Beau Rivage Re-Cap

Mike and I went into this weekend not knowing what to expect. We had no idea what the plane would be like, how the hotel would be, what there was to do and the list goes on. I have to admit, we didn't really care since it was a free trip, but at least it turned out well.

The private jet, well it wasn't so private. Apparently the Beau Rivage uses a charter plane service for guests like us (who have a comped trip) and for guests that they invite who pay but are "usual gamblers at the casino". However, it was a semi-nice "private charter" plane which instead of soda and peanuts during beverage service, they ask what kind of alcoholic drink you prefer and give you ritz crackers. Way better than Delta in that aspect!

After a short hour flight, we touched down in Biloxi, MS where a bus shuttled us on over to the Beau Rivage. The fun part is you don't touch your bags once you take them to the airport. After we deplaned and headed to the hotel, our bags arrived within 2 hours in our room. Speaking of rooms, we were on the 22 floor on the far corner, a pretty nice room to be quite honest. If we went back, I'd request that one or one just like it. Way nicer than some of the others we walked by! Since we got in a little late on Friday night, we headed down to the casino to check it out, do some quick gambling and grab a night cap. We didn't want to stay up too late since we needed to get a run in on Saturday AM and have a good nights sleep for a full Saturday afternoon

After Mike did his 6 mile run and I did my 4 mile run/walk along the beach, we showered up and headed to the pool. I was hoping it would have been a bit bigger, but it was a gorgeous sunny, smoking hot day and the pool was the perfect place to be. Since it was such a scorcher of a day, we chose not to drink alcohol at the pool fearing that if we did, we'd have been done by 3pm and not gone out Saturday night. We got a little crispy, but nothing a little aloe couldn't fix by night time. Post a pool-side lunch and a little more time in the sun, we headed in to the casino to test our luck. Mike hit up black jack and craps while I hung out on the 'Super Jackpot Party' and 'Lucky Meerkats' penny slot machines ... MY FAVORITE! After a few dry runs on the penny slots, I hit it big (okay big in terms of penny slots) and won $100 on a $1 bet. I was stoked and cashed out right then and ran over to Mike (literally, I ran in the casino like a 2yr old). Post some more (smaller) wins on my beloved penny slots and a few hands of black jack later for  Mike, we headed up to get ready for dinner at BR Steakhouse. After a yummy dinner at BR Steakhouse and some more gambling, drinking and hanging out, Mike and I headed back to the room to retire for the night and do it all again on Sunday until our 3pm departure time back to reality.

Overall, the trip was a great getaway for the both of us. We haven't spent much 1 on 1 time together since the wedding and honeymoon with all the stuff going on here and all of my travel for business. I think it's safe to say we might head back there one day since it's a lot closer and cheaper than Vegas, but it's more of a weekend trip, not so much for longer than two nights.

Happy Thursday!

Today is a crazy day. Mike leaves for his bachelor party in Las Vegas (God Help Me!), My sweet friend's puppy is getting its leg amputated (SO SO sad) and I get to go to a private event at JCrew. All in all, it's going to be hectic mixed with some serious emotions for a few reasons. So instead of getting into the nitty gritty of how I'm feeling, I'll share some new photos instead!

Baby Kona says Roll Tide!

7:45AM this morning ... nothing like an ICING to start your bachelor party!

Mike's obsession! 

Hope your Thursday is going well! The good news, it's almost Friday!

89 Days Until Paradise!

Once the nuptials are said and done and all the wedding guests go home, it'll be time for Mike and I to head to paradise! We decided not to leave right after the wedding for a lot of reasons, but the biggest one was stress and being too tired! We'll be leaving first thing Monday morning (Day 2 of being a married couple...eek!). Next stop post wedding bliss....

image via here

Mike's parents graciously gave us First Class round trip tickets to and from our 2 week honeymoon to Hawaii as well as paid for all of our hotel stays during this time. We'll be there for 11 nights, 12 days and visit 3 islands. Mike has been doing a lot of research and has finally made us an agenda! Here is what we'll be doing while in Hawaii!

Week 1:

• Monday: Arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii. Check out the scene and hit up Bailey's Shirt Shop. Bailey's has over 15,000 alhoa/Hawaiian shirts to choose from! We'll be sure to bring some home for everyone!
• Tuesday: Depart Honolulu and Arrive in Kauai! Take the day to spend on the beach and relax! 
• Wednesday: In the morning, we'll be hitting up Kipu Ranch Adventures for an ATV tour! We'll be going on the Waterfall tour which takes you on a 4 hour tour around Kauai and see where they've filmed movies as well as play in the waterfalls and enjoy lunch! Later that day we'll hit the beach! 
• Thursday: Can't wait for Thursday morning! We're going snorkeling on the Na Pali coast with a tour by Capt Andy’s! We'll get to see a lot of what the Na Pali coast has to offer as well as snorkel with some fishies and hopefully some turtles and sharks! Another beach afternoon is in store for this day as well! 
• Friday: We are planning to hike from the beach to Hanakapi Waterfall and just take in the sights. Hopefully we'll be back in time for some pool and frozen drink action later in the day! 
• Saturday: Beach day and massages! Can't wait to get a much needed massage while in paradise!

Week 2:

• Sunday:Depart Kauai and head to Maui! Take the day to spend on the beach and relax! 
• Monday:We'll be doing the sunrise bike tour through Bike Maui! After arriving at Halekala's 10,023' summit, we get to bike down down and watch sunrise! Monday night we'll also hit up the Honua'ula Luau! I can't WAIT for this! I've always wanted to go and with this one being bottomless MaiTai's and walking distance to our hotel, it's gonna be great! 
• Tuesday: We'll also be snorkeling in Maui at Molokini with Trilogy adventures! This is supposed to be one of the best snorkeling sites in all of Hawaii!                          
• Wednesday: Another first for me will be Ziplining in Maui! We'll be going though Flyin Hawaiian. This 8 zipline tour will take us through West Maui mountains. Can't wait to see it from  high up!                              
• Thursday: Lastly we'll do the Road to Hana, hit up the beach and unfortunately by that time it'll be time to pack up and head back to reality! 
• Friday: Beach and Depart to head back home to Atlanta! 

 Needless to say, we're going to be busy, but when you're that far away from home and in a new place, you want to try everything! Very much looking forward to spending our first days as husband and wife in Hawaii and hopefully coming back with a nice tan, lots of pictures and some great memories!

A little of this, A little of that

This past week and a half has been a total whirlwind. From Mexico to Tuscaloosa, Cirque du Soleil to concerts and Harry Potter 7. Needless to say I'm Thankful for all that I'm able to do in my life. Here are some photo recaps of my past few days. I still owe you the ones from Mexico, don't think I've forgotten :)

On Thursday, Kerri, Mike and I headed to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama vs. Georgia State massacre, I mean game. Unfortunately, Lauren was too under the weather to go and though we all wanted her to and I know she was so upset, she decided to be responsible and stay. We missed you, L!

The Communications School at UA, where I (and Lauren) spent most of our time

My childhood BFF and fiance acting like fools in Tuscaloosa.

Denny Chimes, my favorite thing on campus

So happy we finally made it to a game!

Love her!

all snuggled up to watch the Tide

with Alison, one of my good college buddies!

all is complete, now that he's been to a game, we can get married :)

ROLL TIDE!

I love that my friends also love my kinda music...COUNTRY! Kerri, Tricia and I (missed you, Cassie!) hit up the Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan Concert. Needless to say a few Miller Lites later and lots of singing...the concert ended with a bang and a cover of Kid Rock! Not a bad way to spend a Saturday night! 

Kerri and I

at the concert!

our camera friend told us to do something crazy...this was all we had :)

Luke Bryan!

what a cutie and homegrown Georgia boy to boot!

what an entrance, Jason Aldean

good ole Georgia boy, Jason Aldean

Tricia and I

They even played together!

even Bobby Cox was there!!

Still working on my Mexico re-cap...promise it'll be up this week!

Really excited about what the following week holds. Thanksgiving is a great time to hang with friends and family and I'm happy to say my bff Brit is in town and I can't WAIT to see her! Also on tap, Happy Hour at the St. Regis hotel with some of the girls and the Iron Bowl!

What do you have planned for the upcoming holiday week!?

Vacay Wrap Up!

Monday morning and the end of vacation comes too quick! Hate to say that I'm back in the office after such a fun-filled vacation to Las Vegas, NV. Here's a wrap-up of our trip and some pictures!

Thursday: Arrived in Las Vegas about 11am local time (2pm Atlanta time) and headed off to lunch at PF Changs located in Planet Hollywood casino with Mike and his mom. Had a great time and was able to catch up with her since she's been in Vegas for a week already! Mike and I were pretty jet-lagged this trip so we made sure to take a nice nap and get ready for dinner at KOI (also in Planet Hollywood) and then over to Paris Hotel for the dueling pianos at Napoleon's .

Creepy Wood Nymp at Bellagio Hotel Conservatory

Friday: Got up bright and early and got a 3 mile workout in with Mike at the hotel gym. Felt good to start the day out right! Headed to Bellagio for brunch...which I must admit is one of the best in town...with Irene, my FMIL, and Mike. After brunch, Mike and I headed out to walk around town and see what we could get into. We went to MGM and checked out the lions...they even had 17 day old lion babies! Headed on over to the M&M World...it's our namesake of course! Rode the rollercoaster at New York New York and then walked down to Aria to do some window shopping and make dinner reservations at Mastro's Ocean Club and then finally went back to Planet Hollywood to play my favorite $.01 slot...Super Jackpot Party! After another afternoon nap, Mike, Irene and I headed to dinner at Mastro's...an amazing restaurant located at Aria/City Center. They have the BEST food and the coolest smoking cosmopolitans! Post dinner we met up with my future SIL and kids and then headed on over to Minus 5 ice bar at Monte Carlo. This place was AWESOME! Everything was made of ice. The walls, the seats, ice sculptures, the bar and even the cups! We had a great time and would totally do it again!

Mike, Irene and I at the conservatory in Bellagio Hotel post brunch

at M&M World

at M&M World

Mike and I at Minus 5 Ice Bar at The Monte Carlo hotel

Lizzie and Brody at the pool

Saturday: Got up and worked out with my future SIL, Melissa, and then headed over to Planet Hollywood to watch some pigskin! Took my future niece and nephew to the pool and had a great time playing around in the water, although a little chilly, and watching them swim. It's amazing to see how good Lizzie is and she's only 4! Brody isn't swimming alone just yet, but certainly is eager to start! Melissa and I took Lizzie to the world of M&M's and caught the 3D movie there...pretty cool if you ask me! 4 floors of M&M's in all colors, shapes and sizes. Mike and I then took my dad to dinner and The Beatles LOVE Cirque show at The Mirage. Dinner at BB Kings was great and the show was out of this world! It was really nice to be able to hang out with my dad while on vacation.

with my dad and Mike at The Mirage post The Beatles Love show

Sunday: Sat behind a screaming child and her super chatty brother all the way back to Atlanta :) The only saving grace, I could watch TV on the plane!

Going on a 4 Day Hiatus!

My bags are packed, my out of office is on and I'm checked in on Delta....it's that time kiddies. Mike and I head to Las Vegas tomorrow morning. Since I wont have my computer with me...or maybe I will...I probably wont be able to blog and/or read your blog! But never fret young grasshopper friends...I'll be back!

OH! I know I've signed up for the 30 Day Blogging Challenge...but days 4-7 will come in a JUMBO post next Sunday/Monday!

Have a FANTASTIC rest of your week my friends and enjoy your weekend!

It's VEGAS WEEK! Only 2.5 more days in the office and then I'll be Sin City bound! Looking forward to getting away for a few days and hanging with Mike, his family and most importantly, playing with my {future} niece, Lizzie and nephew, Brody! They are the cutest little things EVER! Lizze is going to be our flower girl and I'll be bringing the dress I purchased for her along to Vegas so she can try it on and take it home. She had her mother send me an email just to make sure that 'Miss Melissa' would be bringing her dress! TOO CUTE! But before Mike and I head to Vegas, we'll be hitting up the Cumming Fair tonight! It's $15 all you can ride...BRING ON THE CIRCUS RIDES! I'll be sure to capture some shots and post about it later this week!

I spent almost all day yesterday with my mom working on wedding stuff. We scoured places, checked prices, got a few items and figured out exactly how much was left to really do. We're 201 days away from THE big day. Only 201 more days of being Melissa Evans. WHOA NELLY! I feel confident we can get everything done. I might have to give up some time on the weekends to hang with friends to ensure this, but it'll all be worth it! To all my bridesmaids, well your gifts got assembled yesterday..they look AMAZING! I want to keep them for myself, but clearly, cannot! You'll just have to wait til our luncheon at The Swan Coach House the day before...so that's right...keep waiting for 200 more days :)

In other news, my friend (and co-worker), Vanessa, is about to give birth to her second baby boy this week! Her first born, Parker, is adorable and is super excited about being a big brother! I can't believe she's still in the office this week and when I get back in town, another little boy will be here...hopefully with the name Lucas since that's what I've been calling him since I knew she was preggo! We've got 3 other babies due in our office this year as well!

Also in exciting news, my girlfriend, Carla, got engaged this weekend! Huge CONGRATS to her and her now fiance, Harris. He proposed on her birthday (yesterday) while they were in Austin, TX at the music festival. She sent a text to a few of our friends in the group with a picture of the ring and I must admit, it's BEYOND pretty! Can't wait for your big day, Carla! You deserve it girlfriend and I know you're over the moon happy!

Hope everyone else has a happy, exciting and fun filled week ahead!

Sin City Bound!

This time next week Mike and I will be packing our bags to head to Las Vegas, NV. I can't wait to get away from work and stress and all that comes along with it. Mike's parents have a great time share in Las Vegas at the Marriott Vacation Club. Located in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip right next to Planet Hollywood, Bellagio and the new Aria/City Center. We can walk to just about anything in Vegas and find great deals, shows and awesome restaurants.

On our last trip to Vegas we got engaged...well not in Las Vegas but close enough! So not only is it a fun city, it holds something special to Mike and I. Luckily we get to go about twice a year to Sin City and enjoy all it has to offer. Mike's immediate family is usually there with us, which is nice because his sister, Melissa, and her family live in Phoenix so we don't get to see them much. On this particular trip all of Melissa's husband, Jack's, family will be there as well. A total of 12 of us split between two hotels. Not only will Mike's family and extended to Jack's family be there, but my dad will be there on business as well!

My dad has been traveling for about a year now and only coming home every other weekend. His assignments have taken him all over and just so happens he is working on a job in Las Vegas, NV right now. Thankfully, it's a weekend he'll be there so we're excited to take him to dinner and a show! Mike and I have been to quite a few Cirque shows so we gave my dad the option of which he'd like to see and he picked The Beatles LOVE show. Can't wait to hang out with my dad next weekend while on vacation.

Happy Birthday, America!

One of my favorite holiday's of the year, 4th of July, just passed. I can't remember a 4th that I haven't been at the pool, lake or beach. This year I decided to switch it up and run the Peachtree Road Race AND hit up the lake.

I haven't been training for the Peachtree Road Race. A full 10k (6.2 miles) chock full of hills, tons of supporters, great music and lots of water stops. This race is the largest 10k in the world. Around 55,000 people run and another 3,000 volunteers make this race a great time and a 4th of July tradition in Atlanta. Still waiting for my "official" photos, but here is what it looks like at the start! My goal was to finish (remember, I haven't been running in months) in under 1.5 hours and well, I did that! I could have done better, but was pretty proud of myself.

We headed up to Lake Rabun (located in North GA) later that day to celebrate the 4th with good friends and family. The Campbell family welcomed all the crew up for the weekend, too bad we were only there Sunday and Monday! Here are some shots from the lake!

Mike and Todd on the Tube!
Watching Fireworks on the boat
Pretty Fireworks!
Jump, Mike, Jump!
Kyle, Kerri, Mike and I on the dock at the lake!

What did you do to celebrate?

Savannah on My Mind

My old boss and coworker, Maureen and Mike, got married this past weekend in Savannah, GA. It was a short and sweet ceremony in one of the squares and followed by dancing and food at Vic's on the River. Here's a photo recap of the weekend.