June Reads 2017

Happy Friday Friends! I hope your week got off to a great start and you have exciting things planned for this week.  

For 2017, I have decided that it is important for me to take the time to read books... I know, I know, I say this every year, but this year I promise will be different! 

The goal is to each month, read a random assortment of books and share a few thoughts about the book (but not too much as I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone).  I love reading and I love sharing books with you guys.

Plus, this is a great opportunity for you all to share some of your awesome reads with me! 

If you want to follow/friend me on Goodreads, click here.

And you can keep track all year long by clicking 2017 Books at the top of my blog.  I will keep a running list of books right there for you.

Books I've Read/Currently Reading 

I am sad to report that I had a hard time finding time to read this month between going to several events and having a generally busy schedule all month! 

The one book I did manage to finish is: 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban // J.K. Rowling

Speaking of Harry Potter, have you seen the 20th Anniversary books?! I have been eyeing them for a while now, but I feel like I would want one of each book and cannot justify the cost right now! 

Well that is all for my books for June! 

To check out the other books I have read this year, check out my 2017 Books tab at the top of my page or check out my reading list on Goodreads! If you have a Goodreads account, make sure to add me because I am always on the hunt for a good book recommendation.

Question of the Day: What good books are you currently reading? 

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

What's Up Wednesday #15

Happy Hump Day friends! 

Today I am participating in another round of What's Up Wednesday! 

Once a month I join in the fun with Sheaffer, Mel and Shay answering some fun questions and sharing what fun things are happening.  Here's the questions we answer every month...

What We're Eating this Week

Food.  I honestly am not sure what we are planning to eat for the long weekend ahead.  Thankfully we both have July 3rd off of work so we are planning to do some grilling and spend some much needed time organizing and cleaning the house.  My goal for this weekend is to get as much purged from our house as humanly possible. 

What I'm Reminiscing About

It is crazy to think that we've been in our house for one year already! I have been thinking about all of the fun things we've done at our house over the past year and all of the fun things to come! I cannot wait to see what other fun things happen over the next year! 

What I'm Loving

This cooler weather! I love summer because it is warm, but I hate when it gets too hot.  Lately it's been in the low 70's which is my favorite temperature - not too hot and not too cold {yes I am Goldy Locks when it comes to weather}.

What We've Been Up To

June has been an absolutely crazy busy month for us.  This month we had: 2 weddings, 3 graduation parties, 1 baby shower, Father's Day, and we celebrated his mom's birthday! Talk about a crazy {and fun} month.  

What I'm Dreading

Honestly, I am not dreading too much right now! We have a ton of exciting things happening in our world and I am looking forward to having a nice and relaxing summer spending time with family and friends. 

What I'm Working On

Ya'll, I just got my first ever Bullet Journal.  Not sure what that is, no problem! It's another form of task tracking/planning versus just a standard planner.  I have seen bullet journals popping up over my Instagram and Pinterest and I am so excited to start doing my pages and designing it to fit my needs.  

What I'm Looking Forward To

We have a long weekend this weekend with the 4th of July! I decided to take Monday off of work so we can just hang out at home and relax (or do chores depending on timing).  It will be nice to just have some time to relax. 

What I'm Watching/Reading

We're going to see Despicable Me 3 on Saturday and I am so excited! I love all of the movies and hope this one will be just as good as the other ones.  At the very least, I know I will have a few good laughs at the movie. 

What I'm Listening To

Still listening to the Harry Potter Books! With the 20th Anniversary on Monday, it only seemed fitting that I listen to the books.  Oh! Have you seen the latest covers of the 1st book?? Oh my gosh they are so pretty - I want one of each! But it might be a little excessive having 5 copies of the same book, right?

What I'm Wearing

I went shopping with my sister, cousin and Dad on Monday evening and picked up the cutest shirt from Tommy Hilfiger.  I have not shopped there in so long and was impressed with how cute their clothes are.  I actually think I will be going back to get some more clothes soon because they are super cute and reasonably priced.  

What I'm Doing this Weekend

This weekend we are planning to clean the house, finish painting the dining room, organizing the pantry and going through all of our clothes and donating what we no longer need in the house.  We are also planning to go see Despicable Me 3 with our friends and doing a cookout.  

Previous What's Up Wednesday Posts

What's Up Wednesday #5

What's Up Wednesday #6

What's Up Wednesday #7

What's Up Wednesday #8

What's Up Wednesday #9

What's Up Wednesday #10

What's Up Wednesday #11

What's Up Wednesday #12

What's Up Wednesday #13

What's Up Wednesday #14

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

tuesday things.

❤ I love being busy, but lately we've been too busy.  I am looking forward to not having every weekend jam packed with things to do.  We will get to relax a little bit in July - just in time for summer.

❤ I forgot how much I love to knit.  It's amazing how relaxing knitting can be when you're taking the time to make something special for a friend or family member.

❤ Strawberry picking is one of my absolute favorite family traditions with have with Justin's family.  We had perfect weather on Sunday! I wish I could have stayed longer, but I had a baby shower to get to.

❤ The weather has cooled off in Michigan which is making it on the warm and cool side.  This is my favorite weather because I can be comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt but shorts would also be a good option.  

❤ This weekend we are going to finish painting the dining room, go through our clothes and get ones we don't need and clean out our pantry.  I'm looking forward to getting rid of some things we do not need and open up some room for organization.

❤ I am on the hunt for a good summer pink nail polish.  I tend to prefer Essie polishes, but I am open to any and all suggestions.  I just want a fun pink for summer for my fingers and toes. 

❤ We've been talking about planning an international trip sometime next year - should we do England or should we do Japan? They're both so very different and would offer some amazing experiences.

❤ I keep forgetting things I need to do yet feel like I have all the time in the world and have nothing I should be doing.  

Question of the Day: What fun things have crossed your mind this week?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

#HPReadathon2017 Reading Challenge || Week #7

Happy Monday Everyone!

Welcome to Week 7 of the #HPReadathon2017! This is our second week reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix so this post might look a little familiar! I hope you have been enjoying these posts and I look forward to sharing a recap at the end of this whole thing in August!

About #HPReadathon2017 | May 15 - August 6

The #HPReadathon2017 is a chance for Potterheads around the world to read the Harry Potter series again interactively. It is a three-month long event that aims to get Potterheads involved in reading, watching the films and participating in a range of different activities.  These activities include things like a Photo Challenge, Quizzes, and weekly reading challenges.  The check out more about the #HPReadathon2017, check out their Tumblr Site here: https://hpreadathon.tumblr.com/details

 If you want to follow, check out my twitter: @RunwithJackabee or follow along at my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  So see what other readers are posting,  check out the hashtag #HPReadathon2017 on Twitter or Instagram! 

Week 6

|| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ||

This book will be covered over the next two weeks, so I will be posting pictures/updates for this week and will start another post on Monday June 26! 

Day 1: June 26
Book I'm Reading: 
Chapters I've Read Today: 
Total Pages Read:  
Book(s) I've Completed: 

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone || J.K. Rowling  
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them || Newt Scamander, J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets || J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire || J.K. Rowling

Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:  

Day 2: June 27
Book I'm Reading: 
Chapters I've Read Today: 
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day: 

Day 3: June 28
Book I'm Reading: 
Chapters I've Read Today: 
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day: 

Day 4: June 29
Book I'm Reading: 
Chapters I've Read Today: 
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:  

Day 5: June 30
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 6: July 1
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Day 7: July 2
Book I'm Reading:
Chapters I've Read Today:
Total Pages Read: 
Book(s) I've Completed:
Challenge I've Participated In: 
My Day:

Photo Challenge

Another fun part of this Readathon is the Photo Challenge they are hosting! I am hoping to complete some {if not all} of the photos over the next week.  Want to follow along? Check out my Bookstagram: @RunwithJackabee_Reads.  I will also be posting my daily/weekly updates there as well.

My Photos

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Olga's Kitchen Announces "Get Fed for What You Read" Summer Reading Program

Just in time for the start of summer vacation, Olga’s Kitchen, an iconic metro Detroit brand born from the success of its signature, grilled-to-order, secret recipe Olga Bread, announced today its new summer reading program “Get Fed for What You Read.” Olga’s Kitchen created this program to help kids avoid the “summer slide” which, according to the National Summer Learning Association, estimates that students who do not read over the summer will lose roughly 22 percent, or about two months, of knowledge gained during the school year. 

Through the “Get Fed for What You Read” program, kids can earn a free kid’s meal and kid’s dessert simply by reading. Parents and children can download the reading tracker from the Olga’s Kitchen web site, www.olgas.com, where children should color in a segment for every ten minutes of reading they complete. Once the entire tracker is full, a parent or guardian must sign the document for the child and bring it to their local Olga’s Kitchen to claim the reading rewards. 

The program runs from June 19 – September 4, and is designed for children 12 years of age and younger. There is no limit to the number of trackers a child can complete over the course of the program. 

“Olga’s wants children to develop a continued love for reading,” said Mark Schostak, owner and chairman, of TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants. “As a father, I know the battles that can ensue trying to get kids to read and keep up on their studies over the summer. Parents are always looking for incentives to motivate their children. We’re hoping lunch or dinner at Olga’s Kitchen, plus dessert, can do just that,” he added. 

About Olga’s Kitchen 
Founded in 1970 by Olga Loizon, Olga’s Kitchen is known for its signature, grilled-to-order secret recipe Olga Bread. Serving over 20,000 pieces of its Olga Bread every day across its 26 restaurants, Olga’s Kitchen has solidified its reputation as the leader in the casual family dining restaurant industry, with a focus on delivering a positively unique and consistent culinary experience. From its Olga Bread to The Original Olga® and Olga’s Snackers®, Olga’s Kitchen has an unmatched standard for delighting its loyal guests with menu items infused with bold flavors, made-to-order from high-quality ingredients. For more information, visit www.olgas.com. 

About TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants 
Livonia, Mich.-based TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants is a family-owned restaurant group with an expansive portfolio of casual dining, fast casual, quick service and family dining restaurants throughout the state of Michigan. With a commitment to quality operations, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants is an industry leader in attracting, developing and retaining the most talented work force that proudly delights its guests and sets an unmatched standard of excellence. For the past three decades, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants has expanded its restaurant catalog to include 65 Applebee’s restaurants, 26 Olga’s Kitchen restaurants, eight MOD Pizza restaurants, and five Del Taco restaurants. For more information, visit www.teamschostak.com. 

To get your printable tracker, go to this link and print away! 

Print Your Reading Tracker

Question of the Day: What is your favorite item on the Olga's Menu?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Opening Today: The Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream

Milford brews new local coffee shopThe Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream celebrates grand opening June 24

Downtown Milford’s dining scene is heating up with the arrival of its first home-brewed coffee joint, The Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream. Located at 369 N. Main Street and next to the ever-popular Acorn Farm, the highly anticipated shop will celebrate community, coffee and more when it officially opens on Saturday, June 24.

“We’re very excited to be in Milford,” said Jodie Courtney, The Proving Grounds co-owner and co-visionary along with husband James. “The Village has one of the most charming downtown areas we’ve ever seen. We’re thrilled to share the lovely scents and tastes of our locally-brewed products.”

The Proving Grounds patrons can expect to enjoy pour over, French press, café miel and tons of other popular beverages. From light roast to espresso, dark roast to international blends, Proving Grounds prides itself in expanding the community’s palate by introducing cherry, cocoa and other exotic-tasting blends to its menu.

In addition to freshly brewed coffee, the shop will give patrons a chance to pair their brew with treats and eats.  Sweet and savory pastries made courtesy of Fenton-based bakery Crust will satisfy customers in need of a snack, while small-batch artisan ice cream from Farmington-based Browndog Creamery will cool down customers on a hot summer day.

Designed with the local community in mind, The Proving Grounds embodies Milford’s small-town charm. Locally produced artwork illuminated by Edison light bulbs grace the cafe walls while rustic wood details, including reclaimed wood benches, comfy chairs and couches add warmth to the space. 

Weeks before the store began serving, Jodie and James Courtney began engaging the community by handing out tasty treats and previewing their unique brews at Milford events such as Ladies Night Out, the Memorial Day parade and Currents Music Festival.

“The community embraced us from the moment we stepped foot in Milford and continues to share bits and pieces of advice,” Courtney added. “Our motto is quality and community. We’re excited to serve as a local gathering place and look forward to getting to know our neighbors and customers.”

“The Proving Grounds is an excellent addition to downtown Milford’s shopping and dining district,” said Ann Barnette, executive director of Milford’s Downtown Development Authority. “It’s great to see the community embrace a locally-sourced and produced business. Milford’s downtown district prides itself in offering local, fresh, healthy options for the community. The Proving Grounds fits in perfectly.”

The shop plans to welcome local acoustic artists, feature a kid’s corner and offer outdoor seating on its Main Street patio. Stop by the locally-sourced, community-driven shop from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit www.provinggroundscoffee.com or call 248-716-0088.

Question of the Day: What is your favorite coffee drink?

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Buddy’s Pizza Celebrates 71 Years with Giveaways

Home of the original Detroit-style pizza rewards dedicated customers

DETROIT (June 20, 2017) – Buddy’s Pizza Day returns Friday, June 23 with contests, giveaways and more. In celebration of the original Detroit-style pizza’s 71^st anniversary, the first 71 customers at each location to ask for a commemorative poster of the original 6 Mile location created by local artist Paul Adams will receive one complimentary and have a chance to win free pizza for a year via the I Want Buddy’s contest.

“We’re 71 years strong, and we’re grateful to the community for supporting us all these years,” said Wes Pikula, Buddy’s Pizza vice president of operations. “Our legacy began in 1946 with the first square pizza and now our restaurant is being nationally recognized as the originator of ‘Detroit-style pizza.’ We know that wouldn’t be possible without the countless fans – locals and Motor City transplants – that’ve helped spread the word about our pizza. These giveaways are our way of saying thank you.”

Poster Giveaway

Created by local artist Paul Adams, the poster showcases a unique piece of Buddy’s Pizza history. The design depicts the original 6 Mile location in its heyday, buzzing with people playing bocce and enjoying square pizza.  Adams, a Detroit native and longtime Buddy’s fan, has worked as a commercial illustrator for more than 30 years and won numerous awards for his work from groups like the Creative Advertising Club of Detroit and other notable organizations. He will be at the original 6 Mile location signing posters from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Buddy’s Pizza Day.

“I Want Buddy’s” Contest

From June 23-25, patrons that post a picture of themselves enjoying the original Detroit-style pizza and tag Buddy’s Pizza on Facebook (@buddyspizza) or Instagram (@buddyspizzadet), will be entered in a drawing to receive free pizza for a year. Posts must include the caption “I Want Buddy’s.” One lucky fan will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, June 26.

Customer Appreciation Cards

As an added thank you to patrons, Buddy’s Pizza will once again offer customer appreciation cards for a limited time. Beginning on June 23, diners can drop in to any of the family-owned restaurant’s 11 locations to claim their card. Once a month cardholders will be eligible to receive a one-topping, 8-square Detroit-style pizza priced at a discounted rate of $7.10. Additional toppings may be added for 71 cents each. Appreciation cards will be available until June 30, or until supplies run out. No purchase is necessary.

Buddy’s Pizza is located in:

Auburn Hills                                
2612 N. Squirrel Rd                      
248.276.9040                          

Bloomfield Hills (carry-out only)
3637 W. Maple Road
248.645.0300

Dearborn
22148 Michael Ave.
313.562.5900  

Detroit                                      
17125 Conant St                           
313.892.9001               

Farmington Hills
31646 Northwestern Hwy
248.855.4600

Grosse Pointe
19163 Mack Ave.
313.884.7400

Livonia                                         
33605 Plymouth Rd                    
734.261.3550               

Novi
44225 Twelve Mile Road
248.675.0881

Royal Oak (carry-out only)
32218 Woodward Ave
248.549.8000            

                            
Warren                                        

8100 Old Thirteen Mile Rd          
586.574.1848    

Shelby Township
45841 Hayes Road
586.566.1233

Ann Arbor
Coming Fall 2017

About Buddy’s Pizza

Family-owned and operated since 1946, Buddy’s Pizza is the birthplace of the original Detroit-style square pizza. For seven decades, the restaurant has been feeding patrons at its 11 metro Detroit locations and earning accolades from fans across the nation, including recognition from CBS This Morning, USA Today, Zagat, Food Network, Pizza Today, Eater, Travel Channel and more. Consistently voted Detroit’s number one pizza locally, regionally and nationally, the Farmington Hills-based restaurant remains true to its Detroit roots, legacy and  traditions that began on the corner of 6 Mile and Conant years ago. For more information, visit www.buddyspizza.com or connect with Buddy’s on Facebook (www.facebook.com/buddyspizza), Twitter (@BuddysPizza) and Instagram (@BuddysPizzaDET).

Question of the Day: What is your favorite topping on pizza? 

I'd love to hear from you!

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Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.