All Fun Must End

This was an extra special summer since it was the first one spent with my niece, Hadley.  It was so fun swimming in the pool with her, taking her for walks around the neighborhood and just enjoying time together. 

Whispering to her that next year we'll be in the big pool, a fact for which I'm very thankful (baby pools give me the heebie jeebies).

My two dinner dates.  Hadley luuuvvvvssss restaurants.

Another day at the pool, followed by goofy faces at my neighborhood restaurant, Clare and Don's.

 Hadley's baptism.

 I told you she loves restaurants.

Having dinner at my house.  Hadley hates having her face wiped off so my sister was making her laugh to distract her.

End of the summer stroll through her 'hood.  She's getting some hair!  Though she does look like a man with a receding hairline.

Next summer she'll be walking and talking and I can't wait to see what fun we'll enjoy!

It's Almost Coat Weather

I really dislike cold weather.  I hate having to wear socks and bundle up, and then when I'm outside, I inevitably get a runny nose.  The one thing that makes chilly temperatures bearable for me is buying a new winter coat.  Here are a few I'm lusting after for this winter season.

Long down coat, perfect for morning dog walks- Burberry Brit

What a gorgeous color!  And look at the bow!- Kate Spade

Trench coat for the in-between weather- Lands End Canvas

A fun cape for the weekend- Talbots

Classic navy pea coat- J.Crew

The ruffle trim on this tweed coat is so feminine- DKNY

The polar fleece lining in this jacket will make it nice and toasty- Barbour

This beauty is so ladylike but I'd never be able to keep the pristine color- Trina Turk

I love coats with toggle closures- MICHAEL Michael Kors

The perfect day to night coat. I will buy anything with a bow- REDValentino

Wonderful Watercolors

I can't exactly remember, but I think the first time I noticed Caitlin McGauley's beautiful paintings was on the Lonny blog.  Here are some newish things I found on Caitlin's blog, along with some old favorites.

I wonder how Spencer and Clancy would look in one of Caitlin's paintings?  Guess I should start saving my pennies...

Las Vegas, Part IV

Our last day in Las Vegas was probably my favorite.  My husband is a huge Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives fan and is always on the lookout to try a restaurant featured on one of the shows.  On Sunday, we set out to the Forum Shops to have lunch at Max Brenner.

The menu at Max Brenner features more chocolate-based dishes than I ever though imaginable.

Dave started off with Mexican hot chocolate, served in the Hug Mug.

I was a little overwhelmed with all the chocolate and decided to have something a little less sweet, the BALT (a BLT with avocado).  This was the best sandwich I've ever eaten.  I followed it up with their churros fondue, which was equally delicious.

We decided to walk back to our hotel so we could burn off a few of the many calories we consumed.  When I saw this sign I immediately asked how I could submit my resume as I think this day job would be perfect for me.

I also saw some showgirls, taking a little break.

That evening we headed back to Caesar's Palace for our evening entertainment, Absinthe.  I'm not quite sure how to describe Absinthe other than to say it was probably the most entertaining show I've ever seen.  The show is considered an acro-cabaret variety show and is performed in the round inside a very cool tent.  Before the show, you can spend time in the beer garden outside the Spiegeltent.  There were lots of things to do including socializing at one of the bars and games including corn hole and ladder golf.

There are only about 600 seats and every single one of them has a terrific view.

The acts included lots of acrobatics, each more amazing than the last.

There was also lots of entertainment, hosted by the Gazillionaire and his assistant, Penny Pibbets.  They were hilarious, especially Penny's (R-rated)sock puppet show.

The show was funny, raunchy, entertaining and down right amazing.  I wish I saw it earlier in our trip because I definitely would have done a repeat showing.

Thank you, Dave, for a fantastic birthday trip.  I can't wait to do it again next year!

Water, Water Everywhere

I mentioned yesterday I was downright obsessed with the fountains at the Bellagio.  I think what really captivated me was the way the fountain sprinklers 'danced' to the music.  I thought it was fascinating.  In addition, each show was choreographed differently so as best to fit the music.

I saw the fountains three times- told you I was obsessed- and I played around with shutter speed and white balance to get different effects.