You're right...I missed Favorite Pin Friday last week. To be honest, work has been so busy lately that when I go home I veg out and then it is Friday morning and I realize I haven't written anything to share. I'm sorry! I promise to be better. But hey, you got to see lots of pretty snow in Monday's post.
There have been many points in my life where I wonder why I am where I am. Why I'm facing certain challenges. It's easy to try to fix situations, but often times that leads to more frustration. You know why...because He has a greater plan. As humans I think we try to control our destiny and direct our path. Over the last several years I have come to realize when things aren't going my way it's time to sit patiently and wait out the storm. The nos, the failed plans, the frustration, it's all because you are where you are for a reason. May not know it yet, but you'll understand one day. Remember to be grateful for everything, even those challenges.
The hubs and I wrapped up another weekend trip and had a great time! Destination...Breckenridge, Colorado. As an anniversary trip we went 4 years ago and loved it. This time we went with our regular traveling companions. Sharing some pictures from the trip and a review of the hotel.
DAY 1
Flew into Denver Thursday morning (shout out to United First Class on the Dreamliner!), picked up our rental car, had brunch at Snooze (delicious and coming to Austin and Houston soon), and headed to Breckenridge (about an hour and 40 minute drive). The views heading into the mountains are fantastic. So majestic.
Our first Breckenridge stop was the hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge. Valet staff greeted us,
unloaded our luggage, and delivered it upstairs to the lobby. Valet
parking only, fees are included in the cost of the hotel. Check-in was a
breeze, the front desk staff was friendly and answered our initial
questions.
The lobby features fireplaces (where we spent a lot of time relaxing), a restaurant (9600 Kitchen), a gift
store, and a market with grab and go snacks, a small menu, and an oxygen
bar. Don't forget cookies ;) This hotel is dog friendly. It was fun to see all the cute dogs come and go through the lobby.
We stayed on the 7th floor which was pretty quiet despite the number of people (and families) staying. The room was a great size and immaculately clean. I recommend staying on the 7th floor or lower, otherwise you have to take an elevator to the 7th floor, walk across the hotel to take a second elevator up to a higher floor.
Every night from 4:00-5:00 there are free s'mores. Happy hour at the restaurant is 3:00-5:00 AND 9:00-close. The hotel features an indoor pool, three hot tubs outside, saunas, and a fitness center. They also offer a shuttle to four stops along Main Street which is really convienent.
Equipment rentals are available and skiing...well it's right across the street! Use the ski valet and they'll deliver your equipment slope-side.
Overall, we enjoyed our time at this hotel. It's location, friendly staff, and amenities were perfect.
When the hubs and I visited 4 years ago we toured the Breckenridge Distillery when it was much small. We bought the vodka, loved it, and knew we had to go back to see what new products they had introduced. Their space has grown, their products have increased, and they're opening a restaurant this summer (good excuse to go back). One of the things I'm most excited about is the bourbon barrel aged maple syrup. I see homemade waffles in my future ;)
DAY 2
Friday morning we made our way to Good Times Adventure (recommended to me by Alyson at Sequins & Things, thanks Alyson!) for a snowmobile tour. More details, a review, and video coming soon!
Minutes before he unsuccessfully tried to push me down in the snow.
After the snowmobile tour we needed food and didn't go wrong with Log Cabin Cafe in Frisco. Next up, Frisco Adventure Park to tube! OMG it has been a long time since I felt like a kid! We had a great time.
On our last trip we stumbled upon the Continental Divide. The gorgeous views brought us back. It didn't disappoint.
I'm a sucker for forehead kisses :)
DAY 3
The guys hit the slopes while we had a girls day which included shopping and mimosas. We met up for lunch at Coppertop Bar & Cafe. Then ate too many s'mores at the hotel and enjoyed happy hour until dinner time at Modis. An early meal called for fireside relaxation with fresh, warm cookies. It was our last night so we soaked up as much relaxation as we could.
That's our trip in a nutshell. We had a great time and I can't wait to go back! I'll be writing a review on Good Times Adventure soon.
Until next post...xoxo Becca
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge or any of the shops or restaurants I featured. These are my own opinions.
We're hot off the heels of Christmas, but I want to share one of my favorite places to shop for gifts year round. The year is full of birthdays, anniversaries, graduation is coming up in May, and of course the congratulatory gifts for family, friends, and colleagues. Do you fall in a gift giving rut? I do!
Throughout the year I scroll through Etsy and if anything catches my eye I'll "favorite" it for future reference. Do you shop on Etsy? I started shopping there in 2010 when it was truly an online arts and craft fair. Now I feel it has become a mix of small shops run by individuals and a lot of larger companies using it as another venue for sales. Which disappoints me a little because I like to "shop small" when I can.
Here are some Etsy purchases I gifted in the past. I would show you some recent finds, but people who may be receiving them read my blog ;)
Favorite Pin Friday on a Saturday? Yeah well I'm a slacker and was super busy this week. I work in higher education which means the students are back on campus to start the semester. They kept me busy!!!! Guess what, the first week of class is over and we can get back to our regularly scheduled program.
Do you like donuts? I like donuts! Why not have a DIY donut bar at your next event? A committee I'm on thought it would be a fun breakfast feature at an upcoming event. Think outside the box and fun things will happen.
About this time last year I wrote a post about loving to watch the red carpet coverage of award season. It was one of the first posts I ever wrote and all of it is still true. Last night was the Golden Globes, I saw a lot of plunging necklines, cutouts, lacy, and florals. Here are my favorites from the red carpet:
Jennifer Lopez | I want to look this good when I'm her age!
Joanne Froggatt | So sad this is the last season of Downton Abbey :(
Jenna Dewan Tatum
Lily James
Amy Adams | Probably my favorite dress from the Globes (plus I love her hair color)
Wow what a week. Certainly was busy and I'm counting down the hours until the weekend. Last night we had an event on campus for our students and it went really well. I'm looking forward to the upcoming events I'm involved in planning. It's the fun part of my job.
By the way, this is my 100th post :)
In a week I'm getting my hair cut. I'm not adventurous when it comes to hair which is ironic because mine grows so fast. If I were to get a bad cut it would be gone in about a month. Pinterest always has a lot of styles and these are some of the ones I've pinned over the years. When I pinned it I was either interested in the cut or the color.
I wanted this cardigan so bad last year, but by the time I went to purchase it after Christmas it was sold out in my size. When I found it 50% off on Lucky's website I snatched it up as quick as I could and I'm so glad I did. It's sold out on Lucky's website, but it's still available at Macy's. Feels lightweight, but this cardigan is actually really warm. Also seen here.
Wore the first top to my birthday dinner and it was the perfect dress up or dress down option. The other three tops I ordered online and should be arriving this week. I'm really excited to get them because Veronika at Veronika's Blushing did a snapchat review of the bateau tee and back zip tunic and she made me even more thrilled I placed my order when I did because I think these will go fast!
I've been wearing the layering tee and Lucky Brand cardigan on repeat! Lots of sales are happening this time of year so take advantage of them! Until next post...xoxo Becca
Welcome to 2016! Why is it the new year always brings the feeling of a clean slate? Not that I mind, it's a great time to start something new, kick a bad habit, or improve on yourself.
I couldn't help but share this cartoon, it is an honest representation of what a lot of us do with our well intended New Year's Resolution. The best two resolutions I've accomplished were giving up soda and fast food. Even now I hardly ever eat at fast food restaurants, but I do struggle with no soda when it comes to Dr. Pepper. The second was several years ago. As a "fixer" I try to fix everyone's problems. This particular year I worked on being a good friend and listener, but when the conversation ended it was time for me to forget about it rather than try to come up with solutions and then worry the person wasn't taking my advice.
My motto for 2015 was "this is my year." I stepped outside my comfort zone on so many occasions and I grew as a person. The hubs and I made a lot of choices in 2015 and we couldn't be more happy with the outcomes.
To be honest, after 2015 I'm not sure what to tackle next, but this caught my attention. It's an extension of past resolutions, but 2016 could be the year I apply this more. I am a people pleaser and a fixer so this speaks volumes to being more self focused.
What is your New Year's Resolution? Share in the comments below.
