Soon..

So soon, I'll be snoozing on one of these beach chairs with some best friends in Rosemary Beach... I can't even contain my excitement!!

via pinterest 

Life Lately

Life has been both fun and crazy lately.  Last week was my last travel week of the year, and Brian took a bus from downtown Cleveland to Pittsburgh so that he could have lunch with me and drive me home.  I was shocked and so so happy.  He rubbed my back and neck the whole drive home (multi-talented, that man is).

photos {1,3} Omni William Penn Hotel {2} huge nativity scene

We spent this past weekend putting up our tree, decorating, and last-minute shopping.  We've also had lots of events at church and with friends, so our calendar has been full.  But full in a very good way.  A way that instead of draining you, rather refreshes and revitalizes you.  We are having lots of family in town, starting Wednesday so I'm off to finish up some work, start cleaning the house, and think through what in the world we'll be eating for all these meals (any advice would be appreciated)!

photos {1,2} Brian, Char and me with our tree {3} a little peak of our living room gallery wall

Hotel Hunting: Le Parker Palm Springs

It seems like it was half a year ago when Brian and I went on vacation (reality: it was just over a month) and I am already yearning to travel again.  Since I stay at a hotel the majority of my week,  I have accumulated a few points / rewards, one of which is a few nights in one of SPG's resorts.  The catch? It expires December 20th.  As the year winds down, I realize it is highly unlikely that we will be able to take advantage of this reward for a number of reasons (money, time to be the main ones).  But, a girl can still dream, right? 

Want to know where I'd really like to go?  The Parker in Palm Springs, California.  It just seems so charming, right?  Ah, no need to click the link sweet friends (unless you want to see a video of a guy wearing a zebra mask), let me show you:

Images via The Parker

Hotel Review: Renaissance Pittsburgh

I'm finally refreshed and relaxed after my trip to Pittsburgh last week.  I was so mentally and physically exhausted, I can't really explain it.. Much of it was due to a change in schedule for me, and much of it was due to the drive home.

Let me try and explain.. I came back home Wednesday night, just as the "severe thunderstorms" were progressing through Western Pennsylvania.  It was sort of a "take me now Jesus" type of moment for me, and while you probably think I'm exaggerating, I'm really not.  Every 5 minutes or so, an emergency message would come across on the radio alerting that a severe thunderstorm was in effect, with 60 mph winds, damaging hail and lightening.  There was also a tornado warning tagged onto the end of the message alerting to "take shelter if you are outside, or in a mobile home, etc.." well considering I was in a vehicle on the turnpike with no exits, I didn't know what to do.  Regardless, I'm getting off the point of this post, and I'm dragging on, so I'll end this topic with this - I made it home in one piece, and I'm thankful for that!

Back to what I was originally trying to write about.  I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh this past week, and it was quite enjoyable.  While not everyone appreciates the regal/over-the-top feel of the hotel, I liked it.  One reason might be that Brian and I were married in a Renaissance Hotel, and the other is probably because I like things that are old school (the adornments, the marble, the moldings, etc.) 

Here's a few pictures of the place since blogger isn't letting me add photos right now (side note, if anyone has any ideas why this is happening, please help!!)



Here's a short rundown of my thoughts.

Pros:

- Excellent Service.  I was greeted with a smile, and while this might be expected, that's not always the case.

- Amenities.  Aveda products were the staple, and I love me some rosemary mint shampoo :-)

- Good Iron.  I've stayed at a lot of places where the iron simply does not get out wrinkles.  This one did.

- Plenty of oranges.  Baskets of oranges in the lobby.  fresh and juicy.

- Comfortable comforter.  Enough said.

Cons:

While many will think these are all a nit, you have to realize that I'll be staying at a hotel, more than at my own home for the year, so of course I'm going to notice the small things.

- Small Pillow.  They only had two options: huge pillow, and teeny pillow.  It made my neck hurt.

- No trash can in the lobby.  I enjoyed my juicy orange, but then I had no place to throw it away, unless I went upstairs, outside, or asked someone.  Once again, probably a nit, but it's my blog ;)

- No fan in the bathroom.  While the mirror did defog quickly, I like to have a fan so that it doesn't get so steamy that I sweat while getting ready. 

All in all it was an awesome hotel, and I would definitely stay there again.  This week, I'm on to the Westin.  Will be back with a review in a few days! 

Images via NY Times and the examiner