My Day Trip to Leawood and Lawrence, KS

The day after I got back from Chicago, I went to the KC area with my mom for one of her doctor's appointments. While there, we checked out Blue Koi, a restaurant that that she saw featured in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. There we enjoyed their terrific dumplings. I also tried bubble tea for the first time and loved their almond joy one. I can't wait to visit Blue Koi again!

On our way home to Manhattan, KS, my mom was craving a burger. From my explorations of Lawrence, KS in May, I recommended the Burger Stand at the Casbah. They have grass-fed beef, which is a requirement for my mom. Mom ordered and enjoyed the Classic burger and I ordered and loved the Black & Blue burger. My burger came with Maytag blue cheese and granny smith chutney; so good, especially since I love sweet and tart flavors! The fries were also good. The Burger Stand makes all kinds of unique sauces, which I think helped them stand out. My mom talks about going back there soon.

Black & Blue Burger

The Classic Burger

Part 4: My 1st Trip to Chicago, IL

Underneath the Navy Pier was a bunch of shops and restaurants. We got dinner at America's Dog; hot dogs! It was pretty good.

Next, we stopped to pick up souvenirs at Oh Yes, Chicago. They had a lot of selection.

We also stopped by this shop that had a really cool light fixture.

Until next time, Chicago!!!

Part 3: My 1st Trip to Chicago, IL

No trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Navy Pier. I was so excited to finally be there. We were there in the evening and the views were beautiful!

Movie #11: Game Night

I love game nights and I loved the movie, Game Night. It stars Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Kyle Chandler, Lamorne Morris, and Jesse Plemons. It was crazy to see Friday Night Lights alums, Kyle Chandler and Jesse Plemons together again. I recognized Kylie Bunbury from the short-lived series, Pitch Reminds me that I'm sad that they cancelled it.

The movie focuses on a group of friends and their epic game nights. Jason and Rachel play a married couple that live next to an odd cop and former gamer-nighter played by Jesse Clemons. Jason's brother is played by Kyle Chandler. He is almost idolized by the group and he's back in town. He wants to host a game night to remember. The movie is so funny and has twists and turns throughout. My only complaint would be the language.

Part 2: My First Trip to Chicago, IL

One night, my coworker and I decided to venture into downtown Chicago for some sightseeing.

We took the train, which seemed most convenient. While it was convenient, it was not what I bargained for. It was hot out. The train was hot, smelly, crammed, and made me extremely motion sick. I was convinced I might explode internally. I couldn't even talk for fear that I'd vomit. So, I was very relieved 45 minutes later when we arrived in downtown Chi-town.

Next stop was Millennium Park to see the Bean. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I think, I imagined it would be in the middle of a large open area. Instead it was within Millennium Park and so very crowded. Not what I expected, but very cool to see.

While I wish I got good pics of me with the Bean, I was still a little green-looking from the train.

Movie #10: 12 Strong

I'd seen previews, but finally rented 12 Strong from the library. My parents and I enjoy war and history movies. 12 Strong is about the U.S.'s response to the attacks of 9-11. It centers around one captain who recently switched roles and is no longer over his team. As the attacks happen, Captain Mitch Nelson, played by Chris Hemsworth rallies to get his team back together. It isn't easy, but eventually he gets reassigned to his team. Once that happens, he positions his team to lead the charge to take on the Taliban.

Interestingly enough, his wife in the movie is played by his real-life wife, Elsa Pataky.

The movie shows their role as they worked with an Afghan warlord to take on the Taliban. It was really remarkable and a must-see!




Have you seen it? What did you think? If you haven't seen it yet, are you going to see it now? :)

Bobby Bones Dances to Song: A Million Dreams on Dancing with the Stars

I will admit, I've never been a Bobby Bones fan. On the radio, he talks too much for my taste. On the first several episodes of Dancing with the Stars, he was so eccentric that he seemed high. He just didn't seem real.

On this last week's episode, the theme was Most Memorable Year. Bobby opened up and shared how he was raised and it was shocking. After watching the video below: I was really touched by how he grew up and succeeded in life despite the hand that life dealt him. The dance was filled with emotion and was so touching. I had goosebumps.

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!