I had been thinking a long time about getting a tattoo again. I already had 4. And so decided after over a year of considering what I wanted to get next, to go for it. So booked an appointment with TJ and Eleven 11 Tattoos.

Tj runs an awesome shop. He is an incredible artist as well. He took the idea of a design and some other pics I sent him and created a great piece of art for me. This represents my love for the Manta Ray and the love I have for our condo and the Navarre Beach area. He also handled my sensitive skin very well and was light handed in his work.

I told TJ that I am just going to wait and come to him every time we are in FL when I am ready for my next tattoo. Which have three others in mind! 

Alphy’s is very well known in the Navarre beach area. The sign has a catfish on it and the name once read catfish on it as well. But what we have heard more people talk about with Alphy’s is the amazing cinnamon roll pancakes.
So being the breakfast people we are (we love breakfast) we went to Alphy’s on our last trip to Navarre. And it did NOT disappoint.
Our server was prompt and our food came super quick.
We were about to put syrup on our pancakes because after all that is what we do right? She suggested to try it with out it first. Yes! Just YES! This is exactly how it should be eaten.
We loved this so much we actually ordered a to go order of the pancakes later in the week.
When in town make sure to check out Alphy’s
https://alphysfamilyrestaurant.com/
​

I was in town for a weekend conference and stayed at the Cambridge Suites. Was looking for a breakfast place open by 7am as that is when I would be leaving to head to the conference. In my search I came across Sunset Grill and it was right at the corner by my hotel. So that was a win for me. I went here two days for breakfast and ordered to go.

Staff was super friendly and service was quick! Portions are HUGE as well.

The one day I got Yogurt and Berries. I was expecting something maybe a bit bigger than one would get if they ordered a McDonalds Parfait….I was SO wrong. This serving was massive. I was only able to eat about half of it and it kept me full until lunch. The other day I ordered Eggs whites, sautéed baby spinach, Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato. The menu lists it as a healthy sandwich. To me, it was a big greasy to be classified as this but again the portion was huge. It also came with home fries (which I didn’t notice on the menu). I was honestly too full to be able to eat them! 

So for me this place has wonderful food, amazing portion sizes and quick service! 

​

I wanted to find somewhere to eat that had vegetarian options as I challenged myself to not eat meat over lent. So I decided to go to Tropical Smoothie Café. It did NOT disappoint. I started out with getting the Dragon Fruit smoothie. It was amazing. For my meal I got the Hummus Veggie wrap. I LOVED it. So much flavor! And I fully expected it to be a cold wrap as typically when it is just veggies it is. But it was warm. Which made it that much more delicious. Our service was fast as well. This location was very clean and staff was very friendly.

I highly recommend giving them a try. This was our first time ordering their food and we will for sure be back!

​

Who loves pizza? Our family! I don’t think we would handle things well if we ever had to have a diet that didn’t allow pizza. It is one of our favorite things to do when going to a new city, find a pizza place that is not a chain and check it out. 

But right here in our home town we are blessed with sooooo many mom and pop pizza places! Zalomas is one of those! They are located in North Muskegon. And their pizza is TO DIE FOR! We would suggest going when it is warm out and enjoying the picnic garden next to the restaurant or taking your pizza down to the beach at Pier Marquette. The location doesn’t have much for seating so plan to take it to go! 
Also call in ahead of time for sure as they get super busy. I mean once you taste this pizza you will understand why! And the location in “downtown” NIMS neighborhood offers many options to eat outside. 

So grab a menu and order a pie of your choice!

​

Deena does an amazing job in this book. It was nothing like what I expected. I figured it would be another book of “take this step you will see this result” as it is geared toward having a positive mind set. But I was totally wrong!

Deena takes you through your running life and journey. The ups and downs from a young age to her adulthood and family. The struggles of not only being an elite athlete but also meeting the needs and expectations of family and friends. 

I loved reading about her passion for the sport of running. How she talks about connecting with the earth and nature around her on her runs. One chapter she spoke about how the earth and her feet worked together to push her forward and be faster (you will have to read the book to fully understand). On my next run I had fun focusing on this concept and I felt faster. I by all means am not fast like her but it was fun looking at my running in this way and feeling the difference.

I also really loved how she explained how she would use mental games to make races be challenging in the way she needed them to be. I would often find myself lost in her story and not being able to put the book down. I simply didn’t want it to end.

Upon completion of the book I feel like I know Deena. Like I am a friend and that if I ever did meet her in person that we could be instant friends because of the journey she took me on of her life in her book. 
This is a must read! Especially for anyone who likes to be active. You will find much inspiration though the chapters of this book. Even if all you take away is how to find gratitude in each day, that is a win!

​

This was my first read by Andy Andrews. It did not disappoint. I loved how he took me through the journey of how going to the bottom of the pool is where the biggest results come from. 

I have been able to daily apply the action steps from this book to work on bringing my life and my business beyond the norm. Not just outside the box. But beyond it! 

Andy Andrews also has an amazing sense of humor throughout the book. Poking fun at himself, telling the reading that he understands we are thinking “what the heck” but to “hang on it will make sense”. Also using his personal life story of how the action steps have been applied and worked. 

If you are looking for a fresh new way to grow your business and your personal life pick this book up! The action steps are attainable and it will really make you think in a way you never thought was possible! It will ignite a flame within yourself to go for more and to be the best…. No the greatest and to go BEYOND!

​

Andy Andrews does a fantastic job at writing inspirational books but in a very interesting way. He uses his storytelling ability to teach his points vs just writing in a “lecture” tone.

In this book he writes about a man who has hit rock bottom. Thought that his family would be better off without him and then gets in an accident. He goes through a journey where he encounters 7 historical figures and learned something from each of them that will change his life forever. He eventually is even able to see what his future could look like if he chooses to follow the advice he was given.

This book was very well written. A quick and easy read. I got taken back to the historical times that the author depicted as well. It felt like I was there and felt like I was the one talking to the historical person. 

I would for sure recommend this if you are looking for a “self help” type book that is written as a story and a journey. The character is easy to relate to as well as there is something all of us can relate to in his struggle. 

You will end this book with 7 steps you can take daily to help you go after your dreams and change your life. So sit back and enjoy the ride through history while learning practical ways you can improve yourself.

​

One of the best things about the Indianapolis area is the ability to get anywhere in town on the trail system. The White River Trail is a 10.6 mile trail that will bring you all over town! 

We discovered the trail on our first visit to town and the zoo. Here are some major destinations along the trail: Riverside Regional Park, IUPUI, Marian College, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Canal Walk downtown, White River State Park, and the Indianapolis Zoo. 

When I was in town by myself I felt very safe on the trail as long as I stayed north of Washington St. Once I crossed Washington St. I found that there were transient people in tents down by the river. And for me, being alone and not knowing the area well, I decided to turn around and head back towards town. If I had been with another person I would have felt much more comfortable riding. So just be aware and keep an eye out.

The trail is well lit and well marked. Paved and nice and wide so there is room for bikers, walkers and runners alike. There are plenty of places to stop and relax along the river in the grass and some amazing views.

So next time you are in town either bring your bike or rent one and go for a ride! Get out and discover this wonderful city. 

​