I always take a walk down the book aisles to see if anything catches my eye when shopping at my local Goodwill. The other day, something did: a nearly new copy of Wreck This Journal.
I imagine you’re either thinking “how cool?!” or “what the heck is a wreck journal?” If you’re in the latter group, allow me to explain. Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith is a guided book on how to wreck the book. Each page has a new prompt to follow. A few examples include “poke holes in this page,” “bring this book in the shower with you,” and even “spit here.” It’s seriously a book you get to seriously wreck, creatively!
I had a Wreck This Journal when I was younger (that I, of course, wrecked), so finding this book at the thrift inspired me to take on the challenge again. I’ve made some good progress so far, but there are still plenty more prompts to take action on.
Working on this journal is a good practice in combating perfectionism and thinking about things differently. And, it makes for a great cozy hobby during the winter season! I’m happy I found a new-to-me copy to enjoy.
Moral of the story: don’t skip the book section of your local thrift store! You never know what you might find.
Did you ever wreck a copy of Wreck This Journal? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
If you’ve been reading since the beginning, we’ve spent lots of time together – cheers to 6 years!
This year brought some exciting opportunities that I wouldn’t have imagined when I started my blogging journey. Being featured in a Mashed article was definitely a highlight! And, attending the Timber Rattlers’ Foodie Event was a wonderful and delicious time. Collaboration opportunities like these are just plain fun, and I’m always happy to participate.
While reflecting on 6 years of blogging, I started to think about what I want year 7 to look like. Here’s what to expect:
Monthly Posts: I’m currently planning 1 new post to share each month. If I do say so myself, I have some good topics on the list. Subscribe to get posts delivered straight to your inbox when they are live.
Niching Down: I’ve updated my blog post categories to be: Adventures, Coffee, Thrifting, and Musings. Those are the primary pillars I typically create around, so I just made it official.
Commitment to Keeping it REAL: This blog has always been and always will be written by me. No AI writing, period.
Thank you for joining me on this creative adventure – talk soon!
This past weekend, I enjoyed time in Door County with my mom. Our weekend adventure took us on a tour around Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, and Sturgeon Bay. We went to some of my favorite places and lots of new-to-us spots! I love a Door County day trip, but this time we extended our stay with a night at Harbor Haven. This meant we had even more time to explore! It was a lovely 2-day getaway. Here’s a recap:
On Saturday morning, our first stop was Door County Coffee Company to get caffeinated for the day ahead. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte, and my mom got the pumpkin chai (tis the season). Both sips were delicious and fueled our journey to Egg Harbor.
A must-visit place on my list was Sunrise on Main Boutique in Egg Harbor. I always love shopping at the Green Bay location, so it was exciting to finally check out the Door County shop. Sunrise on Main had a beautifully curated selection of second-hand clothing and accessories. I loved seeing great vintage finds like leather and fur coats and even vintage Coach bags.
After Egg Harbor, we drove to Fish Creek to visit more shops and enjoy the sights. June Landing was on my list to visit in Fish Creek (seeing the shop on the ‘gram influenced me). The boutique has a coastal vibe and reminded me of the aesthetic of The Summer I Turned Pretty!
Once we had visited all of the shops we wanted to in Fish Creek, we were ready to head to Sturgeon Bay to grab a late lunch. We made a pit stop at Lautenbach’s market store before ending up at Door County Fire Company to eat. We both enjoyed the summer salad wrap – a perfect treat!
We each ended up getting a pair of theWorld’s Softest Socks (aka the BEST cozy socks ever) from The Brick Alley. My haul also included E. Frances Little Notes, espresso martini edition!
After a whole day of shopping and walking around, we enjoyed some relaxing time at Harbor Haven, our Airbnb for the weekend. It was the perfect place to take a moment and plot out dinner plans.
After some searching, we discovered Dromhus, a local wine bar & eatery, was just a walk away. In about 15 minutes, we found ourselves in a renovated chapel with fun and eclectic decor. We ordered hard ciders and a flatbread pizza made with smoked gouda, granny smith apples, bacon, and a honey drizzle. The experience, sips, and eats were all 10/10. I’m already craving a visit to this place again!
We really made the most out of our Saturday, so it felt good to return to our Airbnb to relax, get cozy, and recharge for another day in Sturgeon Bay.
Sunday morning, we enjoyed a calm routine and began to add a few things to our itinerary.
We knew we wanted to go to 5th & Jefferson Coffee House, so that felt like the perfect first stop for a latte and breakfast! Bonus: it’s just a walk away from Harbor Haven.
As we walked up to 5&J, we saw tons of outdoor seating options and even a walk-up window. Walking inside, we were met with lots of funky and cool decor. The cafe had great energy, and our order was delicious.
“The Frankie” grilled egg burrito had bacon, egg, cheese, peppers, and onions – yum! And, we both went for the “Honey Bear Latte” which featured honey, brown sugar, and cinnamon – yum, again! 5&J gave us the perfect fuel for another day of exploring in Sturgeon Bay.
We walked across the Sturgeon Bay Bridge to check out more local shops. On the bridge, the views were absolutely stunning! I recommend taking the walking path when you visit. Sure, we could’ve driven across, but I loved having the opportunity to soak up the scenery.
My favorite shop we visited on Sunday was Bayside Bargains! This resale and consignment shop had it all. Literally. Somehow, I found a leather fringe (Lucky brand) purse and a Sonny Angel. It was my lucky day!
Before we hit the road home, we of course had to stop by one more coffee shop. Lawlss was on my must-visit list because of a special feature in the cafe: a vault!
I could honestly sip coffee and chat in a vault all day. Our drinks were lovely, and the overall aesthetic was perfect. If you’re a local coffee shop enthusiast like me, you’ve got to check this place out!
We had such a fun time checking out new-to-us spots in Door County and specifically getting to know Sturgeon Bay. By the end of the weekend, I’m not even sure how many steps we got in, but I know it was A LOT. We really made the most of our 2-day trip!
Cheers to a gorgeous time – I’m looking forward to the next adventure!
Do you have any favorite spots in Door County? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
We’ve all heard the advice, “Just be yourself.” But what do those three little words really mean? While I do believe this statement holds a good sentiment, it lacks depth.
I recently read Kat Timpf’s book, I Used to Like You Until…, where she says: “self-expression is the key not only to personal happiness but also to connection with those around us.”
That quote resonated with me more than “just be yourself” ever has. Being yourself isn’t something that you just do. It’s who you are, the way you live, what you believe, and how you express yourself.
I agree with Kat: living authentically is key to personal happiness! And, it’s absolutely vital to express yourself in a way that’s true to you. The most meaningful connections come from you showing up as you.
So, how do you show up in a way that’s true to you? Here are a few pieces of advice I’ve found helpful:
Think for yourself. Forget the noise, and think critically to form your own opinions/ideas. This applies to many things, big and small.
Here’s a basic example: When I’m planning content, I think to myself – am I creating based on a trend, or am I creating based on my unique perspective?
Guess what? Creating from my unique perspective always starts more conversation and allows for more connection than simply following the crowd.
Understand what’s none of your business. Others’ non-constructive opinions are not worth your time. It may sound harsh to say, “it’s none of your business,” but it is a good way to separate yourself from unnecessary stress.
Get the piercing or tattoo (or whatever you want). Everyone can make choices for their own appearances that enhance confidence. For example, I consider my Monroe piercing to be a signature element of my personal style. But, obviously, who you are is deeper than how you look. Your style is simply an additional layer to your self-expression.
In summary: Don’t just be yourself. Know who you are and act accordingly.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
If you’ve ever been walking around Downtown Green Bay in the summer, you’ve likely seen (and heard) a pedal pub cruising down the street. This is the Foxy Pedaler! But this isn’t the only option to ride and sip in style. There’s also the Foxy Paddler party boat, which offers a similar experience on the water.
I’ve recently taken a ride on each of the Foxy tours – an activity that’s been on my local wishlist for a little while now! And, I had a great time! Both provide a fun and unique experience to enjoy.
Here’s what my journeys looked like, plus a few tips for having the best experience. I hope this inspires you to plan your own Foxy tour.
My Foxy Pedaler Experience
This was my first time on a pedal pub, and it was a blast! For a couple of hours, we biked around town and visited three local bars:
Our first stop was Jill’s. This place is known for fresh-squeezed summer hummers – delish!
Second, we visited Lenny’s Tap. This is a spot I’m familiar with from downtown beer and wine walks. It’s a great place to grab a drink.
Last, but certainly not least, we went to C-Street. It’s a cozy spot with unique style!
Two of the three bars I had never been to, so I found the tour to be a great opportunity to explore my own city. Also, it was fun to ride around the downtown streets on the Pedaler. As you may imagine, it gets lots of looks, but also cheers!
My Foxy Paddler Experience
This tour brought us for a chill ride on the water and to visit a couple of local bar & grills: Fox Harbor and Hagemeister Park. Both are downtown favorites in Green Bay!
The Foxy Paddler tour was giving all of the best summer vibes. If you’re looking for something fun to do and to beat the heat, this is the thing! The cover, refreshments, and breeze from the water made a sunny summer day very comfortable.
If you have a large group you want to bike around with, this may also be the tour for you! The party boat can accommodate 22 people.
Smooth cruising and cold drinks – what’s not to like?
Tips for the Best Experience
Before you head on your adventure, plan ahead:
Make sure you have a fully charged phone with an upbeat playlist ready to go! You can get hooked up to the speaker system on the Pedaler or Paddler to set the tone for your on-the-go party.
Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be pedaling, getting on and off the pedaler/paddler, and walking around bars – it’s good to choose function over fashion in this situation.
Bring NA sips if you like! You can totally enjoy this experience without alcohol. Bring the sips that’ll complement your good time.
Have you experienced the Foxy Pedaler or Foxy Paddler? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
We’ve passed the halfway point of 2025, and many of us are reflecting on (and potentially resetting) resolutions we began the year with. I know I’m currently working to re-focus my energy on certain resolutions that fell a little off the radar. For example, my goal to stop snoozing my alarm hasn’t been the easiest for me to stay true to.
With mid-year reflection and planning on the mind, I recently attended a Caffeinated Conversation, hosted by the Schreiber Institute for Women’s Leadership, which focused on the topic of goal setting. I found this session to be very informative, and it re-energized me to take a look at my goals and progress.
Before the event, we were sent a couple of articles to read and Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” TED Talk to watch. These resources set the stage for the session and discussion.
Here are my key takeaways:
Don’t just define your goals, define the types
One of the articles explained the three types of goals: outcome, performance, and process. Outcome goals are the big picture things that you want to accomplish. Performance goals have to do with how well you are able to do something. Process goals are more tactical; they are the day-to-day goals you have that help you accomplish performance goals and outcome goals.
My goal of waking up when my alarm first goes off (and not snoozing) is a process goal. It’s a “procedural behavior” and completely in my control to do (although, I don’t always like to admit that).
It’s ideal to have a mix of outcome, performance, and process goals. If you only have outcome goals, they can be difficult to obtain without the “baby steps” or behaviors implemented with process goals. If you only have process goals, then you aren’t looking at the bigger picture. And, I see performance goals as very beneficial for ongoing motivation and development! Each goal type plays an important role in helping you get to where you want to be.
Goals and habits work together
When you know what you want, it’s easy to figure out what’s going to help you and what’s going to hinder you. Define the right choices to make and make them habitually.
During the session, we talked about how you won’t enjoy 100% of the process when working towards your goals. But that doesn’t mean the process is incorrect. It can be hard work to break bad habits and build better ones!
Start with why
So, how do you stay motivated to accomplish your goals? Return to your “why”! When we are clear on our “why,” we find motivation for our “how.” Simon Sinek has a great way of explaining this in his TED Talk. I highly recommend giving it a watch if you haven’t seen it before.
But, you may be wondering, “how do I find my why?”. This is a unique experience for each individual, but here are some questions we discussed to consider:
What’s your one-word purpose?
What lights you up?
What brings you joy?
What gets you in a flow state?
Enjoy your current season
While talking about goal setting, it’s easy to fall into a “hustle” mentality. But you can be grounded and ambitious. You can set goals and create a vision for the future while still appreciating and enjoying everything you have now. You know the saying: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
On my first attempt to write this blog post, Bandit ensured that he received more attention than my outline.
What’s a goal you want to accomplish before the end of 2025? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
It’s officially spring and before we know it the Timber Rattlers will be back at the ballpark for game day! But, a good game isn’t the only thing to be excited about…
You’ll also love the Timber Rattlers’ 2025 ballpark menu!
Recently, I had the opportunity to try some of the new menu items early and enjoy popular items from past seasons at the 2025 Foodie Event. Let’s dive in and chat about all of the delicious bites!
My first plate included the Chicken Parm Sandwich, the Curveball Carnivore (the taller sandwich on plate #1), and Nathan’s Mini Corn Dogs. The Curveball Carnivore has 4 types of cheeses along with bacon, ham, BBQ pulled pork, and fried pork! Meat lovers, this is absolutely the sandwich for you. My favorite from my first plate was the classic Nathan’s Mini Corn Dogs – you can’t go wrong with these!
Moving on to my second plate, I had the 3 Little Pigs Grilled Cheese, Candied Bacon Bites, and Bacon Bites with Mac & Cheese. The 3 Little Pigs Grilled Cheese really stood out to me! It features Nueske’s bacon, ham, and BBQ pulled pork with a tomato-bacon aioli and three cheeses sandwiched between Texas toast. Is your mouth watering yet?
My third and final plate was the sweetest. I enjoyed a Short & Sweet Shooter and one of The Jackson “Churros.” These treats were the perfect finale to my tasting experience! So, when you head to the ballpark, make sure to complete your experience with a delicious dessert.
At the Foodie Event, I also discovered a couple of new favorite sips.
Stillmank’s Guava Juiced IPA was full of tropical flavor, and I could see it being perfectly refreshing for game day!
As a coffee lover, Badger State’s Buzzy Badger Coffee Ale won me over. It sips like a cold brew with flavors of vanilla, toffee, and mocha.
I couldn’t have asked for a tastier way to get ready for the 2025 season! Thank you to the Timber Rattlers for inviting me to this year’s Foodie Event.
Have you ever been to a Timber Rattlers’ game? Which dish would you try? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
I stayed very caffeinated last weekend while exploring nine local shops located in Downtown Green Bay. My husband, family, and I attended the Cafe Crawl together for the second year, so I think it qualifies as a tradition now!
The Cafe Crawl is one of my favorite annual events in the area. It combines my love for coffee and my love for the amazing local spots we have in Green Bay.
Here’s a look at where we explored on the crawl:
Glas Coffeehouse
Glas served up a special Draft Day brew and chocolate chip energy bites. They provided the perfect cozy setting to enjoy our treats and watch the trolly zoom from stop to stop outside the window.
Captain’s Walk Winery
This winery is a favorite spot of mine. The vibes, the aesthetic, and the wine are all incredible. Instead of serving simply coffee, Captain’s Walk served Coffee Bean Buzz cocktails (coffee with Kahlua, Tequila, and whipped cream).
Grounded Cafe
Here we sampled a hot cup of chaider (chai & apple cider), and a gluten-free peanut butter cookie. Look at the photo below and you’ll see that the cookie was so good my husband couldn’t let the phone eat first.
If you’ve been a reader, you may remember that I mentioned Grounded Cafe on the blog before. Grounded served as a stop on the 2023 Cafe Crawl, too! You can check out my 2023 Cafe Crawl journey for even more coffee shop recommendations. But, first, let’s visit the rest of the 2025 stops – read on!
Hotel Northland
This stop had my favorite treat: a cinnamon roll! Hotel Northland is a gorgeous place to stay or simply grab a drink or a meal. My husband and I enjoyed a mini staycation at Hotel Northland a couple of years back. It has a very elegant and historic charm while offering luxurious modern amenities.
Lion’s Mouth Bookstore
Book lovers, this is the place for you! Lion’s Mouth served freshly brewed coffee and tea. I hadn’t been in the shop since they unveiled their in-store coffee bar, so it was exciting to see the cafe in action! I’ll have to return for a sip and a read.
Loco Wisco
You can always depend on Loco Wisco for a beautiful assortment of local goods. Here, we sampled Door County Coffee and espresso cheese. I have to say, espresso and cheese seemed like an unusual pairing, but it totally worked!
Daily Buzz
I enjoyed a Honey Bee Refresher sample at Daily Buzz. This coffee shop is high on my list of downtown favorites. In the same location, at night, the space comes to life as The Nightly Buzz. It’s on my list of places to check out!
The Attic
Here is yet another place perfect for book lovers! The Attic has shelves of books to explore and find your next read as well as everything you’d expect from your typical coffee shop. They brewed a few tea options to try.
The Kompound
This is a fairly new coffee shop in the area, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. The Kompound has a unique style and a delicious line-up of lattes. During the crawl, I tried the Peanut Butter Latte – it was perfectly sweet and the tastiest way to wrap up our caffeinated adventure.
What’s your favorite local coffee shop? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
This week, I attended the Schreiber Institute for Women’s Leadership annual event: Celebrate! You may remember that I shared my experience attending in 2023 and 2024. Celebrate is an event focused on women’s leadership and career development. It was exciting to be back at The Weidner, this past Thursday, to hear new perspectives and advice.
During the event’s opening remarks, something was said that really stuck with me: “You can walk into any room with confidence if you know who you are, what your values are, and what your purpose is.” I’m paraphrasing, but this was impactful to hear. It was a beautiful reminder to show up authenticity.
Alicia Pelton‘s keynote speech also gave me a lot to think about. While sharing her personal story, she shared her three C’s of leading for change: Commitment, Choices, and Compassion.
Commitment: Simply put, you need to be committed to whatever you hope to accomplish. Consider what your values are and what your purpose is.
Choices: Based on your purpose and values, you have choices to make. Alicia reminded us that all choices do have consequences. It’s important to consider the impact of your actions.
Compassion: If you don’t consider the needs or well-being of others (or of yourself), you may be met with unnecessary friction and burnout. It’s important to have empathy and understanding as a leader.
Alicia also shared these thoughtful questions for all of us to ask ourselves:
What is your mission in this life?
Do you have values you live by?
Do you make choices that align with them?
How can you take one step?
I’m still thinking through how I’d concisely answer each of these questions. But, I will say, I find it especially important to align values and choices. Consistency in what you believe and the way you live will bring the most fulfillment. Each time you act according to your values, it’s like you’re keeping a promise to yourself.
While in college, I worked as a barista at Starbucks. I had a flexible schedule and all the coffee I needed to fuel late-night study sessions. It was a great fit for the time! I recently had the opportunity to reflect on my experience in this Mashed article: Baristas Reveal What Your Starbucks Drink Order Really Says About You.
It was fun to think back on all of the unique drink orders I made and the customers I interacted with. And, trust me, I heard A LOT of unique drink orders during my time at Starbucks.
But, in reflecting, there was one drink order that stood out from the rest: the “Pinkity Drinkity.” Every so often a customer would utter those words, and I couldn’t stop myself from cracking a smile. If you don’t know what that drink is, allow me to explain…
When someone says they want a “Pinkity Drinkity” all they are really asking for is a Pink Drink. This is a drink that combines the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk. It’s a sweet and refreshing sip! So, why on Earth were people referring to this drink as a “Pinkity Drinkity”? Well, that’s what Influencer James Charles would call the drink, so it stuck with people!
I remember watching his videos and honestly thinking that was the name of the drink before I worked at Starbucks! Whenever someone would order a “Pinkity Drinkity,” I thought one of two things had to be going on:
1.) They took James Charles’ word for it and confidently assumed that was the name of the drink.
2.) They knew they could say Pink Drink, but they also knew saying “Pinkity Drinkity” was more fun.
No matter the reason someone said, “Can I get a Pinkity Drinkity?,” they added entertainment to my shifts. And, they gave me a story to tell in this article.
Have you ever ordered a “Pinkity Drinkity”? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Megan Burton 