Movie #9: Life of the Party

This last weekend, I got the movie, Life of the Party. My mom likes Melissa McCarthy, so we decided to give it a try.

The movie was HILARIOUS! We laughed for much of the hour and a half. Unfortunately, we could've done without the sex scenes. I wouldn't watch it with kids. In the movie, it's portrayed as cool that the mom and daughter talk about their walk of shames and that the mom has sex with the daughter's classmate. Mom's need to be role models and show good, healthy behavior, especially to their kids.

Part 1: My First Trip to Chicago, IL

For work, I had a conference in Chicago. I'd never been there before, so I was hoping to squeeze in some sights, despite the conference being at a hotel near the airport. I also wanted to try Chicago-style pizza for the first time ever.

We arrived later than anticipated and were hungry. After quickly checking in, we ventured out to find Chicago-style pizza. Right next to our hotel was Giordano's. The pizza was so good. The cheese was stretchy. The slices were thick and rich! I could go for a slice right about now!

The conference was at the Westin O'Hare We also stayed there. I was so impressed with the whole place. The rooms were so comfortable, I slept like a dream. The conference areas were nice and clean. I was also very impressed with the quality of meals at the conference. From my previous experiences, conference food was normally awful, but was excited to see quality food at every meal. I would definitely recommend Westin O'Hare!

I went for drinks at Ram Brewery with conference friends. It was your average brewery. Time catching up with friends is always priceless.

Part 3: My Mini Vacation in Kansas City

We also checked out the Ocean's 8 movie that I reviewed on here at Cinemark Palace at the Plaza. The matinee was fairly priced and for mere cents more, we were able to watch it in the VIP room. That I recommend. The VIP room offers food and alcoholic beverages in the evenings. It also offered super comfy chairs. With 20ish seats in the VIP room, it almost felt like we were watching the movie in a mansion's movie room...I can dream. ;) I should mention that they also had special bathrooms for this room too (it's the small things).

Everyone knows I love chocolate, so we stopped at Panache Chocolatier. The chocolate was pricey, but good. Truffles (my fav) were $2.50 each. They had popular/trendy flavors and I enjoyed their fleeting goodness.

We got our nails done at Plaza Nails. Loved that place. There's nothing like getting your nails done on vacation. :) It's fun and special; I hadn't gotten my nails done in I don't know how long. They even had my favorite colors too! :)

Not the same day, but near the end of the trip, we found Cupcake A La Mode. While the staff were unfriendly and left something to be desired, the cupcakes were so good. I even got an amaretto flavored one and I LOVE amaretto!

All in all, it was a fun trip and I loved each place we explored! Until next time KC!

Music: Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne

In high school and college, I loved Avril Lavigne's music. I knew Avril Lavigne had gone through health issues and was essentially out of the music business, but I didn't know the whole story. This article was eye-opening, click here to read it.

This song, written through a trying time in her life, really spoke to me. I've been struggling lately and was in tears while watching it. What a beautiful prayer to God.



"God keep my head above water.
Don't let me drown, it gets harder.
I'll meet you there at the alter
as I fall down to my knees."

I'm just going to say it...Being Single Sucks

Being single sucks. I thought by this point in life that I'd be married with kids. I say this as my biological clock ticks to explosion.

I want a partner in life

I want someone who shares my faith and can encourage me in it. Going to church alone is HARD!

Also, the older I get, the more set in my ways I get and that scares me

Maybe this person doesn't exist for me

Yes, I know I'm, whining, but I don't care.

SNL Amazon Echo Silver Skit

A coworker recently told me about a hilarious SNL skit about Amazon Echo Silver Alexa. It sounded like something I'd enjoy, so I found it. As promised, it was hilarious!

Enjoy!

Part 2: My Mini Vacay in Kansas City

For some reason, KC was pretty rainy for mid-June.

After getting restaurant suggestions from a friend, we checked out Char Bar. Totally loved that place! Had the weather of been nicer, I would've played their yard games. They're also pet-friendly, my friend's dog got a fresh bowl of water brought out for him. They're in the Westport area. Now the food...we shared their Charred Grits & Bits app with burnt ends and obviously, grits. So good with a little kick of spice.

My friend ordered and loved the CBGB Burger. I ordered Burnt Heaven. It was perfection with cole slaw and jalapeno straws. I thankfully had enough for leftovers the next day and it was just as good the second time.

Their rosemary lemonade was really refreshing and tart.

We were definitely in BBQ Heaven at Char Bar and I'd recommend that place again and again.

We checked out the nearby Sephora and dropped a lot if cash there. Found some cute shirts at H&M.

What adventures!

Movie #8: Ready Player One

Almost six years ago, Ready Player One was the book chosen as the book of the year by Kansas State University to be read by freshmen. I read it and really enjoyed it. It was set in the future where everyone spends most of their time in a virtual world called, the Oasis.

I wasn't sure if I would remember the details or if the movie would be as good as the book. The main discrepancy was that Artemis was supposed to be a curvy lady. I was really impressed that it matched up and translated well to the big screen. Check it out!

Part 1: My Mini Vacay in Kansas City, Missouri

A friend who I hadn't seen in awhile stopped by KC on her road trip across the country and invited me to come hang out for a couple of days.

We stayed in the Country Club Plaza area at the Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza. It was just outside of main area which was nice.

On our way to the Plaza for dinner, we walked through the Mill Creek Park area. It was a cute, little park. A big feature of the park is the beautiful J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain. It's fairly large and features horses.

We decided to eat dinner at Cheesecake Factory, which is on the edge of the Plaza closest to our hotel. I had never been there to eat before and I LOVE cheesecake. I ordered and loved their skinny taco salad.

I got their carrot cake cheesecake and it did not disappoint. :)

Part 3: My Staycation in Manhattan, KS

Roughly, 8 years ago, I attended Symphony in the Flint Hills. It's such a cool event, the Kansas City Symphony is essentially picked up and placed in a tranquil, prairie setting. Between the music and the scenery, it's an unforgettable experience. What's also interesting is that it moves locations around that state.

This year, it was roughly two hours from Manhattan, KS at Rosalia Ranch in Rosalia, KS.

Along the way, they had related events in Cottonwood Falls, KS. We stopped and got this great photo of their courthouse.

Cottonwood Falls was cute and quaint. At the Vintage Bulldog, I found a super cute, turquoise, glass fruit bowl. At Salty Cow Mercantile, I found a new K-State bracelet.

The music and scenery didn't disappoint. My dad took a gazillion photos. Here are my best photos:

We finished off the weekend, eating brunch at my beloved, Coco Bolos. My dad ordered and loved their Stacked Enchiladas. I super enjoyed their Baja Chicken & Shrimp Wrap! A great end to the weekend!