July 12, 2026

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

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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.

A can and a 6-pack box of Founders Brewing Co.'s Mortal Bloom Hazy IPA on a wooden table, featuring a unique black packaging with colorful floral designs.
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.