A Sweet, Wistful Story of Dreamy Meijer and Mini Roses in Michigan

One of my favorite places to check out during my trip to Michigan is Meijer! It’s huge and has everything you need. Meijer is a massive supercenter that you can find all over Michigan.

For instance, look at this Meijer. Doesn't it just look like a dream? 

Established in Michigan in 1934, they embrace a 'heritage design' to bring a warm, welcoming feel to the local community.

Kroger is a standard supermarket, perfect for quick, casual grocery runs. In contrast, Meijer is a huge supercenter that covers everything from clothes and electronics to home furniture.

It might just be my personal take, but if Kroger feels masculine, Meijer feels feminine to me. Maybe it’s because of their cute brick storefronts that look like townhouses, and perhaps it's their red logo on a white background.

Inside the store, I found some beautiful mini roses. Their delicate charm was so captivating that I simply had to snap a photo. 

To be honest, I really wanted them, but I couldn't ask him directly. It wasn't that I just wanted to buy them myself; I was longing for the romance of receiving my favorite flowers as a gift from the person I love. So, I captured them in a photo instead.

Mini roses are my absolute favorite. But to be exact, I prefer ones that are even tinier than these. In this photo, they look like almost regular roses, don't they? So now, I tell myself it’s okay that he didn’t buy them. Haha!

Back at the house, we had a simple dinner with some leftover takeout salad and frozen dishes. The fall-themed napkins added a nice seasonal touch to the table.

    

Even so, those beautiful roses stayed on my mind during the rest of my stay. Before returning to Japan, while spending a quiet time alone at his house, I finally sent him an email gently explaining why I had wished for those flowers from him. When he came back home later, he smiled and said, 'Let’s go get you those roses!'

After that, we went back to Meijer a few times when we went out, but the mini roses weren't there anymore. He said, 'I'm sorry I didn't buy them for you at that time.'

I felt sorry that I couldn't see those roses again. However, in retrospect, I realize that what truly mattered was simply that he is safe and well. I believe there will be another chance for the roses.

May I encounter such beautiful roses in Michigan once again. And hopefully, at that dreamy Meijer.

Discovering the Historic Elegance of Clarkston, Michigan With Him

With the lingering warmth of a lovely lunch at 2 South Brunch House, we set off to explore downtown Clarkston, which welcomes you with a warm, refined charm.

Essence on Main, 4 S Main St, Village of Clarkston, MI

Before us stands Essence on Main, a gourmet specialty market. Its classic red brick architecture, echoing the late 19th and early 20th centuries, captures the very essence of Clarkston’s historic district.

Located about 34 miles northwest of Detroit, Clarkston is a small community tucked away in Oakland County.

My Michigan boy seems completely focused on our little expedition—his serious back is just too cute. ❤︎

Across the street, you can see a soft blue-grey building—Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen.  It’s a restaurant with a rich history, beautifully renovated from a church originally built in the 1840s. He took me inside to let me take in the atmosphere, fondly explaining how he used to be brought here as a child. 

Their signature dish is the legendary home-style Mac & Cheese. Right next door, the rustic brown brick building houses its sister property, a very popular American barbecue restaurant.

It looks like he’s on a serious smartphone mission...  :3

Back in Japan, I sent him all these back-view photos, and he actually got grumpy. I do want photos of his face, but every single time I aim the camera, he makes silly faces. -_-  I wish he’d just stay still for once! That said, his serious back views are so cute and special to me—I guess I just need to be a bit more selective about which ones I share with him.

Being Michigan's smallest incorporated city, Clarkston overflows with timeless elegance. With every step alongside him, past charming brick pathways and beautiful Victorian homes, I found myself completely captivated by its quiet grace.

I am grateful to share the story and soul of this tiny, picturesque town.

Rose

2 South Brunch House: A Memorable Brunch Experience in Clarkston, MI

Fall was just starting to color Michigan. Beforehand, Collie suggested taking me to a town called Clarkston that coming Saturday. Since I’d never been there before, he thought it’d be the perfect opportunity for me to see it. knowing I'm a foodie, he low-key expected me to check around. Sure enough, I immediately started researching and picked out the perfect brunch spot.

The restaurant I fell in love with was 2 South Brunch House in downtown Clarkston. More than anything, I was dying to try this dish.

Chicken Burrata

Chicken breast, burrata cheese, grilled tomatoes,

balsamic glaze, mixed greens, cheesy potatoes and pita

Seeing several photos of this dish in the reviews made me so eager to try it! It’s packed with so many delicious things and is super satisfying.

When Collie saw my plate arrive, his eyes went wide, and he was like, 'Wow, yours looks so good!' He’s usually too polite to try my food, but this time, I let him have a bite. 🤭

As for Collie, he ordered an omelet, which came with a choice of sides: a half order of pancakes, hash browns, or toast. He mentioned that he hadn’t had pancakes in a while, so he went with them as his choice.

My huge plate might be front and center here,😅 but choosing the Western from all the omelet options was such a solid, classic move for Collie.

Western Omelet

Ham, onions, green peppers, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese

with ½ order pancakes as a side

Both of us were amazed by the size and amount of the pancakes! He said he never expected a half order of pancakes to be this massive.

But honestly, those pancakes were absolutely delicious❤︎❤︎❤︎ (Yes, I totally snuck a taste.) Even though I had ordered a giant plate myself, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of his...

As expected, neither of us could finish those huge pancakes, so we boxed up the leftovers—which ended up becoming a delicious meal for me a few days later.

2 South Brunch House

2 South Main Street Clarkston, Michigan 48346

I found out that Clarkston is the smallest incorporated city by land area in Michigan. It's a charming small town that is beautifully sophisticated and welcoming. It made me realize that there are still plenty of lovely towns in Michigan waiting for me to discover.

Here’s another shot of my plate, this time from the cheesy potatoes side. 😉

Just like their website says, 'Quality Ingredients Turned into Memorable Brunch Plates in Clarkston, MI,' it truly was a brunch experience I won't forget. And the impressive large portions they promise!

I’d love to go back again someday, especially for another taste of those pancakes! Apparently, they’re made from scratch using buttermilk. No wonder they tasted so good.

If you ever get the chance to go, their delicious, surprise-filled plates are sure to make you smile. 

Cozy Little Flower Styling: Cute Way to Decorate Broken Flowers

Looking for easy and budget-friendly ways to decorate with flowers? This simple floral styling trick is perfect for rescued broken stems. Turn a small accident into a beautiful, cozy corner. 

Collie prepared a beautiful bouquet for me in the kitchen, but sadly, some of the yellow marguerites had broken off.

So, I took out a tiny creamer and gently floated the flowers in the water. It feels as though these tiny flowers have been given a brand new life ☺️🌼

A casual, solo dinner while Collie is away—sautéed shrimp and bell peppers, brown bread, and a Labatt Blue. I sent this photo to a friend in Michigan, and she replied, “Such a wonderful size 💖”

Also in the photo is the cute box she packed with cookies and fresh zucchini bread for me.

On another solo night, I enjoyed some leftover salad from a restaurant, upgraded with a hard-boiled egg and a drizzle of mayo or Ranch dressing 🤭🥚  To be completely honest, it was actually the salad Collie ordered for himself the night before, and I just ended up finishing it off!

Whether it’s giving a broken flower a second life or turning yesterday’s leftovers into a cozy dinner, I love finding beauty and joy in these little things. It’s all about embracing life’s small accidents and making them a little more special.

The Vintage Charm of Downtown Oxford, Michigan: Classic Brick Streets

Walking into downtown Oxford feels like stepping back in time; it is a historic district recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It beautifully captures the essence of the 'good old American Main Street' that exists in the hearts of so many.

Along N Washington Street, which runs through the heart of downtown, rows of charming brick buildings stand side by side, each filled with timeless character.

Oxford Jewelers

The warm red brick building at the center is a beloved local jewelry shop. The cursive text on its sign is so full of elegance. It blends seamlessly into the surroundings, where many historic buildings from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries still remain.

HomeGrown Brewing Company

And here is HomeGrown Brewing Company, a dream spot I finally got to visit. To see how I spent my time there, please take a look here:

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

Many of the brick buildings seen around here were built in the late 1800s, specifically between the 1880s and 1890s. The town has a history of rebirth; following a devastating fire during that time, it transformed from wooden buildings into resilient brick buildings.

Centennial Alley, leading to the patio of HomeGrown Brewing

Discovered that downtown Oxford was established in 1837—a true testament to its long and beautiful history. The nostalgic charm of this small town gently warms my heart.

Victoria's Bistro & Cocktail Bar

Lastly, Victoria's Bistro, housed in a charming 1878 brick building with its tasteful blue accents.

N Washington Street beautifully showcases the timeless charm of a classic 'Main Street, USA.' While America has countless lovely little brick towns, Oxford feels uniquely different...quaint? —there is something else about it. What is that "something"?

Well, I’ll leave that for you to discover when you visit.

Rose🌷

Discover the Vintage Small Town Vibe & Quaint Charm in Oxford, Michigan

Oxford is a charming small town in Michigan. My connection to this place began when Collie shared a little fact with me: 'It’s a sister city to Oxford in England.

Since my first visit, I've been captivated by the unique atmosphere of the downtown buildings—a place where 'quaint charm' feels like the perfect description. While America has plenty of lovely small towns with great vibes, there is something about downtown Oxford that sets it truly apart from any other.

Yes, it’s the unique vibe that these buildings give off—a street view of matching brick buildings.

This view was actually born from the scars of a fierce fire that once devastated the town, and the great determination of the people who decided to build a strong town that would never burn down again.

Knowing that this quiet, peaceful place survived such a turbulent history, the color of the bricks feels even deeper and richer.

Surely, this unique atmosphere comes from its history. It is different from just being 'cute.' The resilience of the ancestors who went through the disaster is reflected in the very soul of these buildings.

The powerful dark navy and deep red brick colors of downtown Oxford carry on that legacy.

Under the brilliant sun, I stood across the street, trying my best to capture a better shot of those buildings on North Washington Street. I wanted to do them justice.

I would be so happy if these photos and the story of Oxford leave a lasting mark on your heart.

Sleek Design & Quality Ingredients: The Good Egg Breakfast Cafe, Oxford, Michigan

This was a must-try spot if I ever visited Oxford, Michigan again! Today, I’m excited to share my experience at The Good Egg Breakfast Cafe—a trendy, beloved local gem known for its simple yet delicious ingredients.

And I already had my order locked in. 🤭  I went with the ultimate American classic: a burger and French fries.

Look at these beautiful fries! 😍 The fries here are absolutely my style. I love simple fries without any extra batter.

When asked what to pair with my fries, I requested mayonnaise. They didn't seem to have it, but kindly suggested ranch as an alternative.  📝 Note to self: "ranch" is the go-to answer in the US! 

THE GOOD EGG BREAKFAST CAFE

51 S WASHINGTON ST, OXFORD, MI 48371, US

Phone: (248) 572-4315 Open 7 days 8 AM - 3 PM

Actually, I read that they don't cook with any seed oils here. They use tallow in the fryers, and avocado oil, olive oil, and butter everywhere else! No wonder the fries taste so clean and tasty.

I really admire their dedication to serving food with that level of care and quality.

They seated me at a cozy table in the back. The restaurant gave off a sleek vibe with its black and brown design, both inside and out.

WPCR Coffee

This picture shows the view looking out toward the back. I took one from the opposite side just for the memory.

The coffee was amazing, too, and I loved that it came with free refills!

They use beans from White Pine Coffee Roasters—a beloved local roaster who carefully roast their own beans. whitepinecoffee.com

Biggie Max Burger

Two Angus smash burgers with American cheese, lettuce,

pickles, onion, and special sauce on a brioche bun

Look at this chunky texture! 😍 Unlike perfectly round, factory-made patties, they use 100% Angus beef smashed right on the grill. It has that amazing, rustic homemade feel.

Both the burger and fries here are definitely something else! It’s exactly as they say on their website: a place that serves thoughtfully made brunch and classic comforts with warm hospitality. Tucked right in the heart of downtown Oxford, it’s truly the kind of spot you'll want to come back to—again and again.

As I was walking up to the counter to leave, I told the lady, 'I really loved your coffee.' She smiled warmly and said, 'Oh, gooood!' 😊✨

I hope to come back here with Collie someday. I’m already dreaming of having that burger and French fries again—and of course, that flavorful coffee!

A Cozy Morning Alone: Sweet Overnight Oats at His Place

So, this is me enjoying my time at his house in Michigan. On mornings without him, this was pretty much my standard breakfast. 

I had brought the oatmeal with me from Japan. He had kindly bought me some Greek yogurt and soy milk at a local supermarket, so the night before, I prepared some overnight oats in the fridge for the next morning.

He also got me some organic frozen blueberries and cut fruits. Blueberries aren't really his thing, but he loves eating these cut fruits with me at home. It seems like picking up fresh cut fruits is just a natural part of his daily life.

This breakfast is a little low on protein, but I make up for it by adding collagen powder to my coffee. 

I highly recommend this iHerb collagen powder because if you pour coffee over it, it dissolves completely without even stirring!  https://iherb.com/c/california-gold-nutrition/collagen

Feel free to use my referral code PKD185 for a little discount on your order. 😉

Currently, I’m taking a break from Greek yogurt and soy milk for SIBO management. This is a snapshot of my time in Michigan last year—a sweet record of how I was doing my best to look after my health back then.

Inside Meijer: Sweet & Funny Moments of Grocery Shopping with Him

One of my favorite things to do in Michigan is visiting a giant local supermarket like Meijer. The store is massive, and it’s packed with so many colorful American items!

Even a simple grocery shopping trip becomes a special memory with him. 🍓

Collie took the mission very seriously.

I told him that I wanted some shrimp to cook at home, so he was carefully choosing the best one for me. He looked so serious! 🤣  He explained to me that pre-cooked (boiled) shrimp is safer than raw shrimp to avoid food poisoning.

I just couldn't resist following him and snapping photos of his back profile. 🤭

Inspecting every single detail...

I caught this adorable moment of him staring at the items so intently. 🥰  Look at him focusing on choosing the best one! 

He was actually looking for a convenient sensor light for me to use during my stay at his house. He wanted to make sure I felt comfortable every night.

However, we had completely opposite ideas about safety! I thought having a light on would be safer because it scares away bad guys, but he said that a sensor light actually makes it easier for them to see inside the house.

Meijer is definitely a very helpful place for us. Collie took care of me so well, going back and forth between his mom's house—whom he always cares for—and his own house where I was staying. He is just so adorable and reliable.

Rose🌷

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.