Johnny Rotten's Burger Bar & Wienery in Salina, Kansas

While in Salina, Kansas visiting a friend, we explored downtown. We got hungry and decided on Johnny Rotten's Burger Bar & Wienery. They had a nice, cool interior.

They had build-your-own burgers and build-your-own wieners. I like being able to customize my food to get just what I want.

I loved my burger which had a pretzel bun, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and guac.

I really enjoyed their sweet potato fries!

I can't wait to go back once this quarantine is over!

Packing Cubes

Every time I go somewhere, even for one night, my bag becomes a mess. I can't find anything and it's so frustrating. For awhile, I've thought that maybe packing cubes would be the answer to my messy bags with lost items. So, when Christmas came, I added them to my wish list. My cousin got me a Veken 6 pack with various sizes in a vibrant purple.

It also came with a guide of how to best fold different types of clothing. The cubes are all different sizes which is so very convenient. The shoe bag is perfect for two pair of shoes. There's even a dirty laundry bag.

I won't go anywhere now without my packing cubes. They keep everything so much more organized. I know where to find each type of clothing. I would most certainly recommend them for all travelers.

Part One: My Favorite Brunch Spot in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Recently, my parents and I have been spending a lot of time in Tulsa. Since we're there pretty much every week, we've been exploring restaurants.

Back home in Manhattan, Kansas we barely ever agree on a restaurant we all like, but in Tulsa that's another story. Our go-to breakfast/lunch place is First Watch. We've probably eaten there at least five times in the last two months. Everything I've ordered I've loved. They have the best orange juice; so fresh.

Their morning meditation juice is so good. We also get great service. They're very helpful with my mom's gluten and dairy allergy which is really rare. Getting on the wait-list through Yelp is smart.

Chicken salad melt and salad with lemon dressing

A.M. Superfoods Bowl

Tri-fecta (eggs, sausage, and banana granola pancake)

And...writing this just made me crave their food and I'm not in Tulsa now. :(

Trying Avocado Toast

I really enjoy avocados, so I was excited to try avocado toast at Ladybird Diner in Lawrence, KS. I'd always wanted to eat at the diner, but it was always closed when I was in Lawrence.

So, here's the consensus, avocado toast wasn't my thing. It was super savory, which also isn't my thing. But isn't it pretty?!

The diner was uber cute though and I'd like to go back and try something different. They're known for their pies and I'd love to try them.

I also loved this sign. Who doesn't love Steel Magnolias?!

Adventures in Kansas City

When on that trip with my best friend, she found Pinot's Palette. They were hosting an open studio for a ridiculously good price. We brought some of her friends. We each got to pick what painting we wanted to do and what size canvas for $15!
The guide

Mine and I LOVED it!

Yay!

Next, we headed to Topgolf! I'd never been, but had always wanted to. Even though it was freezing outside, the heaters they had kept us really comfortable. The balls each have a chip in them, that tracks them, so you can aim for targets, distance, etc. While none of us was amazing, it was fun and I'm excited to go again.

Eating in the Kansas City Area

We had some many good meals while in KC!

I had the BEST shrimp tacos at El Potro Mexican Cafe in Bonner Springs just off I-70. They were so flavorful. I went back there two months ago and they were just as good. I wish I lived closer to that place.

Later, we met up with more friends of my friend at Blue Koi. I found that place with my mom a few years ago when I tried my first bubble tea. Awww, memories! The dumplings are what they're known for and they are the best! We all got bubble teas, I got the green tea bubble tea, so good!

My Time in Leavenworth, KS

My best friend and I took some time to spend a few days in the Leavenworth area.

The first stop was lunch at Tampico downtown. It was a Mexican food place. I got one of my go-to favorites; a beef burrito with rice and beans. Such a nice, enjoyable lunch.

From there, we checked out Artistic Works by Lu's. It's such a cool shop with super cute clothes and jewelry. Good luck walking out of there without finding a perfect piece of jewelry. You can also create custom pieces. I purchased the cutest necklace there. I love how unique their jewelry is.

We also visited the Kansas Country Store. It was part farm store and part gift shop. They had a nice variety of items including fudge. Nice shop, but the worst bathroom I've experienced in a long time.

Getting Grease Off Suede

I got grease on my otherwise pristine suede boots. Palm-to-face.

Here's what fixed that disaster:
1. Dabbed with paper towel that had a little water and dish soap on it. Let it dry.
2. Then I put some cornstarch on. I had to do that twice, including overnight. That did the job and my beloved shoes are good as new! Grateful it was a fairly easy fix!

Part 3: My Trip to Lincoln, NE

The Haymarket District had a little shop called, Licorice International. I LOVE licorice, so I was excited to check out that store. Thankfully, they also shared samples. I bought a multi-flavor pack and one of cinnamon licorice. Unfortunately, I'm out of my supply now, but the licorice was legit.

Also, within the district was a train engine which made for a great photo op that I took advantage of. It was freezing when I was there, so I didn't get to read anything about why the train was there...next time!

Who doesn't love a good mural? That also is a great photo op.

Writing this made me remember all the fun I had there in one night. I really hope to make it back to explore more soon!

Part 2: My Trip to Lincoln, NE

Our only night in Lincoln was so blustery and cold! The Rabbit Hole Bakery was a great stop for a warm beverage.

We stopped and got hot tea and I got a macaron. They had an extensive bakery case with so many yummy looking options. The macaron was tiny, expensive, but good.

It had a cute Alice in Wonderland theme with clocks.

They also had live music. Definitely a fun stop in the Haymarket District.