Hot Biscuit Happiness at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham, Michigan.

Personalized “GOOD MORNING” message + breakfast bliss!

During my stay at Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham, Michigan, I noticed a welcome message on the TV screen that said “GOOD MORNING” along with my name. It made me feel kind of happy and appreciated, so I took a photo of it to show Collie, since I’d already told him what a nice touch it was.

While it was still a bit dark outside, I headed down to the breakfast area, feeling warmly welcomed — but only after finishing my usual morning workout!

Breakfast time at Holiday Inn Express is a simple pleasure to begin the morning🥰

This morning, I tried my favorite way to eat the hot biscuits again. I split the biscuit and sandwiched a grilled sausage patty inside. I settled at the window-side counter seat to savor my breakfast.

Hehe, it kinda looks like a cute little burger, doesn't it? ^^  And it pairs so well with coffee! ♡

Of course, the biscuit is also delicious with butter and syrup ♪♪♪

The cinnamon rolls, diced potatoes, omelets — everything pairs so well with coffee, making it a morning full of treats!

This time around, I zoomed in on the hot biscuits — one of Holiday Inn Express's warm food highlights.

After enjoying breakfast as usual, I returned to my room. The personalized “GOOD MORNING” message is still on the TV screen. Let me take a commemorative photo!

On the upper right side of the wall, you can see the slightly wrinkled wallpaper that I cropped out in my previous room photo post.

As I mentioned in that previous post too, fixing this wallpaper crease would cost almost nothing and dramatically improve the hotel's image. It's such a shame because the room has such a nice, calming atmosphere otherwise.

Little details like this can make such a big difference. Even so, I had a wonderful stay — stay tuned for my Birmingham walking tour next😊

Rose (Eiko)

Join me Kroger shopping in Birmingham, MI—then what?

Hello there! :)

Welcome back to Rose’s blog, where I share glimpses of life alternating between Michigan and Tokyo. This time, it’s Michigan’s turn!

Today, I’ll take you along on a little shopping trip to Kroger in Birmingham, Michigan. 

Kroger supermarket exterior in Birmingham, Michigan

One of the joys of traveling abroad is checking out local supermarkets. Just seeing what kinds of foods they have gets me so excited and makes it such a fun experience😊♪

Wow! So many organic bananas! They're so vibrant and beautifully fresh. The price is super reasonable too.

Kroger Mini Cinnamon Rolls so cute I couldn't resist snapping a photo!

Adorable Mini Cinnamon Rolls😍 Just looking at it makes me imagine bringing them to the office and saying, "Enjoy these with your coffee break♪" But since I'm already savoring the Cinnamon Rolls at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham, these little ones are just for admiring today.

Dave's organic bread looks like something I'd definitely buy regularly and use for sandwiches if I were living in America. There are so many varieties, so I'd probably try them one by one. Unlike Japanese shokupan (sliced bread), the thin slices are perfect for me as a sandwich lover.

Holiday Inn Express exterior in Birmingham, Michigan

A brilliantly sunny day—almost dazzling! Having Kroger so close to the hotel is a huge plus. It's so convenient to just pop over whenever I need something.

Kroger-brand sea salt roasted pecans are something I always crave in Michigan—they're absolutely delicious! Plus pistachios that were on sale, and these cute little water bottles for the hotel that I was just drawn to.

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham room:

Delta blue slippers perfectly matching the blue wall by happy coincidence.

Back from shopping and unwinding in my serene room. The window lets in gentle sunlight, the white bed looks super comfy, and my Delta blue slippers blend aesthetically with the room.

So, what do you think I should do this afternoon, more exploring or just chilling? Now I'm wondering... The day is still young🌷

My Favorite Way to Enjoy Hot Biscuits: Day Two Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham

Here’s a look at my Day Two breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham, Michigan!

I grabbed a cinnamon roll, a biscuit, hash browns, a sausage patty, and omelets (one egg white veggie, one regular). A banana too! Fresh coffee is a must ❤︎ of course, and a little orange juice.

♪ A plate loaded with all my handpicked favorites ♪

Here’s the post that really focuses on the signature cinnamon roll from Day One.

→Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Day One—Plus the Sweet Story Behind the Cinnamon Rolls

Right now, let me show you my favorite way to enjoy this breakfast. I love making a little sandwich by putting the sausage patty inside the warm biscuit. The mildly sweet biscuit with a bit of syrup on top plus the savory sausage makes a sweet-and-salty combo absolutely irresistible.

I’ll keep enjoying my style of having a warm biscuit with a sausage patty inside😊

+*+*+* A little side story +*+*+*

I had three different mini chocolates from Whole Foods on the dresser, just for the cuteness, planning to enjoy them one by one… but somehow, one of them mysteriously disappeared.

The one that went missing was the blue coconut milk chocolate, which was such a letdown for me. The only small silver lining is that coconut isn’t really my favorite, but still, coming back to the room and finding it gone was a total shock😳 When I told Collie, he was surprised too and said it might be because I didn’t leave much of a tip—though of course, that still doesn’t make it okay. I even asked AI about it, and it said that small treats sometimes get eaten by the housekeeping staff, so if you don’t want them to disappear, it’s best to put them away… which honestly left me with mixed feelings😔

I once read that in a survey of Americans, about 70% said they don’t leave a pillow tip, so I figured even one dollar would be better than nothing. Still, the next day I decided to leave two dollars. Collie said I really should leave at least three dollars, or even five, but coming from Japan, where there’s no tipping culture, two dollars seemed like all I could manage.

So, I’m off to Kroger now.  Stay tuned for my little exploration report next time!

A sweet little lunch, sweet mistakes, and a warm cup of coffee ☕️

A small, happy moment at Holiday Inn Express, Birmingham, Michigan

After my morning exploring downtown, I headed back to the hotel.

Unfortunately, the storage space and shelves were dusty, so I had to wipe off the dust myself before I could put my things away and arrange them on the shelves. Since I’m staying here for six days, I want to arrange my everyday items in a comfortable, convenient way.

Another small letdown was that a certain part of the wallpaper was wrinkled and quite loose (I cropped that part out of the photo). It wouldn’t be an expensive repair, and once fixed, I think future guests could enjoy a much more pleasant and comfortable stay.

Still, I was really happy with the interior of my Holiday Inn Express guest room. Sitting at the desk facing the wall, with sunlight streaming in from the side, felt so open and peaceful. Staying in the hotel room itself also turned into a lovely, refreshing change from my everyday routine.

Like this, I set up my laptop from Japan and studied here too — did lots of searching as well.  

One of the best things about traveling is that just being somewhere different makes everything feel fresh and fun.

Then I came back to the room with fresh coffee from the breakfast area — there’s a coffee machine that’s available 24/7. I pulled out the mixed berries and Greek yogurt from Whole Foods, plus the Danish and muffin I grabbed to go from breakfast (sorry, I just wanted to enjoy it here just once!).

Turns out, the Danish and muffin were super sweet — way too sweet, couldn’t finish them…😅

Lesson learned: from now on, at the breakfast area, I’ll just stick to the freshly made warm items😊

So… at this hotel, I’ll skip the super-sweet stuff and just go for the warm, fresh biscuits and cinnamon rolls "at" the breakfast area😄

Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Day One—Plus the Sweet Story Behind the Cinnamon Rolls

Discover the Iconic Cinnamon Roll That’s Delighting Guests Nationwide 

Hello!＾＾ Continuing my Michigan travel diary.

Today, it's the scene of my first breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Birmingham where I'm staying.

The Holiday Inn Express offers a free hot breakfast, and among the items, the warm and fresh cinnamon rolls are especially distinctive. Honestly, I was looking forward to the cinnamon rolls ever since I researched the hotel beforehand.

☆Complimentary Express Start Breakfast Bar at Holiday Inn Express, Birmingham, MI☆

The coffee machine brews each cup fresh on the spot, so it's just right to bring additional food while the coffee is being made. There was yogurt available too, so I didn't have to buy it at Whole Foods💦  

I might secretly take the packaged Danish pastry to my room (because I might get too full from the other foods...)

♡Holiday Inn Express's signature hot & fresh Cinnabon Sweet Roll♡

The cinnamon roll I'd been longing for was absolutely delicious! Savoring delicious cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee makes for such a delightful experience in the morning away from my usual spot.

Here is a wonderful insight you might find surprising:

Holiday Inn Express serves Cinnabon Sweet Rolls as a signature part of their complimentary Express Start Breakfast Bar. These rolls are made with Cinnabon's famous Makara cinnamon, brown sugar, cinnamon schmear, and topped with the brand's iconic cream cheese frosting. However, the version served at Holiday Inn Express is slightly adapted for the hotel setting: the rolls are smaller in size and have a milder sweetness compared to the original Cinnabon rolls sold in stores. This makes them a perfect breakfast item, offering the signature taste with a lighter touch suited for morning dining. This partnership allows guests to enjoy the beloved Cinnabon experience conveniently during their stay.

The coffee was served in a generous size, but I had another cup to enjoy with the lovely cinnamon roll. The breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham was very satisfying.

＋　＋　＋

Before heading out of my hotel room, I left a pillow tip for the housekeeper. I thought 1 dollar might be a little too small with prices going up, but since I am Japanese and not used to tipping culture, even 1 dollar felt like a tip to me.

To be continued...

Perfect Soy Milk Find: First Day Shopping at Whole Foods Birmingham, MI

After having dinner at Birmingham Sushi Cafe, Collie suggested we stop by Whole Foods Market to pick up anything I might need.  

2100 E Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009, United States

Since I’ll be staying for six days at the Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham — Collie kindly booked the hotel I picked — he wanted to make sure I’d have something I like from Whole Foods Market.

As the hotel includes breakfast, I thought I wouldn't need much during my stay, but the first thing that came to mind was soy milk.

That said, just wandering around Whole Foods to see what products they have is fun in itself and feels like sightseeing♪♪♪

We browsed around, and here's what Collie bought for me😊: a fresh pack of berries, some organic chocolate I wanted to taste-test, low-sugar yogurt, and soy milk that's perfect for my taste!

The 1 QT (946 ml) size soy milk is just right for my six-day hotel stay. It’s organic and has no sugar added, exactly what I was looking for. I learned that the "365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET" label is Whole Foods Market's private brand, offering high-quality products at more affordable prices. That’s wonderful♡

After he walked me to my hotel room, Collie headed to his mother's house, where he's currently helping care for her. It felt a bit lonely watching him leave after spending the whole day together. Since he booked it for two people, I wondered if he'd join me sometimes? With that hopeful thought, I ended the first night of my stay.

*To be continued...*

Tiny Treats, Big Flavor: IKEA Harajuku’s Plant-Based Soft Serve

When you’re in Harajuku, even if you don’t have any particular plans, it’s hard to resist dropping by IKEA. And no matter how chilly the weather gets, it’s easy to feel tempted by their tiny soft serve. Believe it or not, this little treat is PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE!

It made its debut on October 19, 2023. Until then, IKEA served a regular milk-based soft serve, but after kicking off a plant-based project, the team spent nearly two years perfecting this new version before finally launching it. 

PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE at IKEA Harajuku

Instead of dairy, it’s made with soy milk. The soy milk used here has hardly any of that distinct bean aroma, and the balance between sweetness and a hint of salt is beautifully tuned. It’s amazing how creamy it tastes—hard to believe it’s soy-based!

You can find this PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE near the entrance on the first floor of IKEA Harajuku. It’s only 50 yen, which makes it even more delightful♡ The frozen CINNAMON BUN you see in the background of the photo is adorable too. You can easily grab both at the first-floor stand — the Swedish Bistro.  Feel like adding this to your list of Harajuku treats?

My First Delta Comfort Experience: Three Meals and Airport Frenzy

Whenever I went to Michigan, I always flew economy to save some money. But this time, I decided to treat myself and booked [Delta Comfort] for the first time. It’s just one step up from [Delta Main](economy class). The legroom is a bit more spacious, and while the meals are pretty much the same, the nice perk is boarding earlier in Zone 3, which means I can settle in and relax a little sooner. 

There’s no more drink & snack service right after boarding like before COVID. These days, the welcome drinks are offered starting from [Delta Premium Select] (one class above [Delta Comfort]) and in [Delta One](the highest business class).

So, when the dinner service started, I asked for sparkling wine🥛as my first drink, enjoying the feeling of a welcome drink♪ The sparkling wine is no longer served in a small, cute bottle like before; instead, it comes in a recyclable can, which I found quite stylish and delicious.

Delta dinner plate

During dinner, I had red wine for my second drink. It was rich and enjoyable.

The seat layout in [Delta Comfort] is 3 (left) - 3 (center) - 3 (right), 

while in [Delta Premium Select] it is 2 (left) - 4 (center) - 2 (right). 

Since I prefer to spend my time as comfortably as possible in my seat, I like the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort]’s 3 (center) layout. This is because I believe it has the lowest probability of having to get up when other passengers stand to go to the restroom.

[Delta Premium Select] offers wider seat width and seat pitch, along with adjustable footrests and leg rests, plus perks like welcome drinks and meals served on real dishware. However, for me, sitting in the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort] holds more value.

 PIZZA TWIST, traditional in-flight snack of Delta

This PIZZA TWIST thing was served as a light meal in the late night. I’m impressed with the creative way they made pizza easier to eat! It’s designed to be a convenient, tasty snack that fits well in the limited space of airplane service.

It was cold on the plane, and I felt chilled, so I asked for a warm cup of tea to accompany the midnight snack.

Delta morning plate

As we approached Detroit, it was time for breakfast. Although yakisoba(noodle) was also an option, I deliberately chose an omelet because I wanted to get some protein. For my drink, I had tomato juice, thinking about its beauty benefits.

There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board—and babies crying, but my first time on [Delta Comfort] was a good flight. As usual, I also enjoyed the movies.

Near the airport exit at Detroit

Having safely passed through customs, I sent a message to Collie saying, "I've arrived ^^♪" 

Calls and SMS are possible with Biglobe Mobile’s international roaming, but data communication is not. (For data, I use GlocalMe’s pocket WiFi.) While I was wondering whether to turn data roaming ON or OFF on my smartphone, Collie appeared quickly! We hugged after a long time apart, but Rose went back to worrying about the data roaming issue.

Collie laughed and said, "Is your smartphone more important than me?" Rose replied, "No, Collie, you’re the most important, and I hugged you first!" Rose returned to checking the data roaming —because setting it wrong could lead to a huge bill...

I later found out that the correct setting was to turn data roaming OFF on my smartphone, and for safety, also turn mobile data OFF.

It was a somewhat rushed reunion (sorry, Collie), but from here, our three weeks together in Michigan begin🌷

See you nest time...  Rose

Moderate carbohydrate intake is key to losing weight in a healthy way.

We tend to think that cutting out carbohydrates will help us lose weight, but that seems to be a mistake. Cutting out carbohydrates will make you lose weight temporarily, but you will easily gain it back. Of course, eating too little food is no good, either. 

A diet lacking carbohydrates will result in your body producing more TG(triglycerides): neutral fat!!! That is so horrible, especially after all the effort you've put into trying to lose weight🙀💧💧💧

A balanced diet consists of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for most people, and they are essential for promoting fat-burning.

If you eat too little, your body doesn't get enough nutrients and you'll end up losing muscle mass. If you can lose weight by eating a reasonable and well-balanced amount of food, you are definitely happier than gaining neutral fat after enduring a hard time by eating too little or without carbohydrates!

When it comes to fiber, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms etc. are a fun way to enrich your everyday diet😌🍀

Eating a diet that is conscious of protein, fiber, and moderate carbohydrates will improve your proportions and make you healthier...happier💕 I am also practicing and realizing this.

May you be kind to yourself in a positive way, Rose

This is a yummy example of a good noodle that people with SIBO can eat.

I like to enjoy food and basically enjoy anything, but apparently I have symptoms of SIBO. For people with SIBO, a low FODMAP diet is recommended. Also, this diet involves avoiding fermented foods and flour. How can I avoid eating flour when I want to eat noodles🙀?

Thai food is a great solution😊! 　

Thai food uses "rice noodles" for a noodle soup.  What do you think about this Thai-style chicken white broth ramen?  Isn't it yummy♡?  The spring rolls on the side are made with rice paper, and the mini fried rice is rice itself, so everything is gluten-free♪✌♪

The following extra photo is near the north exit of Numabukuro Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.  It is an area with a foreign-looking building, a shopping district, and a friendly, folksy vibe.

Is there a charming Thai restaurant in your city?  I hope you find a good one! 

Let's choose food that is tasty and kind to each of us, and that will make us happy and healthy.   Rose

wisdom that shines through in ordinary, everyday life

What does happiness mean to you? Is it being rich? Is it having a sweet partner? Of course they are very nice! To live happily, however, these things are not always necessary. In the process of saving money, there are discoveries to be made. The ideas that come from the original imagination, or the sudden discovery while trying to be wisely thrifty, enrich our lives on the contrary.

This is just a small example. How about serving your usual salad with a colorful beet dressing?

Isn't it beautiful? My usual salad is now festive. It feels like my day will be different from the usual😊

The red-violet anthocyanin in beets is called betacyanin, a type of polyphenol. It has a powerful antioxidant effect. Not only it lifts up your spirits, but also good for your body too. How wonderful!

How about a combination of beet-colored topping with astaxanthin-rich salmon? The bright-red astaxanthin is also a kind of polyphenol and has a strong antioxidant effect.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your days more colorful. If you are feeling down, take something nourishing and enjoyable and be kind to your body. Every day is a special day. Spending time on your own or with someone you love, both make you happy!

Speaking for myself, I like affluence, but I also like finding the idea of saving money wisely😉  When it comes to a partner?, hmmm, I'm going to leave that to your imagination. w

Wishing you all a lovely day... 

My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.

Rose

Leaving Michigan & Lovely Rose Cake

It's the morning I leave Michigan for Tokyo.  The two of us went out of the house for a while.

We saw a rose bush Collie was growing. He was growing roses while we couldn't meet for years. It was a type of rose with few petals. What is the rose called? The delicate petals look like a lady's skirt.

I'm all set for leaving Michigan for flying back to Tokyo. This is the room I use when I stay at his house. I look at it for the last time, saying thank you in my heart.

Then he drove me to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. We skipped breakfast at home to get there earlier. I didn't really think about it when I booked the airline ticket of Delta Air Lines, but later I realized the ticket didn't allow me to reserve a return-trip seat to Tokyo in advance. My ticket was "Basic" Economy and was Delta's most reasonable fare class that came with more restrictions from Economy. I'll have to line up to get my seat at the boarding gate on the day.

We usually spend time together at the airport as long as possible before I go through the security check. But this time, he hurried so that I could get a better seat. "If you are going to feel cramped between big Americans, I'd better endure the shorter time we can be together at the airport!"

He carries my ponderous suitcase easily. （❤︎ ❤︎）

He walks on so fast carrying my heavy suitcase.（❤︎ ❤︎）（❤︎ ❤︎）（❤︎ ❤︎） Wow! He is super cool. 

Thanks for helping me out.  Collie, you're the best!!!

He helped me to check in, too. Then we sat and began to eat sandwiches Collie made quickly at his house in the morning. In the sandwich, there was lettuce that he washed for dinner last night and kept some for our quick sandwiches at the airport. He also prepared nuts etc.

Facing the security check, we eat breakfast. We don't have time to chill somewhere more relaxing because of my Basic Economy ticket. ( ;  ; )  While I was eating, he took a selfie of us. There were a few tears in my eyes. I am happy with him... I have to go soon.... I was smiling but my heart was crying. 

Before long, the time came. I began standing in line for the security check and he saw me off as I proceeded. I turned around and looked at him, again and again. And finally, I waved at him and disappeared from his sight.

This travelogue was written about what happened in June 2023 in Michigan. When Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted in the United States, I flied to Michigan for the first time in 5 years to see Collie. After the sparkling stay, I returned to Tokyo and resumed my work at an advertising agency.

In July 2023.  I received a picture expressing birthday wishes from Collie. 

Birthday cake with rose shaped cream on top!  And roses arranged in a small vase must be the ones he grew! Rose cake and real roses for Rose. What a lovely presentation🌹  Thanks a million, Collie!!

A video was sent on Google besides a picture.

Near the whole cake, there is a pair of chopsticks I gave him as a present.  Collie is playful. （^ ^。

I've been counting on him every birthday since I met him. He is my everything and birthday wishes from him are special. Thank you Collie, from the bottom of my heart...

If I'm given another chance to fly to Michigan, I will treat myself with Premium Select. It is Delta's premium economy seat class and more comfortable than Economy. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  I will look forward to that time.

Best of luck and thank you for everything, Rose

Quick & relaxing dinner at home on the last day in Michigan

We came back from CANTERBURY VILLAGE in Lake Orion. It was a TACO Festival. Though we didn't eat any Mexican food there as we were not so hungry, it was a very fruitful day for me to have experienced where the locals like to hang out on their day off. 

My dinner on the last day in Michigan was at Collie's home. It has a chill vibe so I can relax. I wish I could stay longer, but I am counted as one of the transient population in Michigan and have to go back to Tokyo tomorrow. Hectic work in a bustling city is waiting. 

I rustled up burrito-like food with gluten-free tortillas, served with sauteed broccoli with garlic. I was able to use in time the tortillas I chose at Kroger! My own style Mexican food😓  I wonder if he used the rest of the tortillas later... 

He said he didn't want my broccoli, but I gave him some😆  He found it's palatable after the first bite. He has a mysterious beef sandwich that he bought extra the other day, trying to make it healthier by adding some lettuce.

 。◇゜。◇゜。◇゜dessert ◇ time   。◇゜。◇゜。◇゜

KEY LIME CHEESECAKE from ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP

Collie finally eats his cheesecake tonight!  I also took out my cake: the rest of red velvet cake and carrot cake which became much smaller... I've been enjoying my cake over a couple of days😄

It's lovely to spend our evening by taking it easy at home. Just being together, I feel comfortable. I feel safe just being with him. I spent the last day of my stay in Michigan, relaxing like that.

Singing with love & a wonderful gift at St.Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, Michigan.

I like attending Mass at St.Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. I come here every time I stay in Michigan. I like to sing hymns, say a prayer aloud with participants, and listen to the priest's preach trying to understand English as much as possible as I am Japanese. I especially like singing.

" To sing is to pray twice. "     － St.Augustine

Singing adds to our praise and worship of God.

We praise God with all our heart and voice. Singing helps us to communicate with invisible being. 

How great it would be if I could come here with Collie every week. But I'm grateful that I could come here again. I cherish this valuable moment. 

Then after Mass, I have something to look forward to.

Collie: "I can't believe you eat a donut!"     Rose: "Why not (●- -●).."

When you come out of the chapel, there is a room opposite where coffee & sweets are prepared. Donuts were being served today. Can you resist getting a donut??? And look at this fresh coffee!

Collie didn't take a donut. I know I've already eaten a cheesecake, carrot cake, and a red velvet cake, however, I'll have to go back to Japan soon and today is the only opportunity to be able to enjoy coffee & a donut at St.Joseph!

It's still vivid that a little girl smiled at me shyly, gently when she handed out a donut to me. It was so cute and made me happy. The time with palatable coffee & a donut was a wonderful gift for me.

St.Joseph Catholic Church

715 N Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, Michigan 48362, United States 

The power of sacred music increases the honor given to God by the Church in union with Christ, its Head.

I think going to church together with a beloved one is the best date. It's also a wonderful gift.  Now I pray.   May the power of God be with you on your journey and protect you always...