Some days just flow in the best way — nothing rushed, nothing over planned, just a few good stops that come together naturally. This was one of those mornings where everything felt easy from start to finish. 🌿 Starting the Day — Clinton River Trail …
This year for my birthday, I wanted something fun and easy — no reservations, no rushing around, just a day that felt relaxed but special. So, we decided to do another movie day at Emagine Theater, and honestly, it was perfect. We did the same …
For my daughter’s birthday this year, we wanted something fun, active, and a little different — something that would let the kids run wild and laugh until they were out of breath. We decided to do the open jump session at Pump It Up in Wixom, and it turned out to be the perfect choice! 🎉
The atmosphere was bright, colorful, and welcoming from the moment we walked in. We ended up being the last jump session of the day, which meant we practically had the place to ourselves — such a nice surprise and a perfect way to make the birthday girl feel extra special.
The open jump is 70 minutes long and costs $15 per child, with two parents jumping free per paid child — such a great deal for family fun! We started in a big inflatable obstacle room, moved on to slides, and even played a few rounds in the basketball area with the small hoops. I couldn’t stop laughing — the kids loved seeing us tumble around too 😄.
Kendall, who was working during our visit, was so polite, helpful, and friendly. She made sure everything ran smoothly and brought such great energy to the whole experience. You can tell she truly enjoys making sure families have a good time.
The only small note I’d add is that the vending machines only take cash, so it’s a good idea to bring a few dollars if you want drinks or snacks.
All in all, it was a joyful, laughter-filled evening — full of color, motion, and memories. Pump It Up is the kind of place that reminds you it’s okay to be a kid again for a little while. 💜
When my daughter said she wanted sushi for her birthday dinner, I knew exactly where to order — Sukhothai! 👩🏾🍳 It’s one of her favorites, and honestly, I can see why. Their sushi is always fresh, carefully made, and consistently delicious. This time, I ordered …
Sometimes home projects can feel overwhelming — but our recent roof replacement with Victor’s Home Solutions (formerly Victor’s Roofing) turned out to be smooth, stress-free, and even a little enjoyable. We started with an inspection from Johno, who was friendly, quick, and straightforward about what …
Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a little time to slow down. My husband and I decided to do just that with a couples massage at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Rochester Hills, MI — and it turned out to be exactly what we needed.
From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere worked its magic. Soft, relaxing music filled the air, the rooms were warm and inviting, and the massage tables were heated (which made me very happy — I’m always cold!).
Delisa, my massage therapist, was wonderful. I’d been nursing a deep neck strain from sleeping in the wrong position, and she found the trouble spot right away. She worked it out with the perfect amount of pressure — enough to release the tension without making me sore afterward. By the time we were done, the pain had eased, and I felt calm, light, and ready to take on the rest of the day.
The staff as a whole was kind, polite, and professional, which only added to the experience. It’s the kind of place where you walk out feeling cared for — not just worked on.
💜💜💜💜💜
📍 Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa 2907 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
After a blissful couples massage, the only thing on my mind was food — and not just any food. I wanted something tasty, filling, and easy. We ended up at Red Lobster, and it turned out to be the perfect post-spa stop. The atmosphere inside …
Some nights, cooking just isn’t happening—and that’s exactly why I love having PF Chang’s as a reliable gluten-free option. I ordered using the PF Chang’s app, where the gluten-free options are clearly labeled and easy to find. I had some Chang’s Cash saved up, so …
Flatbread with Vegan Cheese FriesGrilled Chicken Wrap with Vegan Cheese 12 inch Meat Lovers Deep Dish Pizza with Vegan Cheese
When Grandma Craves Pizza 🍕💁🏽♀️—We Call Tru Pizza Co (Formerly Renee’s Gourmet Pizzeria)
Pizza night is sacred in our family—and when Grandma says she’s in the mood for pizza, we know where we’re ordering from: Renee’s Gourmet Pizzeria, now going by Tru Pizza Co, right in Troy, MI.
This spot is our tried-and-true go-to for gluten-free and dairy-free pizza that never feels like a “special diet” sacrifice. It’s flavorful, filling, and allergy-aware—everything we need in a family favorite.
We ordered through DoorDash and were so happy everything came hot, fresh, and neatly packed. Here’s what we dug into:
🍕 Deep-Dish Meat Lovers Pizza with Vegan Cheese This one’s always a hit. Hearty toppings, bold flavor, and a chewy, golden crust that satisfies on every level. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you forget it’s gluten and dairy-free—just pure pizzeria vibes.
🌯 Chicken Wrap Totally unexpected—in a good way! The wrap had a great texture, the filling was well-seasoned, and it actually felt crafted, not like a throwaway menu item. I’d order it again without hesitation.
🧄 Cheese Flatbread Crisp around the edges, softer in the center, and topped with vegan cheese. While it doesn’t have the stretch of dairy cheese, the flavor and texture were still totally satisfying. A simple but solid addition to the meal.
🍟 French Fries Honestly…not our favorite. They arrived a bit overdone and under-seasoned. My son picked at them, but we’ll probably skip those next time.
🐘 Elephant Ears YES. Just yes. Soft yet crisp, sweet, and perfectly iced, these were such a fun treat to end the night. I ordered extra on purpose and had zero regrets. They’re messy in the best way.
Final Thoughts 💬 Tru Pizza Co continues to be one of the very few places I can count on for both food safety and flavor. As someone juggling multiple allergies in the family, that peace of mind means everything. And more than that—it’s really good pizza, plain and simple.
They make it easy to order, easy to enjoy, and easy to include everyone at the table. We’ll definitely be back for another slice. 💜
Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜
📍 Address Tru Pizza Co (Renee’s Gourmet Pizzeria) 1937 W. Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48084
🔗 Website https://trupizzaco.com
⭐ My Google Review https://goo.gl/maps/YQMikmh8Sg9zD1TS8?g_st=ac
If you’re ever in Lincoln Park, Michigan, and looking for a place where fandom, family, and friendliness intersect, let me introduce you to The 8th Side—a cozy, bustling spot that just might become your new go-to for Pokémon tournaments, collectibles, and community vibes. 🎮 Why …