Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino

Each time I visit Vegas I try to experience a new property... and this time it was Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. My dad was in town for the NECA Convention so I tagged along... so glad that I did!

The Mandalay Bay Convention Center opened its doors as the fifth-largest convention facility in the United States, and the largest meeting facility located on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.

The entire Mandalay Bay complex – from hotel to special resort features to meeting and event rooms – are luxurious without pretention. The clubs, restaurants, casino and outdoor water activities are amazing here.  Owing to the outsized nature of Mandalay Bay, it’s possible to really never leave and yet be fully entertained.  I think this might be one of my favorite resorts in Vegas so far! ~ Christina

Fabulous art

They have an AH-MAZING beach here at the resort... wavepools, lazy river, cabanas, etc!

Even an in-house aquarium 

Lots of shopping!

Border Grill

This Las Vegas destination restaurant overlooks the Lazy River just off Mandalay Beach, where Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" and Food Network’s "Too Hot Tamales", want nothing more than to spice up your day. With two floors of patio dining, it’s the perfect setting for sipping margaritas and savoring the bold flavors of Mexico while enjoying views of the beach and pool. Loved the vegetarian options this place provides... my favorite being the Tostado Salad.  YUM!  I loved it so much I went back a second time before heading home.  If in Vegas... check them out! ~ Christina

Officially a Yoga Teacher!

It's OFFICIAL!! I'm a certified yoga teacher!  This year-long adventure was celebrated this weekend and I'm just so excited.  A+ on all exams (and let me tell you... it's a lot more work than one might think).  Whoo Hoo!!! Now... next steps?!  We'll see... ~ Christina

Oblivion Taproom

I heard of this place through a local vegan meet-up group that I'm a member of... and I have to say I'm glad I did.  I probably would never had thought to check them out otherwise.  While mainly serving bar food, the owners are vegetarians so there are several veg-friendly and vegan options on the menu.  Yay!  That's a great thing when you've got a twelve-year old boy who likes a regular hamburger as opposed to tofu-patties. Last night we grabbed dinner at this place... and loved it.  Be sure to check out their tator-tots... lots of fun flavors.  The chive-onion is my personal favorite while Jordan loved the regular plain ones.  The place reminds me of a dark biker bar... with its dim interior, pool tables and dart boards... but that just adds to the ambiance.  Check them out... they are right off Colonial Dr. http://www.obliviontaproom.com ~ Christina

The Valley of Fire

As beautiful as this was... I don't think I'd do the 2 hour drive through the desolate dessert to GET to it again. "The colors are vibrant and incredible," is what we were told. Basically that means "a whole lotta red rocks." Glad I got to see it... Doubt I'd return. - Christina

The Hoover Dam

Incredible. Simply incredible. Especially when learning HOW it was built and the numerous lives list during its creation. Humbling. - Christina

Your Life Is Your Story

Everyone has a story.  Too bad most people never tell it. 

Shortly after embarking on this new 365 Challenge, I signed up to take an online class called "Writing Your Life Story."  Over 8 weeks, I joined 20+ other students as we slowly learned how to clear out the cobwebs and formulate our story.  

It's on my "bucket list" - to write my story.  While I'm still pretty young to be thinking of such a thing, I often times use personal experiences when I'm teaching, coaching or training others and many times am told "you need to write a book!"  Well... I plan to.  This was the first step.

It was a little weird being in a class again (it's been a really long time).  Having homework.  Sharing writing assignments and receiving constructive feedback.  Taking quizes and a final exam.  But it was all worth it.  I loved the class and plan to continue using what I learned.  

Plus I got 100% A+.  Now that made me really smile!

Surprise!

My MawMaw turned 80 on September 14th and while she begs us to stop reminding her of the exact number.. it's something to celebrate.  She's such a giver... always making sure others's needs are taken care of and celebrating their successes.  But this was her day (well, my sister's too but she turned 32 and graciously gave  up the limelight this one time) and we intended to make it one for the books.  Several months ago we starting planning a surprise party... recruiting her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, siblings-in-law, sisters, brothers... the list goes on and on.  With close to 100 people RSVP'd, we just prayed it would stay a surprise.  

The two birthday girls - Tricia and Pat

So many details to figure out... so many people to coordinate... and the constant fear I'd slip and say something to her.  This was the first time I threw a surprise party like this (especially from a different state!) and I'm not sure I'd repeat the experience.  She WAS surprised.  We had 94 people show up.  Everything went beautifully. But man was it a lot of work!  

Just a few of the guests (and a whole lotta family!

At the end of the day... it was all worth it.  She had a WONDERFUL time and we made some really special memories.  Here's to her living to 100! - Christina

Happy Birthday to you...

Me, Tricia (sister), MawMaw, Laura (sister)

"SURPRISE!!!" 

Persimmon = Fail

I won't bore you with graphic details... but let's just agree that I don't like persimmons.  While in Louisiana on my recent trip, my MawMaw's neighbor brought one over for us to try.  After hearing from my aunt how it "made her constipated" I wasn't too excited to put this mushy looking fruit in my mouth.  Should've gone with that instinct.  Bland and mushy.  That's the only way to describe it.  From what I've read they are supposed to be super healthy... but who cares?! So are strawberries and those taste yummy.  This was one new experience that I did not enjoy. ~ Christina

Baby Training

I had the immense pleasure of hanging with baby Brooklyn this past week... What a little cutie she is! Brooklyn is my sister Tricia's youngest daughter and the happiest baby I've been around. When you have three little ones, you welcome all the help you can get... especially in public. Since its rare that I get to see her, I jumped on the chance to spend one on one time with her. But because she's so little I also got to experience the Baby Bjorn. You know... that little backwards backpack looking device you see mothers wearing with small babies strapped to their front. I've never worn one of them before so it was definitely interesting getting it on (especially over a larger than normal chest)... But let me tell you how fabulous they are!! I got to snuggle with Brookie for extended periods of time while doing all sorts of things... Including enjoying a party, sharing a few cocktails, wearing high heels, chasing after her sisters... The list goes on and on. I know my sister enjoyed having a little break and I found a newfound respect for one of the most necessary (imho) baby accessories. :) - Christina