Small Town Love

I convinced my mom to come to Lansing last weekend and we made the most of her trip by visiting downtown Mason. We were visiting Mason originally to check out Crestview Tack Shop. My mom loves a tack shop and somehow she found this one online at the Ingham County Fairgrounds. We looked at bits and saddles and spent a minute watching the huntseat classes that took place at the arena next to the store. Took me back to the days when I used to show horses in local shows.

Anyways, Mason is a super cute town that I can now appreciate as an adult. I love the colorful facades of the downtown buildings, the beautiful county courthouse where I served jury duty and the adorable shops around town. It’s quiet, clean and gives off major Stars Hollow vibes.

A Few of My Mason Favorites

Sweetlees Boutique is a new women’s clothing boutique that we stopped at downtown. The shop is so cute with pretty tiles and filled with natural light. They’ve got a lot of florals and cozy pieces, and everything is super affordable.

Maple Street Mall is an adorable antique mall that my mom and I stumbled upon after snapping a few of these pics. The place was filled with beautiful antique furniture and vintage decor. And it’s a lot bigger than it appears from the outside.

Kean’s is the oldest operating business in Mason and they have everything from stationary to women’s clothing and crafts. Something there for everyone and a fun place to wander!

Michigan Barnwood and Salvage is a charming store tucked away from downtown selling barnwood decor, furniture, candles and more. My mom and I drove past it and drove back around to check it out. So many amazing handcrafted pieces! My mom and I wanted everything in there! I’ll definitely be back soon.

Bad Brewing Company is near Kean’s downtown and it’s a great place for a date–love how cozy inside is and they also have a beer garden with a food truck that makes it’s rounds. I haven’t been there to enjoy the outdoor patio and food, but I need to soon.

Look, New Hair!

If you scroll on down you can see how fabulous my hair color is without the hat on! I made a trip the James Salon in Grand Rapid’s Gaslight village to update my balayage since it had been six months.

Misty colored it last time for me in January and it grew out so well that I waited probably too long for a touch up. She toned the rest of my blonde and I just love the color–how natural it is and the root smudging so it looks like a natural sunkissed highlight, rather than an obvious thick highlight.

I can’t tell you enough how talented Misty is–she’s innovative (she tried a newer technique she came up with to give me nice natural highlights when I pull my hair up that look amazing!) and she’s a step ahead in the world of hair color, which I appreciate. The James Salon where she works is also so cute. It has a clothing boutique in the front so you can do a little shopping for tops, dresses and shoes while you wait!

Mackenzie denim jacket c/o Unpublished (it’s meant to be oversized and I ordered a size up to be even more roomy!) | jeans c/o Elodie Boutique | top by Free People (on sale!) | bag by Givenchy | hat by Lack of Color | Hair by Misty at the James Salon

Photography by Susan Hamilton