Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

We just took a trip to Vegas last week to celebrate...our anniversary, graduation, CPR's birthday, having two incomes, etc., etc.  I had always heard that Las Vegas is over the top.  That is an understatement.  Vegas is so gaudy, tacky, and artificial, that I couldn't help but find it absolutely charming and fun!  The main purpose of the trip was to relax and spend time together, so we booked a room at the Vdara, a beautiful boutique-type hotel and spa right on the strip, adjacent to the Bellagio.   What made this hotel incredible is that it didn't have a casino which made relaxing oh-so-easy to do.  Our days included a  morning workout at the gym, a delicious brunch, afternoons reading by the pool, and fun dinners out.  I had no idea that someone like me (one who doesn't gamble or go to clubs...really, I am fun!) would end up loving Vegas as much as I did.  

 The living area in our room at the Vdara.  Look at that view from the 43rd floor!

 Nothing beats a breakfast that includes OJ, bacon, and fried hashbrowns.

 Enjoying fruit smoothies by the pool kept the 90 degree heat at bay.

Our favorite meal at Spago was to die for.  Unfortunately, this is the only photo that was taken at the restaurant.


There are two things that make up a perfect vacation:    relaxing and experiencing new sights and places.  I'd consider this trip a winner.

Anniversary!

It's been four years since we've tied the knot, two of which were spent living apart in different cities.  Excited that we could spend the *actual* anniversary together, we made plans to "do it up right" by having a nice dinner at a swanky NYC restaurant.  Fast forward to a monsoon, a heavy lunch at the Olive Garden with a dear friend, and a strong urge to trade in my high heels and jeans for a pair of elastic-waisted sweatpants, we decided to ditch the fancy dinner and to stay in.  What do you expect from two people who managed to go to bed at midnight every single night when they were in Vegas?  The first night we crawled into bed at midnight and proceeded to watch a documentary about dogs.  True story.

So, the night's agenda included watching the third season of Breaking Bad and clogging our arteries (but warming our hearts) with burgers and shakes from the Shake Shack.  We may not have spotted any celebrities at a fancy restaurant, but  at least we were able to celebrate a wonderful four years with our entire family which includes this guy.

Ben loving life in Central Park

Yum!

I'm Baaack!

I have two days left at my current job and I can already feel the stress leaving my bones.  Summer went by in a flash and I have to admit, I didn't stop and smell the roses.  

In celebration of my favorite time of year (school supply shopping!), I went to one of my favorite stores with one of my college besties.  In a world where everyone is going paperless and digital (I'm an offender to a certain extent), Kate's Paperie is a haven of all things beautiful, all of which happen to be made with paper.  As much as I utilize email to keep in touch with friends and family, nothing makes me happier than getting a hand written card or than buying a beautiful piece of stationery.

Here are a few of the things I picked up.

I've pretty much moved over to having all of my contacts and calendars on my blackberry, but I've missed jotting down notes, to-do lists, etc. in a pretty little notebook that fits inside of my purse.  Undoubtedly, this will inspire me to write down the names and addresses of fun restaurants and shops that I see while strolling around in NYC.  

I saw this card and literally cracked up laughing out loud.  Not only is it witty and humorous, but it's letterpressed and printed on heavy card stock.  I'm stayin' classy, San Diego.  I hope my friends getting married get the joke.  If not, I should probably question the friendship. :)

Nothing like a skull and crossbones birthday card for my hubbie who is 6 years my senior.  That makes him 27.  Hee hee.