Home For The Holidays

It is hard to believe I have been home for almost five months. This is the longest I have been in Ohio since 2009. I have to admit, although there is not a lot to do in our hometown, I have enjoyed just being home. Having time to visit with family and friends and hanging out on my comfy couch. You don't realize how much you appreciate "your stuff" until you live out of two suitcases and in hotels most of your life. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love traveling but at times it is just nice to be home.

When Scott wasn't traveling for work, we took a couple trips. First we went to Pawleys Island, SC over Thanksgiving to see my brother and his family. Pawleys Island is roughly 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, SC. My parents were there too so it was nice to have my entire family together, which is not often. For Thanksgiving, we decided to have dinner at House of Blues in Myrtle Beach. I actually worked for House of Blues (mostly in Chicago) for 12 years so it was a nice treat. House of Blues is located in an area called Barefoot Landing which has a ton of shops and restaurants. Before dinner we stopped in and had drinks at Greg Norman's Australian Grille which I would highly recommend if you are ever in the area. 

Drinks at Greg Norman's Australian Grille

Mom and Dad

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at House of Blues. They offered a southern style spin on Thanksgiving. Some of the menu offerings were hand-carved turkey, roast beef, peeled shrimp, macaroni and cheese, cornbread stuffing, red beans and rice, white chocolate banana bread pudding and pecan pie. They also provided live jazz which was a nice addition to a wonderful day.

We lucked out with some great weather so Scott and I enjoyed walking on the beach.

My niece loves hanging out with Scott. I thought this was such a sweet picture of them walking on the beach together.

If you are ever in Pawleys Island / Murrells Inlet area, here are some
restaurant recommendations. Clicking on the name will take you to their website.

Pawleys Island
Chive Blossom Cafe
Frank's Outback
Bistro 217
Nosh
Perrone's Reataurant, Beer and Wine Bar
Pawleys Island Tavern (P.I.T.) great place to hang out and listen to live music

Murrells Inlet
Twelve on 17
Drunken Jack's
Bubba's Love Shak
Bovines
Divine Fish House

VEGAS HERE WE COME!
Right before Christmas, we booked flights to go and visit Scott's Mom and Stepdad who were in Vegas to celebrate her birthday. The last time we were in Vegas was early 2009 so we were looking forward to going back. 

Although not the newest casino, the Bellagio is one of my favorites. First I love Dale Chihuly's blown glass and Bellagio has a huge exhibit throughout their hotel. I also enjoy visiting their Botanical Garden and Conservatory to see their newest exhibit.

Ceiling by the front desk of Dale Chihuly's work.

Botanical Garden and Conservatory Exhibit. Don't you just love Christmas? I do!

The bears are made entirely of flowers.

Hash Hash A Go Go is a popular restaurant especially known for their huge breakfast entrees and sandwiches. I learned about this restaurant from the TV Show Man vs. Food where the shows host, Adam, ate the Fried Chicken Farm Benedict. So, we decided to head over to The Quad Resort and Casino to have breakfast. All I can say is WOW! The portions are huge and there are so many choices it was hard to pick just one. Scott had the Griddled French Toast dipped in Banana Cinnamon Cream with Pecan Maple Syrup, two scrambled eggs and bacon.

I attempted to eat Andy's Sage Fried Chicken with 2 eggs, bacon, mashed potatoes and a biscuit. Both breakfast dishes were very good but it was just too much food. Glad we went to experience it and next time I want to try one of their sandwiches.

After four great days in Las Vegas, we are back in Ohio and ready for Christmas!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. We head to Baku, Azerbaijan sometime in March. Really looking forward to visiting Baku and I have no doubts I will have a lot of photos to share with all of you! 

Red Rock Canyon & Vegas

We surprised Scott's Mom and Stepdad in Vegas for the weekend. While in Vegas the four of us headed out to Red Rock Canyon for the day to go horseback riding. Red Rock Canyon is less then an hour's drive west of Las Vegas.

Having some fun at an indoor kart racing track

Have Blues, Will Travel....

After 12 years with House of Blues it is time to say good-bye. I loved my job (good times and bad), saw some amazing bands perform and met a lot of terrific people. I will carry with me all the wonderful memories and friendships. Now onto my next exciting adventure with the love of my life. I am packing up my belongings, putting them into storage and traveling the world. I have no idea where our first stop will be but I can't wait! I hope you enjoy this blog as I am sure it will be a work in progress.

Flowers from Scott on my last day of work. :-)

So what is the first thing you do when you are newly unemployed?? Head to Vegas, of course! Celebrated my birthday weekend with Scott and friends Matt and Rosa. First stop was the House of Blues Foundation Room, on top of Mandalay Bay. Best view of the city.

A friend and former colleague, Wendy, stopped by to say hello and brought me some delicious birthday cupcakes!

BACK IN LA!

Scott had to leave for a quick work trip so I had a great birthday outing with my girlfriends that started at 11AM and lasted till 2AM! Started the day at Gladstone's in Malibu for brunch and mimosas.

Very excited about the next chapter in my life. Will be officially leaving Los Angeles in June so Scott and I are planning on seeing as much of the left coast as possible!