A Charming Mishap at HomeGrown Brewing: My Dream Spot in Oxford, MI

Oxford hides some incredible gems, and there was one specific brewery-restaurant that I'd been dying to check out. Once Collie returned from work, he was sweet enough to take me there.

It’s a family-owned local spot that uses Oxford’s own water to brew their craft beers.

HomeGrown Brewing Company
28 N Washington St. Oxford, MI 48371

I actually checked out their menu while I was in Japan to find the perfect brew for me. My favorites are hazy, smooth, and light-colored beers. So, I started with this beautifully pale, fruity glass.

Polly Ann Witbier

It’s a gentle Belgian-style wheat beer with subtle hints of citrus. With its lower ABV, it was the absolute perfect starter for the evening.

Their special brews bring together the world's finest hand-picked hops and Oxford’s own pure water. Crafted with love by a local family right in the heart of downtown Oxford, each is a truly unique pint you can only experience right here.

When the server came over and asked how I liked the beer, I told him it was amazing, adding, ''I'll order another one later!''　

As for Collie, he didn’t order any beer at all and just had water. Part of it was because he was driving us around, but he’s never really been a big fan of alcohol anyway.

That evening, fresh salads were our dinner of choice.

Collie's choice: Farmhouse Salad (GF)

Romaine, roasted chicken, bacon, corn, tomatoes,

peas, cucumber, carrot, shredded cheese, w/ranch 

Rose's choice: Power Salad (V, GF, Vegan without cheese)

Mixed greens, quinoa, pistachios, red onion, chickpeas,

cucumber, feta cheese, w/lemon vinaigrette + Salmon

True to their 'Locavore' philosophy, this restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can really taste the freshness of Michigan in every bite.

But then, the unexpected happened. Right as I was finishing up my first glass, the same server swiftly showed up with the exact same beer again! Both Collie and I just froze, our eyes wide with surprise, like, ''Wait, what?!''

Clearly, the server took my words to mean I wanted a refill of the exact same beer. But in reality, I was actually excited to order the real one I'd been dying to taste. In any case, I never in a million years imagined another glass would just appear before I even said a word. Still, it was a very sweet gesture on his part.

Zephyros NE IPA on the left 😂

Two pints is my absolute limit anyway. Thankfully, he let me know that they offer small tasters to sample the beers. So, I finally got a tiny pour of the Zephyros in a little glass—the exact beer I’d been longing for ever since doing my research in Japan.

The Zephyros NE IPA is the ultimate Hazy Double IPA! The aroma is incredibly rich and full-bodied, just like you'd expect from a high-alcohol beer. I just never thought I’d end up tasting my dream beer in such a small amount... 😭

After a few precious tastes of the Zephyros, I filled the rest of the small glass with Polly Ann. Too cute not to capture for the memories 🤍

I didn’t want that second pint poured for me to go to waste, so I told him, ''Don't worry about it, I’ll definitely be back!'' 

But later on, Collie asked me, ''You said you'd be back, but are you really going back there again?'' Since he’s not much of a drinker himself, he seemed genuinely amazed that I was already planning my next beer trip. 😅

Honestly, I was secretly planning to try a solo brewery run while in Michigan! I thought to myself, ''It's such a welcoming spot that next time I can pop in alone right after they open.'' But in the end, that opportunity never came up.

I’m so happy I got to tell you all about this awesome hidden gem in Oxford today. If you're a beer lover and find yourself in the area, make sure to enjoy your favorite pint for me! 😉

The Hidden Language of My Michigan Flowers

Sipping Coffee on My First Morning at His Place 

The next morning, the flowers are glowing in the morning light on the dining table. 

Whenever I visit Michigan, he prepares flowers for me—smaller ones for what I secretly call "my room," and a larger arrangement for the dining table.

Now that I'm back in Japan and reflecting on my trip, I have explored the language of flowers again, just like in my last post. 🤭

🌼Yellow Marguerite: Beautiful appearance / Happiness / Affection

🤍White Marguerite: Sincerity / Pure love / Secret love

🌹Red Rose: Passionate love / I love you　　🌻Sunflower: Looking only at you / Adoration

There’s no single, universal phrase for this specific combination of flowers. However, according to the Western tradition of Victorian "floriography" (the language of flowers), the symbols of each flower blend into a powerful, positive message of deep love: 

"With a pure and sincere heart, I love only you passionately, and I will make you happy."

Oh my goodness! I bet he bought these flowers pre-arranged as a bouquet at the shop. But does this mean the florist intentionally designed the bouquet with this beautiful meaning in mind?

On my first morning there after he had already left, I chilled out over a light meal. I opened a cute box of treats—a thoughtful souvenir from a couple we had visited together—and also tasted my favorite pecan nuts alongside a fresh cup of coffee.

Since Collie doesn't drink coffee, I made sure to bring my own coffee beans from Japan. I always put collagen powder in my first coffee of the day. Usually I do it beforehand, but oops—I forgot and added it after!

I had absolutely no idea about the language of flowers back then. Now, here in Japan, I’ve discovered that their💐message was as pure and deeply passionate as a marriage proposal. He likely just grabbed a pre-made bouquet, but it makes me feel a little flutter inside. ☺️

What Does It Mean When Your Partner Gives You Yellow Carnations?

Yellow Carnations: Sweet Friendship or a Hidden Warning?

I finally arrived at his place🏡, and when I went into 'my room'🤭, I noticed he had fresh flowers as usual. He always does this whenever I visit, which is incredibly sweet. But this time... 

They were carnations. And wait, they’re YELLOW?! Ummm... okay, hold on a second...

Tied the Astoria string on the vase myself on my last visit.

According to the language of flowers, yellow carnations basically have these three main meanings...

1. Sunny Vibes ☀️

He definitely wanted to brighten up the room and make it cozy for me.

2. Friendship 💔

Wait... Is he putting me in the friendzone?!

3. Jealousy 😬

This makes absolutely no sense.

Later, he told me, "Is there something wrong with yellow flowers? I just bought them because they look bright and beautiful."

In American and Western culture, decorating a room with yellow flowers seems to carry a purely positive meaning. Generally speaking, most regular Americans probably don't think about the language of flowers when picking them out. Most of the time, it's simply because "they look cute and pretty."

Did some studying here during my alone time.

As for my reaction? Let’s just say I didn't go as far as saying, "They really make the room look lovely!" Of course, I thanked him. But then, I had to educate him a little bit and said, "You know, yellow actually means jealousy..."

But seriously, why would he give me flowers that mean jealousy anyway? It makes no sense. And as his partner, the meaning I should actually be worried about is "friendship."

Friendzone...💧 Ugh. 😑

To be completely honest, I actually just looked up the whole language of flowers thing while writing this blog post. So back then, I didn't even know yellow carnations meant 'friendship.' But I did vaguely know that yellow flowers, in general, could mean jealousy.

Well, since he bought those yellow carnations without thinking too much about it, let’s just pretend he meant 'my best friend and partner in crime.'

— My partner is my best friend. —

Right? 😉

Gentle New Start: Cozy Days in Michigan with Founders Mortal Bloom

Today, I’m sharing a few things I picked up at a local grocery store, with a special focus on a regional Michigan beer. As my stay at his place quietly begins, after spending my first few days at a hotel, I wanted to share these little local discoveries that are making the start of our time together feel warm and grounded. Though, truth be told, he was the one who bought everything I needed!

I hope you enjoy a glimpse into my cozy evenings. It’s a gentle fresh start to my trip to Michigan.

Delightful grocery store find: Founders Mortal Bloom

About the taste of Mortal Bloom, the Founders Brewing Co. website reads "Citrus and tropical notes of pineapple and mango. Moderately hazy, low bitterness, soft mouthfeel..."

I was thrilled to spot this beer at the grocery store! I first tried it when Collie and I visited a couple we're friends with in Michigan, and I absolutely loved it. Collie doesn’t usually drink much beer, but he told me that Grand Rapids, where this beer is brewed, is famous for its IPAs. I learned that Grand Rapids is even known as 'Beer City, USA'!

This Hazy IPA is packed with juicy hop flavors, but has a beautifully smooth, velvety finish. It instantly became one of my favorite beers. The floral package design is also quite unique, don't you think?

Along with the beer, we got Dave's Killer Bread, pecans, bananas, and mandarins. The frozen organic blueberries and soy milk are already tucked away in the freezer and fridge, but basically, everything was completely tailored to my liking! Haha.

Here is a bonus photo of the little potted plants at the store. Out of all of them, I think the small red roses in the top center are my favorite. I couldn't quite bring myself to ask Collie to put them at his place, so I just admired them from afar. 

I packed a few cans of Mortal Bloom into my suitcase when heading back to Japan. Back home, I treasured those beers, keeping them in my fridge for a long time, to save that special feeling and savor the taste again like I was in Michigan.

The Warmth of Silence — Sharing a Michigan Sunset from the Passenger Seat

Resuming my Michigan reflections.

We were heading to his town, with him behind the wheel. The sky, which had displayed a rainbow just moments ago, had faded into a dramatic, multi-layered sunset.

It was a regular weekday. While I was on vacation, he had worked all day before coming to pick me up at my hotel. Taking care of me meant his night would be more hectic than his usual routine.

Yet, there was something incredibly special about sharing the sunset he sees everyday in his ordinary life. He usually drives this road alone, but now, I am sitting next to him. He is busy, yes, but I felt a quiet certainty that he was glad to have me by his side.

I wish I could drive so he could take a break. But even though I got my driver's license in Japan, I don't own a car and never drive. So, the best I can do right now is to keep my eyes glued to the road, trying my hardest to absorb how driving works here in America.

While he drives, I keep quiet so I won't distract him. Yet, there’s no awkwardness in our silence. By looking straight ahead and pretending I’m behind the wheel too, I feel like we are sharing the moment, even without words. Sometimes, I softly stroke his shoulder or take a quick look at his face.

That sunset, shared by the two of us, left a warm glow in my heart.

◇ Quick Update ◇

Just a quick tip if you're looking for my blog next time: my Pinterest will now pop up in the results by searching on Google for "Rose Charmed by Michigan," "Charmed by Michigan," or simply "jophielrose." My Blogger URL is linked right there in the profile, making it super easy to come back and read more!  Thanks for staying tuned, and I look forward to sharing more with you.　Best, Rose

June at Ebisu Garden Place: Turning the Page Back to My Michigan Journals

Feeling the gentle yet powerful energy of nature this beautiful June, I found myself reflecting on my life here in Japan, realizing it is time to bring one chapter to a peaceful close.

Until now, I have shared glimpses of my daily life in Tokyo on this blog. Moving forward, however, I want to return to what inspired me to start this blog and focus primarily on my beloved Michigan—sharing my travel journals and memories of the places I hold so dear. As for my Tokyo stories, I will only be sharing them once in a very long while.

If you originally visited my blog with the hope of finding Michigan content and found yourself disappointed by other topics mixed in, I am truly sorry. From now on, I am dedicated to filling these pages with stories that truly live up to the name of this blog: Charmed by Michigan.

June at Ebisu Garden Place, Tokyo, Japan

With heartfelt gratitude to everyone who visits my blog. I hope you will continue to enjoy my Michigan stories in the days to come. 

For more visual stories—including my memories of Michigan and various other moments—you can find them curated on my Pinterest here: https://jp.pinterest.com/jophielrose/

Thank you for being part of my journey.

June 2026

Returning to the Roots, Rose

Tomate Farcie and More: 7 Gorgeous Lunch Plates at Bistro Quatre Avril in Tokyo

A cozy lunch at my favorite neighborhood gem, Bistro Quatre Avril in Fudomae. Loving their hearty, authentic French home cooking. Let the main dishes speak for themselves through these photos!

❶ June 5, 2025

🍅Tomate farcie à la provençale avec riz pilaf 

トマトファルシ（ひき肉詰め）プロヴァンス風 ピラフ添え

Provencal meat-stuffed tomato (tomate farcie) served with a side of pilaf rice. Simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious.

❷ June 28, 2025

Surpreme de volaille sauté sauce creme d'estragon moutarde avec riz pilaf

鶏ムネ肉のソテー クリームエストラゴンソース ピラフ添え

Sautéed chicken breast with a creamy estragon (tarragon) sauce, served with a side of pilaf rice. So tender, flavorful, and comforting. 

❸ July 5, 2025

Poulet des Caraibes façon des mamans Antillaises avec riz pilaf

鶏肉のカリブ仕立て 現地のママスタイル ピラフ添え

Caribbean-style chicken "local mom style," served with a side of pilaf rice. Wonderfully bright, zesty, and delicious!

❹ August 21, 2025

Steak haché aux deux fromages sauce provençale avec riz pilaf

ハンバーグステーキ 2種のチーズ乗せ プロヴァンスソース ピラフ添え

Hamburg steak topped with two types of melted cheese and Provencal sauce, served with a side of pilaf rice. Thick, incredibly tender, savory, and so satisfying.

❺ September 2, 2025

Bouchée à la reine au blanc de poulet et sa purée de pomme

👑ブッシェ ア ラ レンヌ（女王様の一口）マッシュポテト添え

Bouchée à la reine (puff pastry case filled with cream sauce) over a bed of smooth mashed potatoes. Flaky, creamy, and beautifully elegant. 

❻ September 6, 2025

Boulette de viande à la mediterrantéenne avec riz pilaf

肉団子の地中海風（トマトソース）ピラフ添え

Mediterranean-style meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, served with a side of pilaf rice. Juicy, big, and comforting.

❼ September 28, 2025

Cuisse de volaille sautée, pomme boulangere et legumes

鳥モモ肉のソテー ジャガイモと野菜のソテー添え

Sautéed chicken thigh with pillowy potatoes and veggies. Generous, tender, and beautifully sweet.

✧ ･ ﾟ : *    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    ✧ ･ ﾟ : * : ･ ﾟ ✧    ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆  ☾  ⋆ ⁺ ₊ ⋆    * : ﾟ ･ ✧

What do you think? Each of these hearty, delicious, and healthy dishes is thoughtfully crafted by the friendly chef from Southern France. I hope the photos of main dishes and desserts that I've shared on this blog as a lunch diary series bring a little joy to your daily life—or perhaps inspire your next dining adventure in Tokyo!

And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, feel free to check out my previous post on the beautifully sweet yellow peach tart, too: 

Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: A Delightful Lunch & Yellow Peach Tart at Bistro Quatre Avril

Wishing you many happy moments✨ filled with the joy of good food...

With love, Rose