Vacationing in Vegas

Ryan and I have been back from Las Vegas for a week now, so I thought it was time to recap our trip!

We spent an entire in Vegas! It was our first time that far out West, and it was an entire experience. The city never sleeps, there were so many people and all the lights were mesmerizing!

We jammed a lot into our first few days because we had a City Pass, but also because we were afraid we would too tired by the end of the week to go out and do a lot. #eldermillenials

After some flight delays, we arrived to our hotel (MGM Grand) around 1 a.m. Sunday.

We basically passed out once we got to the room by were up and out by 10:30ish that morning to start exploring the city! On Sunday, we conquered Madam Tussauds, walking part of the strip, checking out some free exhibits at the hotels (like the gorgeous flowers and waterfalls at the Wynn!), dinner and a show at Tournament of Kings and a night helicopter ride over the Las Vegas Strip! After that, we even made a stop at the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign!

Tuesday, we were up early to tour the Las Vegas Raiders stadium and then hit some more stops on our City Pass. We did some touristy exhibits (Marvel and Hunger Games) and ate lunch at Black Tap. We had some crazy milkshakes and I had maybe the best burger of my life.

Every time we went outside, we were just so amazed with all the building on the strip. The hotels are all crazy huge and are basically like their own metropolitans. I could have never left the MGM all week and eaten at a different restaurant every night and had plenty to do.

It’s also true what they say about Vegas – it’s hot, but it’s a dry heat. Temps reached 119 one day while we were out there and while it was HOT, thank goodness there was no humidity.

Other highlights of our trip included some burlesque shows, a cirque-de-solei show, dinner at Top of the World at The Strat hotel and people watching while gambling.

Our last full day included walking to the Bellagio, checking out their world-famous water fountains, the conservatory exhibit in the hotel and one of the world’s largest chocolate fountains.

This trip was so out of the normal for me and Ryan, but we are so glad we took this vacation! While we may not ever be back, I’m pumped to say I have experienced Vegas.

Friday Favorites v.112

I know this week was heavy on a lot of people’s hearts. I cried more than once reading about the death in Uvalde, Texas. There has to be change. We can’t care more about guns than we do the safety of our children and teachers (and people in general).

So while I recognize the sadness of this week, I also held my baby a little tighter and prayed for all the families who couldn’t do the same.

So here is my list of good things that happened this week.

1. Ryan and I have been doing some vacation research and I am SO pumped for a parent’s getaway this summer. We also decided next year will be the perfect time to take Emery to the beach and I’m already excited for that trip too.

2. Someone brought in this gorgeous bouquet to work earlier this week and not only were they super pretty flowers, they also smelled amazing!

3. I’ve been on the hunt for a good wagon with a shade for weeks now and we finally found one we love!

4. The last few years, I have become a big fan of the show Survivor. Wednesday was the 3-hour finale and I’m so pumped MaryAnn won! This season ended a lot better than it started and I’m already looking forward to S43.

5. Found this girl on TikTok and I’ve already bought a swimsuit she recommended! She’s a “mid-size influencer” (who knew size 12-14 was mid-size?!) and it’s just so refreshing to see someone with a body that looks like mine!

6. Since we’ve been trying to spend more quality time together AND spend more time outside – a date night to the golf course was the best combination of both.

7. This awesome story about a guy living in the moment and enjoying his beer.

8. Randomly making Reels for this guy’s Instagram account has been so fun.

Cheers to 30 years!

On Saturday, I turned 30!

This actually wasn’t a birthday that I was dreading. I’m excited for my 30s! My 20s were great — lots of life lived, lots of learning and lots of growing – but I feel like my 30s are going to be wonderful too.

For my actual birthday, I spent all morning with Emery and Ryan and then my parent’s graciously offered to babysit for the night. Ryan and I saw the new Doctor Strange before meeting some friends for happy hour, dinner and bowling. It was so fun getting out with friends who we don’t get to spend nearly as much time with as we want.

On Sunday, we had a lazy family day and ordered pizza. It was a perfect weekend.

Here’s to my 30s! I’m excited for this next chapter and all that it will bring.

Finally a weekend that felt like Spring

The weather this weekend was amazing here in western Kentucky. 70s and 80s made it feel like it was late Spring. We went from winter temps to almost summer real fast. But now, we’re make to 50s and rain.

Our weekend was filled with family and outdoor activities. We all slept in a little on Saturday and then started the day with some yard work and drawing on the driveway with chalk (our toddler’s latest obsession).

Saturday afternoon, I met up with a friend from middle school (!!!) who recently moved back to the area and we walked around the park with our little girls. So fun catching up with a great friend!

The girls got hot fast, so we called it quits after an hour. Emery and I spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between playing blocks in the house and playing with random toys in the garage.

On Sunday, me, Emery and my mom had a girls day at the Spring Market at White Chateau. We had some gorgeous weather (even though it was crazy windy) and we got to check out some super cute vendors and get some great food. I had a watermelon lemonade that was to die and got a cute pair gold + pearl stud earrings.

The highlight of the day had to be the petting zoo. They had a calf, mini pony, llamas, baby chicks and ducks, a turtle and some sheep and lambs. Emery LOVED it all. She made all the animal noises and loved petting the calf and the rabbits. Also, look at how cute this little guy is. We visited the petting zoo twice and I’m so glad this was an addition to the market this year.

It was such a great weekend and I feel so invigorated and ready to start another work week.

Happy Monday! How was your weekend?

Friday Favorites v.111

I am officially less than a month away from my 30th birthday. Only freaking out slightly.

Okay! Let’s talk Friday Favorites.

1. Anybody else eyeing one of those 40oz Stanley tumblers with a handle? I collect cups and water bottles like no one’s business and really want to add this to my collection!

2. It’s supposed to be 80 degrees this weekend. Halleluiah! This girl needs some sun.

3. This week has been a great week for me weight-wise. I’ve consistently been at a new low all week and am only 2 pounds away from reaching my next goal!

4. My roundup of headlines from Monday’s Boston Marathon.

5. Look at how precious my mamaw is Easter egg hunting at her assisted living home. They do such fun things for the residents there and I am so happy she is in a good place!

6. Emery loves all things Elmo and this cute little set on Amazon might just have to become someone’s newest pajamas.

7. Uhm, I think I love these shorts. Might need to add these to my cart ASAP.

8. Murphy loves hanging out in the driveway while Emery plays with her chalk. He thinks he’s our big and bad guard dog.

Some of my favorite headlines from the 2022 Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon returned on Patriot’s Day this year and I have loved seeing everyone’s social media posts from the race (whether they were running or spectating, it looked like a fun day!)

While I didn’t get to watch much of the race due to a very busy day at work, I enjoyed reading all the stories from after the event. Below is a roundup of some of my favorite headlines and stories from race day.

Why this nurse ran the Boston Marathon in scrubs — and broke a world record

The Best Photos from the 2022 Boston Marathon

‘We are so touched’: Runner gifts 2021 race medal to Spencer the Boston Marathon dog after stopping to say hello

Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Adrianne Haslet Crosses Finish Line Alongside Shalane Flanagan

It’s Boston Marathon Day!

Runners – today is our SuperBowl!

Start times are: Men’s wheelchair 9:02 a.m.; women’s wheelchair 9:05 a.m.; handcycle and duo participants 9:30 a.m.; professional men 9:37 a.m.; professional women 9:45 a.m.; para athletics divisions 9:50 a.m.; Wave 1 10:00 a.m.; Wave 2 10:25 a.m.; Wave 3 10:50 a.m.; Wave 4 11:15 a.m.

Also, I can’t wait to see pictures of Spencer and Penny out on the course!

I plan to check back in later today or tomorrow with thoughts and my own commentary (lol – because you all are sooo interested) after the race.

Friday Favorites v.110

Four blog posts in one week?! Who am I right now? The blogging bug bite me hard this week, so I’m running with it. Since I haven’t done one of these in a while, let’s dive in –

1. The last couple days have brought some interesting weather. While I’m not a fan of the rain, I am a fan of the warmer temps! We caught a break in the rain on Tuesday and spent the afternoon drawing with sidewalk chalk. Such innocent fun.

2. Vionic shoes. Since my second go-round with plantar fasciitis, I’ve been looking for some more supportive shoes to wear at work. I bought this pair in black and these in white last month and have been wearing them daily!

3. Season 42 of Survivor. Ryan and I watch every Wednesday and this is just as good as last!

4. Blade and Bow candle. When I visited the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in March, they had these lit all over the gift shop. They smell amazing so I bought one for my home.

5. My new Simplified planner came in the mail on Thursday! This is the 6th of 7th year in a row I’ve been using these planners and I’m in love with all the new designs.

6. One of my best friends has started a new website/social media channels promoting all things OBKY (my hometown and current town) and I love it! She is a champion for small/local businesses and everything she does is just so dang creative. WKY friends – go check it out!

7. THE BOSTON MARATHON IS ON MONDAY.

8. Of course, we have to end with Murphy! This guys celebrates his 7th birthday later this month and he still has just as much energy as the day we brought him home.

This or That: Spring Running Edition

Spring is here and I am so ready for it. While our weather in Kentucky keeps going back and forth between winter and spring, I know warmer temps are close! Pick a few of your favorite this or that questions from the list below and let me know your answers!

Indoors / Outdoors
Shorts / Leggings
Tank or Tee / Sweatshirt
Dark colors / Bright colors
Park run / hit the roads
Allergies / No Allergies <– let’s be honest, I have allergies YEAR ROUND.
Run in the April showers / Stay dry
Headwind / tailwind
Beer mile / Color run
Small race / big race
Sports Bra Squad / Shirt on
Jelly beans / Reese’s eggs

Plantar fasciitis – help a girl out

So last year I had a pretty bad round of plantar fasciitis. I went to a podiatrist, did all the stretches, got an ultrasound for my foot (who knew that was a thing?!) and still ended up needing to get several shots in my foot.

So I’ve been good for about a year but after a work event where I wasn’t wearing the best shoes and was on my feet for 16+ hours a day, it’s come back with a vengeance.

I’ve been doing all the rolling on a frozen water bottle, stretching all hours of the day and wearing supportive shoes 24/7. I really don’t want to have to get another shot in my foot – here I am crowdsourcing on the internet. Blog reader friends – give me all the tips and tricks to get better! Because if this continues this is what I’m going to look like: