CycleBar-Troy-Michigan
Now Open!
I was invited to visit CycleBar in Troy and all I have is three words...
It was awesome!
Let me tell you a little about CycleBar. CycleBar is a premier indoor cycling boutique that is part exercise class and part rock concert. CycleBar offers an exhilarating, high-energy, intoxicating workout experience, complete with mind-blowing playlists and interactive rides designed for people of all fitness and experience levels.
The studio features 50 top-of-the-line Schwinn Carbon Blue bikes and energy enhancing CycleBeats music. You are sure to have a great workout!
I've got great news!
CycleBar Troy is giving away free classes July 28th- August 7th. How cool is that! Go to troy.cyclebar.com and click on "Find a Class" to reserve your spot and receive a free ride.
Also follow CycleBar on Facebook. They are giving away 50 FREE rides to one lucky winner through July 7th. Details on their Facebook page.
And it gets even better!
I am giving away free swag and a guest pass to use at any time. You can enter @suburbia_mom on Instagram.
I was selected as a CycleBar brand ambassador and given the opportunity to experience their new studio free of charge in exchange for writing this post. Please note that any personal options reflected in this post are my own and has not been monetarily compensated.
Proven Winners DIY Hanging Basket Kit Giveaway
Contest Ends 8.1.16
Check it out!
I received a DIY kit in exchange for this post and giveaway. I have to say, what a great experience! This kit is amazing! For starters, it's super easy. The kit includes everything you need including the potting soil.
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I was so excited when I received this big box in the mail from Proven Winners. |
Time Saver
With two little ones, I don't have much time. Having the kit delivered right to my door from Proven Winners Direct is a perfect time saver. Many times I go and pick up flowers and then later discover that I have forgotten the soil. With this kit, it's all there for you. Plus you don't have to go anywhere. It's delivered right to your door step.
Kids Love It!
My son had so much fun helping me plant the basket. He was my little helper. This has also been a wonderful educational experience for him as he helps water it daily and watches the flowers grow.
My son had so much fun helping me plant the basket. He was my little helper. This has also been a wonderful educational experience for him as he helps water it daily and watches the flowers grow.
Simple Steps
Planting was simple. All I needed to supply were the gloves for my hands and water. I was able to complete the entire planting process in 15 minutes. As a busy mom, I can't tell you how thankful I was to have simple steps to follow. This made planting go smoothly.
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| Every flower is packaged beautifully and ready to plant. |
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| Directions show you how to arrange the flowers in the pot. |
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| As I arranged the flowers I continued to add the soil. |
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| Once you complete planting, add plant feed. |
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| It's all done! Ready to hang. |
Quality
Everything from the packaging to the product met my high standards. My first initial thought of plants being delivered through the mail was they would not be of good quality. This kit has proven me wrong! My flowers perked up quickly once they were planted and placed in the proper sunlight. Now look at them! Notice I don't have them hanging. I decided to use as a display on a stump an old stump we had.
Now it's your turn to have a Proven Winners DIY Hanging Basket Kit delivered to your door. Use the promo code SUBURBIAPWDIY when you checkout on this website or enter to win here! You have until August 1st to enter.
Good Luck!
Exploring Mackinac Island with the family
I love visiting this gem. You feel as though you've stepped back in time. It's as if time stands still while on the island.
I married my husband on the island and now years following we are traveling with our little ones in hand. It's our hope that one day our children will return to the island and have rich memories of all the fun times spent there as a child.
I remember carrying my wedding gown off the boat and down main street to our hotel. I also remember our first stay on the island with our son when he was learning to walk. Both experiences were unique and special. These rich experiences have inspired me to share these suggestions.
Explore off Main Street
The island is small but there is so much to see and do. Some people can satisfy their visit during a day trip to and from the island, while others prefer to stay a few days. Either way, the the "click clack" from the horses is sure to add to your lasting memories.
If you're a history buff you are in the right place. The island is rich in history. A guided horse carriage tour of the island is well worth your money. Your guide will have a lot to share with you as you enjoy the views from the carriage.
Depending on your child's age, you could check out Fort Mackinac or the Governor's Summer Residence. Both places are a short walking distance apart and are worth the small fee.
My children are too young to appreciate any of the islands historical grounds. To meet their high energy levels, we prefer to get off Main Street and let the kids explore. We always start where we were married, The Somewhere in Time Gazebo ,which is nestled away east of Fort Mackinac. From there, we simply roam around and enjoy all the beauty the island has to offer. There is no need to rush. You are on island time.
Bike Rental: Bring or Rent?
The entire island is about horses and biking. Oh and fudge of course. Bikes are everywhere. There are no motor vehicles on the island. Some like to bring their own bikes and bike the island. There is a fee to bring your bike on the ferry. One thing to keep in mind is bike rental is always an option. You can rent bicycles by the hour, day, and even night.
If your children are old enough to peddle on their own, you are up for a great time. I would suggest bringing your own bikes. This way you can cruise around leisurely and not worry about time. But if you are in tow with little ones you may find it almost impossible to bike the island. You can rent bike trailers for your little ones. This may be a great option for those wanting to bike for a few hours with those little ones. Last year we traveled with my 8 week old which canceled out the biking option entirely.
One year we traveled with our bikes and our bike trailer. This had its perks. We were able to disconnect the trailer and use it as a stroller. The down fall to this is the trailer is big and not side walk friendly. But it served it purpose and came in real handy when it rained. We were able to use the plastic shield to keep the baby dry and our fudge!
Pack A Lot of Healthy Snacks
If you've traveled to the island, you know that once you are on the island you are fairly limited with resources. You will not find a Rite Aid or super market. Doud Market is the one grocery store on the Island and it is equipped with all you need but limited on certain items such as Annie's Bunny Snacks. Since we stay on the island for a few nights, I like to pack all our favorite snacks and bring them to the island. This allows us to get settled before having to pick up items from the market. Plus it's peace to the mind knowing we packed all kinds of snacks the kids love. Oh and I also bring quick mac n cheese and oatmeal packets for those moments when you're in your room and the kids are starving. It's saved me a couple of times!Order Carry Out
Nothing stresses me out more than trying to enjoy my dinner while trying to keep two toddlers entertained at a restaurant. The entire dining experience becomes a blur and I never thoroughly enjoyed my meal.
To make meals more enjoyable while traveling try ordering carry out and have a quiet picnic anywhere on the island. One option is Whitefish Point. It has picnic tables and a beautiful view. We truly enjoy our picnic lunches and dinners on the island. It is a win win for all. The kids get to set free and parents can sit back and relax a bit.
Plan ahead and bring a blanket to eat on. Preferably one that is waterproof and folds up easy. This way you can picnic after wet weather. We have this one and it works great.
Quick Tips
- Order your ferry tickets online. It's cheaper and saves a little time.
- Dress in layers. The island is usually always cooler than mainland.
- If you have two strollers, possibly consider bringing your older one. Your stroller will smell like horse waste days after leaving the island, even after washing. This goes for shoes also.
- Make your hotel reservation months in advance. It books up fast.
- Check into your hotel before purchasing your fudge. Many times you will receive a discount coupon for a local fudge shop. Every little saving counts. It all adds up.
- Check out this website for all your travel information.
- One thing to keep in mind is not every Bed & Breakfast is child friendly. Some Inn's do not accommodate well with little children. Call ahead and speak with the host. They will be more than happy to help you find the perfect place for you and your little ones.
Have you traveled to the island? I would love to add your tips to my Quick Tips list. Please share your secrets.
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