Beach Weekend Getaway

 

 Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. I start my new job today so I'm excited to get back into a work routine although I did thoroughly enjoy the downtime and lack of schedule. The bestie and I planned a trip out to Cocoa Beach for the weekend to relax and recharge before life gets busy again. We headed out there on Thursday afternoon and checked into a beachfront hotel. Unfortunately the weather wasn't in our favor on the first day so we couldn't enjoy the beach but we did have fun hanging out at Coconuts for some frozen drinks and a casual seafood dinner.

 Friday morning started off a little gloomy but the sun eventually came out so we were able to lounge on the beach and by the resort pool for most of the day. It was so good to finally work on getting a tan of course with lots of SPF.

In the evening we went out for the best seafood dinner we've ever had. C and I shared a lobster and snow crab dish which was amazing. We had no idea they would bring an entire whole lobster so you can imagine what a feast that was.

 Our hotel had a pretty cool beach bar and restaurant so we spent a lot of time there eating, drinking and listening to live music. We also met tons of fun people and had such a blast chatting with visitors from around the country. My ribs hurt from how much laughing we did over the weekend.

I introduced C to Snapchat so we played around with different filters which is always hilarious. More laughing ensued. Feel free to add me: emilyalisonb

On Saturday morning we woke up bright and early so we found a local cafe to grab some breakfast before checking out of the hotel. We decided to stick around the resort for a few hours to get some final hours of sun and relaxation before making the hike back home.
 

Saturday night consisted of relaxing at home and lounging after all the sun and traveling. My Snapchat of Lola explains it all!

On Sunday morning I woke up to the horrific news that a nightclub close to home had the deadliest mass shooting overnight in the US. I've been to that club on a couple occasions for bachelorette parties and know several friends in the LGBT community so it was extremely scary and sad news to absorb.

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After watching the news for several hours and checking in with different friends, K and I made some brunch at home and then got to work around the house putting up photos and decorating our walls, while keeping an eye on the news and any updates as more victims were identified throughout the day. Lots of family and friends were calling to make sure we were okay so it was a little hectic.

We had a quiet Sunday night at home to cap off the weekend and prepare for new adventures ahead, sadly with heavy hearts for my city and the victims of the terrorist attack.

Joining the lovely Biana for her Weekending linkup.

Girls Beach Getaway

Being on unpaid vacation really makes you forget what day it is but I'm realizing now this change really happened at the right time because I was able to get a lot done at the new house and be around when different workers needed to be in and out installing last minute things. Other than that I've been really enjoying the lack of a schedule and break from office life to recharge my batteries.

Before starting my new job on Monday, the bestie and I decided to take a quick trip to the beach for a couple nights. We found a dog-friendly hotel and our girls vacay started yesterday with Lola in tote.

The beach is our happy place and the perfect place to clear your mind. I've become certain all of these changes are turning out to be a blessing in disguise allowing me to grow personally and professionally.

So we celebrate one last hurrah with some sun rain yesterday, sea, and sand before starting my new adventure next week which I'm pretty excited about.

Cheers to the weekend!

Exploring Denver

This past Memorial Day weekend, K and I took a quick weekend trip to Denver which I briefly recapped last week here. We arrived late on Friday night so we just had time to grab dinner at Yard House which was conveniently located in our hotel. We stayed at the Sheraton Downtown Denver which is in a great location to explore downtown by foot. I definitely recommend staying there if you're looking for a great location, price, hotel amenities, and comfort of the rooms.

On Saturday morning, we walked to Elway's for some breakfast before starting our adventures. Several people recommended Elway's Steakhouse for a nice dinner but we didn't manage to make it there in the evenings on this trip.

We wondered through the Denver Day of Rock festival and purchased some local art before heading to the Great Divide Brewery to sample some craft beers.

We stopped in the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store to buy some chocolates and candy since the shop smelt amazing from the street.

After exploring the city and visiting several breweries, shops, and the LoDo area we settled at Earl's Kitchen for an early dinner. They have great food and a modern environment in the heart of downtown.

 In the evening we stopped at Union Lodge No 1 speakeasy for some 19th-century-inspired cocktails and really enjoyed the prohibition-era environment.

On Sunday morning we headed to Ophelia's Electric Soapbox from some brunch and I have to say this was one of my favorite brunch experiences. The live music, eclectic menu, bottomless mimosas, and overall environment left me feeling extremely happy we chose this spot to get the day started.

After fueling up K and I headed to Coors Field to catch a Rockies vs. Giants game which was a great time and our seats were only 5 rows up from the field so we can take in all the action. It was definitely one of the better stadiums I've visited with lots of entertainment and team spirit.

The ViewHouse was one of my favorite sports bars and restaurants in the city because it overlooks Coors Field and has a huge outdoor area for tailgating along with great food and drinks.

Some other cool places we checked out on Sunday was Lodo's rooftop bar (which is very close to Coors Field) and Jagged Mountain Brewery to sample some beers.

On Monday it was time to check out of our hotel and head out for a quick lunch at Henry's Tavern. We walked past Henry's several times on the weekend and the restaurant was packed full of people with long waiting lines so it appeared to be a popular spot to eat, drink and watch sports in downtown Denver. On Monday it was quiet so we were able to get right in and enjoy some lunch. The beer cheese soup that K and I shared was amazing.

Overall Denver was an amazing city to explore but I wish we had more than two full days to explore beyond just the downtown area and make it over to Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Past Wanderlust Wednesday travel recaps:

Chicago / Barbados / San Francisco / Las Vegas / New York / Trinidad & Tobago /  St. Augustine, FL / Negril, Jamaica / Alaska / New Orleans / Punta Cana / Sonoma / Miami

Life Lately

Changes. Life lately hasn't exactly been peachy. There's been so many changes in the last few weeks that have made me switch my focus to getting things back on track. I left my job after working there for six years which was pretty sad for me but since then I accepted a new and much more exciting job opportunity to run my own marketing department for a local company. There are sunnier days ahead and I start this new adventure one week from today.

Hurdles. We closed on our new home last week but then some complications arose with selling our current home since the buyers decided to delay another month. After a million phone calls, financial transactions, and tireless signing of documents we were able to successfully close and move in to our new home over the weekend. We spent the entire weekend moving, unpacking, and organizing things. I do believe exciting days are ahead in our new abode while we wait patiently to officially sell our current home.

Escape. In the midst of the chaos, K and I had a trip already booked and planned to visit Denver so we spent Memorial Day long weekend exploring the city and catching a ball game at Coors Field. We were blessed with good weather for the entire trip which allowed us to explore the city on foot and take in all that downtown Denver has to offer.

Sharing. After returning and settling back at home, Kerri and I met up for a happy hour date which was so fun catching up over some delish sushi and wine.

Reality. Other than some leisurely happy hours and lunch dates with friends and previous coworkers, there has been lots of Home Depot trips which probably won't be ending anytime soon.

Adulting. Home Goods also took my wallet for a run over the weekend. That store really has the cutest things for a great price. I was so tempted to buy gifts for everyone. I foresee a few more trips there as I finish up designing and decorating our home.

Celebrate. After moving all day on Friday, we met up with friends at Kobe Steakhouse in the evening to celebrate the birthday of Kate's hubby over some hibachi and sake. It's always a good time with this great group of friends.

Crisis. Within 48 hours of living in our new home (in a brand new gated community), our neighbors house got broken into on Saturday night and then the neighborhood flooded on Sunday because of torrential rains and thunderstorms. Nothing seriously affecting us or our new home but it has us in a serious scurry to get a security system to secure our home.

Release. The bestie and I have been enjoying Yoga in the Park on Sundays when we're not traveling or busy moving.

Bonding. K and I ended the weekend on Sunday with a date evening after a busy weekend consumed with moving and unpacking. We had to go to Home Goods for some final things, then Buffalo Wild Wings for a beer because that's an even trade-off in his books and ending with some barbecue for dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

Recap. Our last Wanderlust Wednesday is happening this week so please help us end with a bang by sharing your favorite travel recaps. I'll be sharing all the details about our trip to Denver.

Joining the lovely Biana for her weekending linkup.