An Arizona Adventure

This picture just about sums up how I feel about Scottsdale, Arizona. Kandee and I traveled to the valley of the sun this month and had an absolute blast. We couldn't get enough of Old Town and the desert. I may not miss the 115 degree weather, but I do miss that charming town full of culture.

The best Jalapeno Pecan Cakes from the Orange Table Bar.

Just chatting it up with some locals.

When we weren't stuffing our faces with food, we were shopping at Mexican Imports. We went to this store at least once a day. We left with Mexican blankets galore. I had trouble fitting all of the goodies into my suitcase and had to even take a few blankets as my carry on. Yes, I was that girl. There were so many places we didn't get a chance to explore. Take Goldfield Ghost Town for example. I guess I'll just have to go back. No complaints there!

Siesta Key

What a gorgeous beach! In a nutshell, I spent the week collecting seashells, falling in love with Hadley Hemingway's story and soaking up the sun. I think I may have brought home over 200 seashells. I had some help collecting only the finest. Tad asked me what I'm going to do with all of my mermaid money (he would). That's a great question. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share.

Such a great week with those sweet in-laws of mine. I was so happy to be a part of the matching tops tradition this year. Thinking we should include the boys in that tradition next year. I'm already looking forward to putting my toes in the sand again. I mean, is there really anything better than the beach in the summer? Didn't think so.

Check out more Florida vacation here and here.

Shrimp & Sunsets

My favorite night of vacation involved shrimp and a beautiful sunset. Tad's sweet granddad treated us to dinner at Lobster Pot and it was so delicious. I have never had a lobster roll and had my heart set on ordering one. That is until I saw it was made with mayonnaise. I just couldn't do it. It didn't take me long to get over it when I saw stuffed shrimp on the menu. Yes, please. 

These lovebirds. So sweet! After dinner, we had to check out the sunset on the beach. Such a sucker for that cliche. Who isn't?

The only thing that could have made that sunset more perfect was Tad. Next year!

The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

When in Sarasota, visit the Mote Marine Laboratory. I was so excited for this. I absolutely love the aquatic life. I was this close to switching my major to marine biology after freshman year. The staff there is living the dream. We had so much fun exploring the aquarium. If I'm ever in this neck of the woods again, I'll be back.

Can't believe I mustered the courage to touch a stingray. How does swimming with a whale not frighten me, but touching a stingray does? I'm a mystery.

 Carter's face. Is that not the cutest sea turtle you ever did see? She is just too darling.

Sunday Afternoons

Look something like this...

After church on Sunday mornings, we head to the Allen house for lunch and some good pool time. A new summer tradition. It's kind of perfect. We also get to play with sweet Scout and Minnie. I think I now have cat fever (not to be confused with cat scratch fever). I have been surfing the web for a little kitty. I think this just might happen on our next move.

One more parting shot of Minnie. Love that lady.

Summer Must Haves

Summer is officially here. I don't know about you, but I am excited as can be. I hope every weekend is a weekend in the sun. Most of these items are my beach bag essentials.

1. Sun Bum. I just ordered the sunscreen and cool down lotion. It smells pretty amazing. Can't wait to put it to good use next month in Florida.

2. Top Shop Boy Shorts. I just love cutoff shorts. I got a pair for $10 last year and I live in them. Goodwill never fails to have a few in stock. 

3. Show Me Your Mumu. Every girl needs a mumu to wear to the beach and lounge poolside. Kandee and I joked the other day that my retired days will be spent on a beach relaxing with the flamingos in my favorite grandma mumu. I mean. Can't wait.

4. ASOS Floppy Hat. To keep those tresses safe in the sun, of course.

5. ASOS Oversized Sunglasses. For your inner hippie. It's the summertime, bring her out.

6. CHI Keratin Silk Infusion Products. I'm a huge fan of Farouk hair care. I recently tried the new Keratin leave-in conditioner and serum. It will do wonders for your hair if the sun or chlorine is getting the best of it.
7. OPI Can't Find My Czechbook. My nails are loving this color right now. No summer blues here.

8. Summer Must Reads: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Isn't It Pretty to Think So? by Nick Miller and Confessions of a Sociopath: Hiding in Plain Sight by M.E. Thomas (I'm fascinated by the human psyche and what makes people tick. It's true). Can't wait to dig into these books on the beach.

Rollin' On The River

Over the weekend we visited our dear friends, Alicia and Matt, in New Braunfels for a little R and R. She was determined that we float the river. You see, I had never done it. This was the original plan for my bachelorette party, but the weather was not quite hot enough. I think she was even more bummed for me than I was. Lucky for us, the weather was absolutely perfect this weekend so to the river we went. I can't believe I had never done this before. The San Marcos River was so beautiful and I've been missing out to say the least.

We sure did get a kick out of Tad's wristband. Oh really, Texas State Tubes? You're killin' me, but hey your tubes are pretty fun. I didn't take my camera on the river. I am clumsy enough with it on dry land, probably not the best idea to take pictures going through rapids. After we floated, we went to eat at the Tap Room in San Marcos. Alicia raved about their guacamole queso burger. Um, she was right. Definitely now in my top five favorite burgers.

So. Much. Queso. After our delicious lunch, the boys went night fishing and Alicia and I curled up on the couch to watch some movies. The weekend was a blast. Hey guys, come to Waco soon. We don't have a river to float, but we do have Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant and other foodie gems. Love love being newlyweds together!

Krause Springs

My dear friend Cariño flew in from Chicago this weekend to get a little Texas sun. We got a group together and planned a laid back trip to Krause Springs. We made the drive to Spicewood which is about 30 miles west of Austin. The waterfall alone made the drive well worth it. If you came to our wedding, you might also recognize our DJ, Jeremy. He's such a hoot.

After our swimming hole adventure, we ate at Jack Allen's Kitchen in Austin. Of course my camera died after taking that picture because I'm really responsible when it comes to charging my electronics. Just know the meal was extremely delicious and I'm a little sad I'm just now being introduced to this restaurant. We had such a blast and never get tired of driving through the beautiful Hill Country. Can't wait until Cariño visits again in September!