It’s Friday evening, and we’re having a healthy dinner full of veggies at a charming café in Birmingham, Michigan. I’m on a date with Collie! I've already decided on my order—sweetgreen’s Autumn Harvest Bowl, hands down.
The brown building on the left is sweetgreen. https://www.sweetgreen.com/locations/birmingham
Featured Menu: Autumn Harvest Bowl
Close-up of sweetgreen's 2025 Autumn Harvest Bowl: roasted chicken, maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, organic shredded kale, roasted sweet potatoes, wild rice, goat cheese, roasted almond, apples, and balsamic vinaigrette. It's more packed than I expected—such a generous portion!
My blue one is their eco-friendly still water in an aluminum can; Collie's orange Spindrift Grapefruit is bubbly seltzer with zesty grapefruit (his looks way more tempting...😅).
Customized for Meatless Friday Tradition
Following Catholic Friday no-meat practice, Collie customized his salmon bowl with two kinds of cheese, broccoli, and other veggies.
Collie said he loves how you can customize your own unique dish just how you like.
Great that my research paid off—finding a spot Collie would love!
But I just realized I'd forgotten my own Friday abstinence and ordered the featured chicken dish...😂
Autumn Harvest Bowl & Customized Meatless Friday Bowl
eco-friendly still water & bubbly grapefruit seltzer
It turned into such a lovely Friday date because, although we first tried to grab seats inside, Collie suggested the outdoor table—what a great idea! Enjoying dinner with a Downtown Birmingham view in that comfy weather was pure bliss!
Sweetgreen shines by offering fresh, seasonal ingredients in an easy yet delicious way. Healthy salads, bowls, and protein plates—you should try them too🎵
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I suggested we enjoy decaf coffee together at the Holiday Inn Express. It's in the breakfast area, but the coffee machine is available 24/7 for both regular and decaf options. When it's dark, sensors turn on the lights. Freshly brewed cup by cup and available anytime—love that convenience. Sharing these hotel perks with Collie makes me so happy.
❤︎
In the end, Collie and I never once got to share breakfast in that area. His top priority was helping his mother, who now lives alone in a wheelchair. I totally get it, but it leaves a slight tinge of sadness... Still, our brief date during his busy schedule was special. We chatted for a while, and that coffee we sipped together was delicious—just as I'd hoped he'd enjoy it when I recommended it.
◆ Quick Update ◆
To save money, I'd been skipping AC heating in favor of a mini heater. But I learned even a small one costs more after an hour or so—modern ACs in auto mode apparently use less power. Now I limit the mini heater to under an hour and run the AC heat at a low temp for a few hours a day. First time using it since moving into this apartment! The room's softly warm this winter, making my heart feel a touch richer😊
