.

October 15, 2021October 15, 2021

Review: ‘Evita’ exhilarates at Owosso’s Lebowsky Center

After a year and a half of waiting, live theatre is back indoors at the Lebowsky Center in Owosso, Michigan. While the show must (finally) go on, the Lebowsky Center is aware of how COVID-19 continues to be a concern for the public and theatre community. With a commitment to keep its audience members safe and entertained, the Lebowsky Center will be requiring masks from its patrons as it kicks off its 2021-22 season.

For this avid theatre-goer, wearing a mask in order to enjoy live shows again is the very least I can do. I also can’t imagine a better way to begin the fall theatre season than with the Lebowsky Center‘s production of ‘Evita,’ directed by Garrett Bradley. ‘Evita’ arrives in Owosso all the way from Argentina for two weekends this October. Click here for tickets.

‘Evita,’ the story of Eva Perón’s rise from a penniless existence to first lady of Argentina by the age of 26, features the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical has captured audiences for over 40 years, from its Tony Award-winning Broadway run to the 1996 film adaptation starring Madonna.

Audiences will be exhilarated by the Lebowsky Center’s production, thanks to its talented cast, vibrant costumes, and beautiful set design.

October 11, 2021October 14, 2021

Check out Jack O’Lanterns Unleashed at Ingham County Fair

As you can probably tell, it’s been a minute since I’ve written on my blog. We had quite a summer and I have a lot of backlogged content I’m hoping to get to soon, especially as both of our girls have been back to school in person.

While some of that content to come is a bit more evergreen (including our recent kitchen remodel), I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to write about a fantastic fall activity we just experienced that is perfect for families.

Last Friday night, we attended the first evening of the Ingham County Fairgrounds’ Jack O’Lanterns Unleashed, a walkable Halloween experience in Mason, Michigan that includes thousands of hand-carved pumpkins with multiple themes and installations. 2021 marks the first year for Jack O’Lanterns Unleashed, but I’m certain it’ll be a must-do for families every fall to come.

I was starting to see targeted ads on my Facebook account for the experience in September, but didn’t know what to expect. It sounded like a fun Halloween activity that would be good for all ages. We invited my in-laws to join us and bought tickets for the first time slot of the first night, figuring it will only get colder as we get closer to Halloween.

Ticket information

Tickets range from $8-12 for children and adults; kids under 5 are free. When you visit the ticket page, you’ll see $30 VIP tickets listed at the top. These tickets allow visitors to do the experience any day and time slot of their choice, but as you scroll down the page, you’ll see the dates and tickets at the lower price point. Tickets are also available at the gate, but will be a slightly higher price and are dependent on availability.

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021

The story of how we met

My favorite movie of all time is “When Harry Met Sally…”

To me, it’s the perfect movie. It’s sweet, hilarious, romantic, and timeless (despite the fantastic 80s fashions). There’s also a brief mention of Michigan State, which only adds to its perfection.

I often associate “When Harry Met Sally…” with the beginning of my relationship with my husband, Zack, because we watched it together on the day we officially started dating. It always reminds me of that exciting and fun time whenever we watch it.

Some of the best parts of the movie are the documentary-style vignettes of couples describing how they met each other. Their stories are based on real-life couples, although they are portrayed by actors in the movie.

Sometimes I imagine us telling the story of how we met on camera sort of like those couples, because it’s such a far-fetched, improbable, one in a billion kind of tale that it feels unreal. I’ve shared the story with friends, family, and even the MSU Alumni Association at Valentine’s Day.

Most people assume, correctly, that we met at Michigan State. But there’s so much more to the story.

We met thanks to iTunes. And we met in person on May 6, 2004. Seventeen years ago today.

So here’s the story of when Zack met Stefanie.

May 3, 2021May 3, 2021

I’m breaking up with my Apple Watch rings

I’ve had it. I’m breaking the cycle.

I have decided that I will not live and die by my Apple Watch any longer.

On October 9th, 2020, I unwittingly started a Move streak that would carry on for 187 days. Once the streak started, it was hard to let go of it. So much so that I’d spend some (okay, several) evenings walking around my family room while we watched a show, go for extra walks with our dogs, anything to keep my streak alive before the clock struck midnight. But on April 13th, 2021, I went to bed thinking that I had *just* met my goal. The ring looked closed to me. Reader, I actually missed it by a few steps.

At first I was mad and disappointed in myself. I thought I might make it to a full year if I kept the streak going. It even took me a couple of days to notice that it had ended in such a frustrating and unintentional way.

But now, I feel free. And I’m going to try like hell not to let it suck me in again.

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021

Lift up local: Lansing’s Stellableu Designs makes whimsical creations

I first learned about Stellableu Designs from their posts in a local Lansing Facebook group, Not Your Mother’s Networking Group. The name caught my attention because of my daughter’s name, but also their photos of bright and happy balloon arrangements.

Stella was feeling a little sad about her birthday this month, particularly because her birthday party last year was one of the first big things we had to cancel due to COVID. I knew that I wanted to do something to surprise her, so I reached out to Stellableu on Facebook about their prices and design options.

I received a quick reply, and within minutes I was able to place my balloon “BOUQ” order, which included a table arrangement for $35 and their taller single digit BOUQ for $55. The balloons could be picked up the day before from my choice of two Lansing-area locations, and would last for two-three weeks. Considering the cost and longevity of flowers, this seemed like a great alternative.

Stella’s balloon BOUQs were exactly what I asked for and such a great way to surprise her. They made for really fun photos to commemorate her eighth birthday.

This week, I reached out to Stellableu Designs‘ owners, Jenna and Domonique, to learn more about their business. I was amazed to find out they began their balloon, floral, and event rental business during the pandemic! Learn more about these fun women and how their creative vision came to life.

March 2, 2021March 2, 2021

All about our complete bathroom remodel

Like many people, we’ve been spending a majority of our time right at home this past year. And, like many, we’ve been dreaming up changes to different parts of the house. In 2020, the house was quite a money pit, but not in a fun way. We had to replace our roof and rebuild our chimney in the spring following months of water issues; we had new drainage systems installed and our downspouts fixed to keep water from flowing into our basement during a heavy rain.

But in August 2020, we also got the ball rolling on a project we have wanted to do for several years: our main upstairs bathroom. While it wasn’t completely outdated looking, it had several elements we just didn’t like: a jacuzzi style tub where the jets got yucky from the standing water; white tile everything, from floors to shower to the countertops; a half-carpeted/half-tiled entryway; and not much in the way of soothing character or charm.

Our next door neighbors were remodeling their bathroom when the lockdown hit. After a delay, their project was completed in the summertime. I asked if they were happy with the company they chose, and they invited us to mask up and take a peek one evening. It looked wonderful!

In pre-COVID times, it would certainly make sense to call around and get quotes from other companies before moving forward with a project of this size. However, we are not in normal circumstances right now. Seeing the excellent work of a company and having a strong recommendation from a trusted neighbor gave us enough to move forward with the early parts of the process.