Window Seat Views

Here are some breath-taking photos taken from my window seat during the approach and landing into Phoenix, Arizona. These photos were snapped within 10-minutes of each other. It was so amazing to see the landscape changing and the dramatic differences in a matter of seconds. I gasped when I spotted the other plane zoom below us…!

    

The Boulders

When I was in Phoenix last week, it made me remember my most recent and favorite trip to Arizona. In June 2010, my good friend, Ellie and I went to The Boulders Resort for a five-day get-a-away. It was absolutely amazing! We indulged in spa treatments, afternoons at the pool and delicious dinners. Just thinking about it makes me want to book a trip there right now!

 

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Arizona

Hi Friends! How are you? How is your week going? This morning I am on my way to Arizona (yep, for that real job again!).  It is a super short trip, just under 30 hours away. But I am grateful for only being gone one night from home! Here is what my trip looks like…

  • 6 hours of air travel (there are no direct flights from CVG to PHX #ugh!)
  • 10 hours in a dark, back room at a Market Research Facility in Scottsdale
  • 7 hours (hopefully of sleep) at the Marriott Courtyard Sky Harbor
  • 6 hours of air travel to get back home!

I wish that I had time to see the sights and enjoy the warm weather. Scottsdale is one of my favorite places! It will be hard to focus on work knowing that the beautiful Camelback Mountain is just right outside the window. It’s gorgeous! But a girl’s got to do, what a girl’s got to do! xxoo

Fishers Island Fun

As promised, here are some photos of our recent trip to Fishers Island… it was a great weekend full of beautiful ocean views, delicious dinners (including a beach picnic while watching the sunset), rest and relaxation at the Beach Club and too many good laughs to remember!

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Unplugged

We often rate our days by what we have accomplished, applauding ourselves for a workout logged, an errand completed and task crossed off. But consider grading today on a new curve: Give yourself credit not for doing but simply for being – for taking time to sit alone, listening, daydreaming, creating space to think. Only then can you connect with the most important person your world: you.

This past weekend was so wonderful. We truly “unplugged” and enjoyed the people, activities and places around us. I have lots of great photos to share from our adventure to Fishers Island, including golf (with a view!), tennis and a beach picnic! Have a pretty morning and a great Monday!

{quote: self.com August 2012}

{image credit: Alli Parlin}

Happy Friday!

Hi Friends! Happy Friday! I have a quick post today, because as you know, we are off to Fishers Island for the weekend! It’s time for some good times with great friends! I will be sure to take lots of photos and share them with you next week.

We are so lucky that my younger sister, Adrian, is staying with Gabby while we are gone. Thanks so much Aunt A! In preparing for our trip, I asked her to keep in mind some general “rules” while watching Gabby (which felt weird because she is family, but she was very understanding and compliant!)…

  1. Please put Gabby first. Her safety, health and happiness are the most important, above all else.
  2. Please lead by example, she is always watching and absorbing everything you do.
  3. Our goal and dream is for Gabby to:
    • Be kind and compassionate to others
    • Practice patience
    • Have manners
    • Be an individual
  4. We want you to be happy too! Make your self at home!

Do you have “rules” while you are away (for family and non-family alike)?

Have a pretty morning and a great weekend!

{image credit: Cover of St Louis Seasons Magazine by artist Harrison Howard}

Happy Monday!

Hi! How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun? We spent a lot of time at the pool this weekend enjoying the cooler, less humid weather!

Unfortunately, I have a very busy week ahead. Tonight I fly to Chicago for work (yes, that real job again!). And I return home very late on Wednesday. Ugh! On Thursday, Gabby has a 15-month doctor appointment, which includes two shots. Double Ugh! But luckily I have something really fun to look forward to. On Friday morning, Alex and I are going to meet up with good friends (and Gabby’s Godparents) in Fishers Island. It is not easy to get to (our itinerary includes a flight, a car service and a ferry ride), but it is well worth the effort. We are looking forward to playing golf, laying on the beach and enjoying yummy dinners. Dreamy.

While I am tied up traveling, working and tending to a cranky 15 month old, here are a week’s worth of links to explore…

Did you watch the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics? Here is a beautiful slide show in case you missed it.

And here is a great link to keep up with all the Olympic action, including great behind the scene photos.

Elizabeth Street. Where Stylish Moms Meet.

Andy Cohen loves NPR. And so do I!

From lululemon13.1 songs for 13.1 miles. Now go get your run on!

I finally finished Gabby’s First Year photo book. Yeah! I created it using this.

This honest toddler talks about dinner.

A play cafe just opened and I plan to take Gabby next week.

If you have a minute, I would really love it if you “liked” Pretty Morning on Facebook. Just click here.

As always, you can find more on twitter and pinterest.

Have a great week and a pretty morning! xo

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