Sunday Funday: Atlanta Style

Hey all! So, you guys know I love to travel. I kind of get a little stir-crazy if I'm in my beloved Bham for over a month without traveling anywhere at all. That's why it's a great idea to plan fun little trips here and there. Lucky for me Atlanta, Georgia is a short dive away with so much to do! However, this wasn't just any regular trip we were on. This was a 24 hour adventure to see the one and only Beyoncé on her newly created "Formation Tour". Yes, we were going to be seeing Queen Bey live (insert bee and lemonade emoji's here).  The trip would be super short but still memorable and most of all, fun!

The concert was on a Sunday so we left out around 10am for the 2 1/2 hour drive to the ATL. Since it wasn't a weekday we were lucky and there wasn't a ton of traffic. Well known fact: Atlanta has some bad traffic so keep that in mind when planning a trip. Weekends are always the better option if you have a choice. We arrived in the afternoon ready to explore, keep your eye out for cool art, sculptures, everything while you are in the city!

Since I knew the concert was later that night, I went ahead and booked us a hotel room at the Omni Atlanta, this is a great hotel since it is within walking distance to the Georgia Dome, Phillips Arena, Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coke, restaurants, etc. Basically you are right in the middle of downtown.  We were starving so after an uneventful check-in that was quick and easy, we went to Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria, umm it was delicious. Sangria and pizza? How can you go wrong? Trick question. You can't.

 

After lunch we burned calories by walking over to the Georgia Aquarium . If you have never been, it is a must-do! There are so many exhibits, sea life, creatures, penguins, yes, penguins! Beluga whales, sea otters, and even the all new Sea Lion show and area dedicated to one of the cutest sea species out there! You can scroll through my pics below just to see a little of what they have to offer, it's fun of course for kids but also interesting for every age. I feel like you really get your money's worth here and it's a must-do if you are spending the day in Atlanta!
 

 

Our next stop was the College Football Hall of Fame which was a short walk over from the aquarium and right next to our hotel. A little secret, if you go within an hour of closing (5pm or 6pm depending on the time of year, check the day of to make sure!) you get the special "twilight discount" which you may have to rush a bit through the hall of fame but it is definitely do-able! You are given a pass after you pay and enter where you then register on the data base and you choose your favorite team. This way the pass electronically notes which stops highlight your team and you can even run the pass across info kiosks along the way to learn history, facts and trivia. It's really cool and a definite must if you are a college football fan!
 

We went back to the room to freshen up and a quick nap, I recommend a hotel room even if you don't plan on staying the whole night. I booked a good rate via Expedia and it was so worth it. Not only did we not have to pay a cab/uber fee to get to the concert venue, we didn't have to wait in bumper to bumper traffic, high parking deck fees (that take forever to get out of after the concert) and we got to chill out in our room after the concert until the surrounding area cleared instead of just sitting in traffic. Plus, we had this guy in the lobby. The hotel was selling Lemonade!
 

This was my second concert at the Georgia Dome, the first being last October at Taylor Swift's 1989 tour. The venue is awesome but it is big! It's very easy to get confused and there are several entrances, I advise taking pics so you can remember key areas or landmarks to help you find your way out. If you are driving this is a must so you can find your car or meeting at a specific location.

One thing that was really helpful about this tour is they sold official merchandise outside before you even entered the venue (look for the Formation tour merchandise busses!). Let's face it, everyone wants a t-shirt and the lines are often wrapped around so this really helped alleviate some of the crowding. They also had several booths inside but it is not uncommon to wait 30-40 or possibly longer to get a shirt. My tip? Get there early and go ahead and get what you want! The longer you wait the more crowded the merchandise area will be and the selection and sizing also dwindles down.
 

Beyoncé's album Lemonade had been out for maybe a week, so everyone was super pumped to see her live! Atlanta was her third stop of the tour and excitement was all around, waiting to see what she would or wouldn't say about Jay-Z, Becky with the good hair, etc. (spoiler alert: she said nothing about either but thanked the crowd numerous times for supporting her and her career throughout the years.).  After the opening act of DJ Khalid with help from his friends Rick Ross, TI, and Ludacris among others, it was time for the show to begin!
 

As soon as Beyoncé lifted her hat on stage to the beats of her hit single "Formation", you see why she is the icon and entertainer that sells out tours and sets music records. I've been a Beyoncé fan since my early middle school days singing Destiny's Child at pool parties to working out to her Dangerously in Love album and seeing her announce her pregnancy live on the MTV Video Music Awards (Love on Top is still one of my favorite songs!). It's always pretty cool to see someone you have kind of grown up with and listened to for so many years live in front of you!
 

The tour was filled with an array of her new album mixed with the classics including Crazy in Love, Survivor, Halo, Girls (Run the World) among countless others you all know the words to. Her costumes were immaculate and made me want to search for the nearest decorated leotard store (although it probably wouldn't have the same appeal), fantastic lighting and effects, one of the best concert experiences I've ever attended! You can get her full set list here and more information about the Formation tour and how you can see Beyoncé live here!

Sadly all good things must come to an end and the concert ended with Beyoncé in all her shimmery glory. It was such a fantastic day and experience! After the concert we hung out in our hotel room while the crowds died down a bit outside. The plan worked! We were able to leave with minimal traffic and headed home safely. A true Sunday Funday! (Sorry had to say it).
 

If you are wondering more about what all the ATL has to offer, check out this site to help you plan your weekend or day trip! There is so much to see and do, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Happy Travels,

 

Currently: Totally Tuesday Edition

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone is having a lovely day even though we are on our third day of rain here in Bham. The good news? It's officially May! May means summer is practically here with warm weather, road trips, cook outs, sunshine, baseball games, ahh so much to look forward to! I live in sundresses during the warm months so this (under $25) little yellow number is a current fave!

 

The beginning of May also means Cinco de Mayo! Tacos and frozen margaritas? Go ahead and put me down as a yes! Here are a few fun options to get you ready for Thursday. I love the pairing of a festive off the shoulder top with denim cutoffs! Oh and how great are these Pom-Pom gladiator inspired sandals!? Plus they are under $45! Here are a few more favorites to oh-ley in!

 

 

(from left to right): 1. Trim Top (also comes in black!) 2. Printed Romper 3. Could Shoulder Top 4. I Heart Tacos tee (I have this and it is sooo soft!) 5. Tacos and Tequila Tank (wear with fun printed shorts like these cacti inspired ones) 6. Embroidered Dress

 

 

I'm also currently loving decorating my home with cozy, bright colors. I found the cutest watering can then filled it with some beautiful fresh flowers! I also bought this little round, woven tray then added a little pink gnome (found at Target in the under $3 section) and a candle. A few colorful outdoor throw pillows then voila a newly decorated deck on a budget! It's a great spot for Saturday morning coffee and reading as well as summer nights for cookouts. You can also find this adorable mug at Kate Spade!

I have done a little traveling and have some exciting trips lined up all summer. I'm actually going to sunny Cali this weekend for the Tinkerbell Half-Marathon (Disneyland!) then NYC, Orlando, San Diego and LA are all on tap for some weekend fun in the upcoming weeks and months. One of my favorite places to plan day trips is Atlanta, GA. It's a short drive (about 2 1/2 hours) and I love the shopping, art, food, everything in the city! I was there a few weeks ago for the Justin Beiber concert (yes, I went and it was amazing) and most recently this past Sunday for the Beyoncé concert (incredible btw). I'll have a full trip report on what to do and see in Atlanta in a day coming up this week!

 

While I love traveling, I am also quite the homebody at times. I don't mind only being gone for only a day or two on vacay because I miss people at home. I also miss this little cutie! Formally introducing the newest member of the family, Lucky! She is the sweetest little mini Australian Shepherd puppy. Currently we are working on learning to walk on leash and that has been...interesting. At least she has a fun collar and leash to practice with!

 

I am also trying to make a summer reading list. I love writing and reading is just so soothing and relaxing. If you have any suggestions let me know! I recently finished this book, a very good and easy read! Last night I started this one and I can already tell it's going to be good!

 

That's about it! Thanks for catching up and I have some fun posts coming up so stay tuned!

 

 

Star Wars 10k: The Dark Side

It's is no surprise I love runDisney races while they can be expensive, the race experience is one of a kind. Now, the Star Wars race series is fairly new with the Light Side option being held in the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and the all new Dark Side option at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. If you do both races (half-marathon and challenge distances you receive the special Kessel Challenge Coast to Coast medal!) and with Star Wars being the hot commodity these races sell out fast but I was pleasantly surprised with the Dark Side!

It all started late Friday afternoon when we boarded the plane to Orlando (thanks Southwest!), one of the first times I've flown in a while that there wasn't a delay and we even arrived safely in Florida earlier than expected. It was after 8pm when we arrived so after we checked into the lovely Disney's Boardwalk Inn, I love this hotel! A major plus for me is that you not only have the fun Boardwalk area with food, shopping and entertainment but you also have the easy option of walking to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

This resort is also in the same vicinity of the Yacht and Beach Club resorts so we walked over to the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, they have simple food choices you would find at the beach, we got cheeseburgers and they were delicious! They are also known for having a dessert called "The Kitchen Sink" yes, it's a giant ice cream sundae in an actual kitchen sink. This is a thing. You can look it up. We didn't want the spectacle of ordering the giant sundae so we decided on individual desserts. I did get the mini Kitchen Sink!

After walking around the Boardwalk for a bit, I realized I had to be up in like three hours so we went back to the hotel and I took a short nap before long my alarm went off and my favorite race past time of getting ready in the dark while other people slept happened. The races start EARLY like 5:30am early, the bus to the start was pulling in as I made my way down to the pick-up area at the resort around 4am. There was some traffic and a normal 8 min bus ride was about 15-20 so not too bad. I arrived and picked up my bib (eeek! I actually forgot my license as a form of ID so I had to answer a ton of questions but I passed my life and got my bib!) and looked for my running bestie from LA.

 

The waiting area was very nice! As I looked for my friend (who was getting a picture with BB-8) I noticed Disney had tons of photo opps before the race, there were at least 7 options! This is great for those who don't like stopping during the actual race or someone who may be in one of the last corrals and fear waiting 20 minutes for a photo then ends up getting "swept" off the course for not keeping pace. Here are a few you could choose from including Jaba the Hutt, Darth Maul and Darth Vader!

 

I found my friend and we were off to the corrals! The weather was pretty humid but I mean it is central Florida in April so that was to be expected. While waiting in line the race announcers kept the crowd energized and even showed clips from all the Star Wars films (yes, even Episode 1). Soon enough we were off! The course starts in Epcot where you run though parts of the park then you make your way to the Boardwalk District followed by Hollywood Studios and finally finishing the course at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

 I actually really enjoyed this course, it was scenic plus there were a good amount of photo opportunities. The only section I didn't care for was the trail portion as you make your way into the Wide World of Sports. There were a few bottlenecks but remember this is a Disney race, there are LOTS of people, relax, have fun, and don't worry about time. You are in Disney!

Soon we were finished and my only big complaint of the entire race weekend...the busses. Wow. The line to take everyone back to the Boardwalk area hotels was completely backed up. I also didn't really care for the fact that you ended up in a different location than the start. It's just a bit of a headache to get back. However, Disney seemed to learn from the bus ordeal since the next day at the half there were plenty of busses back for the more congested hotels. So they did notice the problem and were quick to alleviate some of the issue!

How about this 10k bling!? Love!!

Arriving back at the hotel, it was so fun to see the colorful Boardwalk! I took a quick shower and new clothes then I felt like a new person. We were ready for the parks! I love the Magic Kingdom and my all-time favorite dessert is the Ooey Gooey Toffe Cake from Liberty Tree Tavern. You have to try it.

I mean look at it. After a few hours it was time for a much needed nap. An hour turned into like three hours but hey it's vacation!

The rest of the night was spent having dinner at Epcot, walking around the Flower and Garden Festival , then capping off the day at Magic Kingdom! 

All fun and games until I realize I have to be up in three hours to run 13.1 miles. See how that turned out here!

 

 

Happy running and traveling!

 

xoxo,

 

Star Wars Half Marathon: The Dark Side

 

Welcome to part 2 of the Dark Side race weekend! It felt like we had just gotten back from the Magic Kingdom (oh wait we had) when my alarm sounded off. I took my time getting ready since I knew I had plenty of time plus I already had my bib today so no need to rush. Funny story runDisney races for as long as I have been doing them (5 years) have always started at 5:30am unless it is a noted night race. Well, it seems they are experimenting because the Dark Side Half definitely started at 5am!

Luckily I boarded my bus at 4am and while there was some traffic I couldn't figure out why some people were nervous on time...until we arrived and I saw the photo op characters gone and staff telling runners to quickly make their way to the corrals. As I arrived in Corral C, the announcers said we were starting the race in 5 minutes. That was close! This is why even runDisney veterans need to double check the event guide and times. Just like that it was our time!

Pre-race sparkle selfie! This is what people do, right? Just trying to stay on trend.

The course route is the same for the first few as the 10k the day before. I liked the course and it seemed to fly by, I felt good and decided to stop and take photos, I mean that's what people really want to see so they can get a feel of the race!

 

One thing that was different than the 10k was Kylo Ren from the new Star Wars was out and people were freaking out around me. I was sad it was not Adam Driver but moving on!

Disney also had volunteers that were dressed in their Star Wars best so even though not official Disney Parks characters you would see in the park there were lots of photo opportunities for those not wanting to wait in the longer lines.

 

The course also takes you inside the Animal Kingdom so essentially you get to visit three parks during the race which I really like! The weather was absolutely beautiful, the sun was shining and it was pretty warm but it wasn't cold and rainy so I was happy!

 

The race moved very quickly, I have had back and knee problems for a few years now and while I love running sometimes it hurts and I can't keep up the pace I want to. It's crucial to not hurt yourself and if you feel like slowing down, do it. Want to take a picture? Take it! You are running 13.1 miles, that in and of itself is a huge accomplishment and Disney is a fun place to run. Make every mile magic as runDisney says. I also loved the earlier start time, I hope they continue this! Before I knew it the finish line was in sight.

 

It was bound to happen...I fully converted to the dark side. These medals though...love the Darth Vader spinner! After more fun times on the bus (yay at least there was more than one waiting this time!) I was back at the hotel. It was our last day but we had a late flight so we went to the Studios and Epcot plus lots of snacks (the main incentive to run. Jk! Well maybe) and yes, we didn't want to wait 30 minutes for a ride but saw no problem waiting to see Kylo Ren for an awkward photo shoot.

 

See for yourself. I'm not even sure what was going on since we were a little scared of him and yes, he can talk to you! It was funny, scary and intimidating all at the same time. My best friend since high school is just like what and I don't know what I'm doing but this picture exists and that's all that matters. Enjoy the awkwardness!

 

Happy Running and Traveling! For more info on the Dark Side Challenge, runDisney and more check here!

You can also check out my10k recap here!

xoxo,