Vacation – …on the B.L.

Posing in front of the Arc de Triomphe at Paris Casino in Las Vegas.

11… Ways I Passed the Time in Las Vegas

May 3, 2021May 3, 2021 RaeAnna

A boat filled with flowers floating in the Bellagio's Conservatory. — A boat filled with flowers floating in the Bellagio’s Conservatory.

The last five days, I spent exploring Las Vegas. I’d been once before… in December 1999. A little more than 21 years ago, so I had never really done Vegas because I was nine eight years old. Some would argue I still haven’t done Vegas because I don’t drink or gamble and the shows are still closed for the most part. That being said, there are loads of things to do, and I managed to fill my five full days with fun nonetheless. I got in very early this morning and am very ready for a nap.

This is not a travel guide by any means. It’s just a quick overview of some of the fun I’ve had over the last five days. If you’ve been following my stories on Instagram, you know there were lots of outfit changes, food, and activities. Lots of pictures to come, but I need to go through them all and edit… Did I mention I didn’t get home til early this morning, so it’s not happening today.

Change Hotels There are so many fun hotels and casinos. If you stay for more than a few days, I suggest switching hotels like I did. I was able to experience Las Vegas from different vantage points, locations, rooms, and amenities. I stayed at the Luxor, Hilton Grand Vacation at the Flamingo, and Waldorf Astoria. I’ll chat more about each of them later!
Content Creation One of my favorite things about being a writer and blogger is the content creation. I love having an excuse to take beautiful pictures. I’ve always loved being behind and in front of the camera. It’s taken me a lot longer to get comfortable being in front of the camera in public spaces, but I’m getting there. It’s always worth it when I see the finished product. I think everyone deserves amazing pictures of themselves, and we need to normalize that. But I did a lot of solo content creation all over The Strip.
Eat Oh my goodness. I ate so much all over the place. I will definitely have a dedicated food post. Some exceeded expectations. Some did not. I didn’t have any bad food, though. I did return to Eataly… a lot.
Work The blessing and curse of being a freelance writer is: I still work on vacation. In the before times, I traveled so much that not working every time I was on a trip would have been unfeasible and completely unrealistic. This was my first trip since COVID, but I still ended up working every day. I like it because it keeps me grounded and makes me appreciate the fun even more! Plus I’m more motivated to get it done ASAP, rather than procrastinate.
The Conservatory at the Bellagio I happened upon the Conservatory in the Bellagio on the very first day I was there. It was absolutely stunning and beautiful and everything my flower dreams are made of, so I went back… pretty much every day.
Walking I walk a lot when I travel. I walked between 8.75 and 14.6 miles every single day. I love going, going, going to explore everything. I’m not good at down time when I’m traveling. I have a few blisters from a poor shoe decision on the last day—the photos made it totally worth it, however.
Pool + Reading I landed at 8:45 Wednesday morning, and I was already checked into my room at the Luxor. I headed straight to my room, put on my swimsuit, grabbed a book, and sat my butt by the pool. It was 9:45, and I was two chapters into a new book and soaking up the sun. #goals I did sit poolside with a book every single day I was there. (The Waldorf Astoria’s pool is by far my favorite.)
People Watched Oh, Las Vegas. It might be one of the more interesting places to people watch, especially late at night.
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping I actually did not do a lot of shopping. I’m too poor for the stuff I really want to buy. I did buy a few souvenirs for friends. I don’t like to buy things plastered with the location on them for myself—the exception being mugs—so I buy things that I like and will remind me of the trip. This trip happened to be hats. I found my new favorite hat store and went a little crazy, but a responsible amount of nutty.
Friend It Up I love traveling and being on my own because I meet the most incredible people. Sometimes there are some looney acquaintances made, but most of the time, I have really amazing conversations with total strangers.
See Friends Some of my closest friends just moved to Las Vegas. Maria of Millennial Fashionista grew up in Las Vegas. She, her husband, and baby just moved back. Due to COVID, I hadn’t been able to see or visit them in almost two years, which meant: I hadn’t met darling Clara!!! I was finally able to remedy that situation by spending Wednesday afternoon and evening with them. It’s never enough time when it comes to good friends, but anything is better than nothing, particularly when it’s meeting the most perfect baby in the whole world.

The most perfect baby in the whole world!

I had a great time in Vegas. I was definitely ready to head home and cuddle my babies by Sunday evening. I will for sure miss the Waldorf and all its amenities. I guess I can live without a pool boy… If I must.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Experiences, Travel

Jim’s Apple Farm; Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store

November 10, 2019November 10, 2019 RaeAnna

Exploring the back room. | Skirt | Sweater | Shoes| Earrings | Scarf

Grabbing all the candy. I need more arms. | Skirt | Sweater | Shoes| Earrings

Sitting in a pumpkin patch. | Skirt | Sweater | Shoes| Earrings | Scarf | Pom Hat

Before I actually got to work shopping!!! | Sweater | Jeans | Boots

I love candy. I don’t it eat the way I used to, but I love candy. It triggers the happiness centers in my soul.

My best friend, Alex, has been telling me about his dad’s high school best friend’s candy store/apple orchard for ever. Literally, as long as I have known him. Turns out, Jim’s Apple Orchard is the biggest candy store in Minnesota. I practically skipped through the entire place in complete awe the very first time – and last and every time between. I should have known; Alex is not prone to giddy excitement or hyperbole. (Shh… don’t tell him; I like to pretend he blows everything out of proportion.)

Alex did kind of lie to me. He invited me to come hang out with him in Minnesota, now that he is out of the military. He mentioned he’d be working at the store a bit… I didn’t have to if I didn’t want to. I think he forgot who I am because if there’s work to do, I’m going to do it. A “bit” was a major understatement. Jim’s Apple Farm was in the midst of their busiest weekend of the year, and they wanted all the help they could get. Granted, I like to work, but it’s been a long time since I’ve worked fourteen hour days on me feet. Fourteen hour days behind a computer at home are a totally different beast.

Don’t get between me and my candy. Or else. | Skirt | Sweater | Shoes| Earrings | Scarf

Jim’s Apple Farm started out as an apple orchard after a soldier came home from World War II and grew into the family business it is today. About twenty years ago, they branched out into candy after a hail storm made the year’s apples less than fruitful. What was once a table full of candy is a barn stuffed full of candy and soda and puzzles and delights from around the world to excite your inner child or your real children. They still run an orchard of tens of thousands of apple trees. The candy store is open from the beginning of May to the end of November; the owners may lock the doors, but they’re hard at work inside in the off months, keeping things fresh adding new and interesting thrills. They are some of the hardest working people I’ve met, and their success is completely due to their hard work, creativity, passion, and innovation.

You’ll know it when you see it because the bright yellow barn is all but impossible to miss – although, someone did find the side of the barn with their car. Jim’s Apple Farm is a delight for all ages, unless you hate fun and happiness. There’s a sense of humor around every corner reflecting the warmth and laughter originating from the owners. The bathrooms are hidden behind Porta Potty doors with “World’s Largest Porta Potty” painted on the walls. Don’t worry, it’s just a door. There is no end to the amusements. In house baked goods make the entire store smell like grandma’s house at Christmas. Elsa and Anna twinkle with a little castle for children to climb in. Marvel and DC heroes and villains stand guard or ready to pounce. The back room is a full circle featuring a revolving ceiling; if you’re not careful, you might get lost. At the center, is TARDIS built to scale. Star Wars ships spin above head against a starry sky. You can find Zoltar, which only reminded me of Tom Hanks. You don’t even need to go for the candy/soda/apples/baked goods/treats, your attention will be kept by the amazing decor.

My inner nerd was soooo happy. | Skirt | Sweater | Shoes| Earrings | Scarf

Robert and Renee, the owners, hold a lot of trust in their employees and their customers. Pumpkins and merchandise are everywhere out front, but all you have to do is tell the cashier how many you want and load them up on your way out. No one will check to make sure you’re not taking more than you should. Whether it’s the small town charm or faith in humanity, this is just one example of the many moments of sincerity. There staff is comprised of all ages. Most of the cashiers are in high school. Shift leaders are as young as sixteen, giving them responsibility and management experience at a young age is helping build confidence in an increasingly marginalized age group.

I only lent a hand at Jim’ Apple Farm for two days. It was quite the experience. Just being a customer would have been wonderful, but being behind the scenes brought a completely new perspective. There’s probably as much storage space as there is shopping space. People are hard at work before doors open and long after doors close. It is an amazing amount of coordinated effort and planning to make sure the shopping experience is smooth and exciting for everyone. I was absolutely exhausted after every day being on my feet. The days went by in a whirl as there was always something to be done. I can’t imagine doing it day-in and day-out for months on end.

Eyeing the candy I’m going to take home. | Skirt | Sweater | Shoes| Earrings

I took huge advantage of my employee discount, though. I walked out with a ginormous back of candy and soda from all around the world. I haven’t even made a dent in it yet, but luckily it doesn’t spoil quickly.

Facebook is the only place you’ll find Jim’s Apple Orchard. They have almost no social media clout, and honestly, they don’t need it. They don’t even have a website. The barn was designed for Instagram long before Instagram existed or even smartphones, but they don’t care. They’re catering to the child in all of us. People were putting their phones down and looking up. Not just at each other but at the ceiling, walls, and corners to find all the treasures hidden in every nook and cranny.

Hurry before they close for the year on December 1!

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

Jim’s Apple Farm
20430 Johnson Memorial Drive
Jordan, MN 55352

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Travel, Travel Guides

Cozumel, Mexico

March 22, 2019 RaeAnna

20190223_113942-01 — I really do love staring into the ocean. | Bikini top. | Bikini bottom.

201903224888024445917065014 — I can’t believe my dad is in the ocean with me!!!

201903223106048705503310352 — Hammock at the pool bar. | Sunglasses | Top | Shorts

20190322579993068540176312 — Three generations sipping on drinks at the poolside bar.

It seems like everyone has been to Mexico. Definitely not everyone, but a whole bunch of people. The closest I had been was Calexico, California, which is literally on the border, but it’s still not Mexico. On my cruise last month – I am so behind on the blog posts – I ported in Cozumel. The thing about cruises is that you don’t really get to experience the destination. I was only there for seven hours give or take.

201903226608354750082598009 — My parents are always up for fun in the sun. | Bikini top. | Bikini bottoms.

The ocean was so blue. I can equate it to blue Gatorade. My time in Mexico was spent at a day resort: Nachi-Cocom. Pretty much the thing of dreams. I was ready to move in. I think it was $50 for the day, and it included all food and drinks. I think I drank them out of virgin mango daiquiris. I can’t describe the amount of joy it brought me to sit on the beach drinking a fruity drink and eating french fries brought to me. Joy. The resort had huts on the beach and lots of chairs. There was also a restaurant and bathrooms. A pool and hot tub with a swim up bar was also enticing. There were beds to lounge in. A bar by the beach. Hammocks hanging between palm trees. Really it was fabulous.

I spent the day at the resort with my parents, great aunt, and cousins. I went parasailing for the first time with my seven and fourteen year old cousins. They had both been before, so I’m the old lady. It was quite the experience. Not cheap but super cool. Worth it once, I think. It is a really pretty vantage point to look at the ocean and the island. It was beautiful.

20190223_100057-01 — Parasailing was wonderful.

My poor mom had a restless night on the cruise ship because there was a lot of motion. She was exhausted the whole day in Cozumel. I’m so glad she decided to come with us. Growing up, my dad was never a huge fan of the water. I really only remember him getting in the summer kiddy pool once when I was four after a very long bike ride in the heat. My dad ran into the ocean in Cozumel before I did. THAT NEVER HAPPENS. Watching my dad laugh and play in the ocean with my seven year old cousin and 80 year old great aunt was worth the trip. He and I played and waded. It was an amazing few hours in Mexico.

If you’re ever in Cozumel, I would highly suggest stopping by the day resort. On top of the stunning scenery, there are also massages and spa stuff to enjoy. It is a great place to relax and read a book or catch up with friends. They have a cap on how many people are allowed a day, so you will never be too crowded. Though Nachi-Cocom was something full of dreams, I would not consider it an immersive or even real experience of Mexico.

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The bikini I wore is on super sale on Asos. I love it. It was so comfortable. I could eat fries and not feel expose because of the high waisted bikini bottom. There are low waisted version, which I also own. (TMI warning) The bikini top was comfortable and made my boobs look great!!! I bought all three for under $14 combined. I am obsessed with the lavender sunglasses from Target. The lavender backless shirt is amazing and so soft. Perfect for summer, working out, or sunburn. The high waisted shorts are a favorite.

20190322160866465158185305 — There is something wonderful about the ocean. | Bikini top. | Bikini bottoms.

Books, Reading Lists

Cruise Reading List

February 17, 2019February 17, 2019 RaeAnna

My suitcase is packed. My books are packed in my favorite weekender. I have my sunhat ready to go. Wearing my comfiest shoes and yoga pants for a roadtrip!

I’m off on another adventure. Technically, it’s my first adventure of the year. The year rolled over while I was on my last adventure. I’m spending a few days with family in New Orleans before heading on my first cruise. A bunch of my mom’s side of the family are taking a cruise to Mexico to celebrate my grandma’s 80th birthday!

I am working the next couple of days, but I am not working while on the cruise. Well, I’m not working three of the four and a half days on the cruise. Those three days will be the first days I’ve not worked in…. years. I’ll be doing work for the blog like taking pictures and writing. I like to think of that as fun(work). It’s work, but I love it.

I will actually get to sit down and read. Actually dedicate time to reading. I’m super behind on my reading list, so hopefully, I can catch up over the next few days. Fingers crossed. Besides reading, I get to actually put on clothes and look like a human being!!!

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Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way
Tanja Hester
I’m currently reading this. It’s full of lots of great ideas. I kind of feel like I’m living a work optional life because I have the freedom of taking my work with me everywhere I go.
We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy
Ta-Nehisi Coates
I’m really excited to read this one.
Mother Winter
Sophia Shalmiyev
I’m looking forward to this memoir about emigration and motherhood.
The Bold World; A Memoir of Family and Transformation
Jodie Patterson
I love the cover, and I’m looking forward to reading about a mother’s journey with a trans child.
French Quarter Fiction; The Newest Stories of America’s Oldest Bohemia
Editor: Joshua Clark
I love New Orleans, and this is an obvious choice since I’m in the city.
American Spy
Lauren Wilkinson
I love the cover a whole bunch. The story sounds pretty great too.
Dreyer’s English; An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style
Benjamin Dreyer
My inner language nerd is going to have so much time reading this. This is my version of porn.

Travel, Travel Guides

St. Augustine

October 4, 2018October 4, 2018 RaeAnna

After the Miami part of our trip (read here), Alex and I headed to St. Augustine, Florida. I have been hearing about this place for so long. My bestest friend, Kelsey, has named it her favorite place. As the good friend I am, I went without her.

I had no idea what there was to do or see or eat in St. Augustine. Other than it exists on a beach. I was told to go to Castillo de San Marcos. Beyond that, we were continuing the no plan theme indefinitely. The first day, I had a ton of work to get done. Alex was tired. We decided to grab food and drive around just enough to see what there was to do. Very exciting stuff… I was in bed by 9:30.

The birds watching for fish in the ocean.

On the second day, we went to the big, old fort. Castillo de San Marcos is very old and very cool. It started out as a Spanish fort because St. Augustine used to be a Spanish colony. As the land changed hands so did the fort. It was changed and expanded and all sorts of fun stuff. Unfortunately, like most super old, historic buildings, there was no air conditioning. This may come as a surprise, but Florida is super hot. We were dumb and decided to tour during the hottest part of the day. Fortunately, it started to rain. We wandered around the downtown – honestly, I don’t know if it’s the downtown area – or the historic area of St. Augustine. It’s so pretty. There is a college. The dorm is a reworked luxury hotel… It’s not fair. Actually, it is a disservice to those “poor” college students. They will never live somewhere that nice ever again. So ha!

You can’t wander very far from the ocean. As we walked back to the car after bopping around town and being jealous of the privileged college students, we walked along the water. Things kept jumping out of the water. I couldn’t decide if it was a dolphin or fish or shark or what have you. We sat on the wall next to Castillo de San Marcos watching the birds hunt for fish. It turned out big fish were corralling little fish against the walls and rocks for. I saw my first live jelly fish in the wild. It was really interesting to watch.

We were actually supposed to leave after our second full day, but Hurricane Florence did not cooperate. The roads leading back to Jacksonville, North Carolina, where I was flying out of, were closed. I was unable to make my flight the following day. Once that was rescheduled, we extended our stay in St. Augustine’s by a day.

The super cool college dorm that’s setting expectations too high.

Our last day was a beach day. Before the beach, we stopped at a cute little coffee shop in the historic district. Then, we grabbed some sushi. I have a terrible tendency to eat a lot before going to the beach… Not good for bikini pictures, folks. Don’t do what I do. Alex and I played in the waves. I was hit in the chest by a jumping fish. He taught me -unsuccessfully – how to do a Marine take down thing. I ate some sand practicing. I should just practice my run away tactic. I feel that would have a higher success rate. Anyways… The beach was beautiful. The ocean was green-blue. The water was warm. I got sand in all my naughty bits.

St. Augustine was a really fun addendum to our trip. I would go back in a heartbeat for the architecture alone.

Travel, Travel Guides

Miami

October 3, 2018October 4, 2018 RaeAnna

Touring the grounds and gardens of Vizcaya Museum.

I have been so busy working and catching up on my reading that I’ve been crappy on writing blog posts. So this is the first of several to come. Read an overview of the completely unplanned trip I had: here.

When I left for vacation, Florida was not on the radar. Let alone Miami. I’d only been to Miami once five years ago, and Alex had never been. It was a really fun part of our trip. The last time I went was to visit a friend from college, who had grown up in Little Havana. I hadn’t thought about what to do because he showed me around his hometown. This trip, I had to figure out what to do because Alex had no idea either.

20180917_142125(0)-01.jpeg — Feeling hot and sweaty!

I, of course, reached out to my best friend. “Ok Google, what should I do in Miami?” Alex loves gardens and botany; I love pretty places. One of the top results was Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It looked super pretty. Let me tell you, it is super pretty. Alex got in for free because he’s a Marine. Yay for military discounts! For us regular people, it costs $18. It’s worth it; I promise. The house was built in the early 1900’s on Biscayne Bay by James Deering. It’s ridiculous. Holy shit. The house is magnificent looking out onto the ocean. There’s a cement boat down stairs off the back terrace. It’s supposed to protect the house from swells, but I think it’s a rich person opulence thing. The gardens surrounding the house are incredible. Spectacular. The house is a big square surrounded a beautiful indoor garden. I can only imagine what it looked like when it was brand new. We wandered around for hours. I’m ready to move in if they ever decide to get out of the museum business.

After Vizcaya, we met our college friend at a local bar: Porterhouse Bar & Grill. I’m not a drinker, but they have ridiculously cheap drinks for Happy Hour 5:00-9:00 every day. Their coffee is good! We arrived at 6:00, and by 7:30, the bar was poppin’. The bar-staff is kind but very busy.

We ended up having a really low key weekend. On Sunday, we went to Shuckers Waterfront Bar to watch football with friends. The food is good bar food completely overshadowed by the awesome view. They have great virgin drinks, and my friends say their regular drinks are good too. The bar is literally on the waterfront. The seating area is open to the outdoors, and there is a terrace completely outside. Tons of docks are right along the bar, so boats are pulling up constantly. People coming and going in swimsuits. It’s kind of the perfect place to feel like you’re in Miami.

Standing on one of the docks at Shuckers Waterfront.

On Monday, the day we left, we spent the day doing super touristy stuff. If you’re in Miami, you need to go to Little Havana, also known as Calle Ocho. It’s just one of those things you should do. There are lots of places to park on the street. It’s for sure a tourist trap, but it’s a bright, fun tourist trap filled with locals. You need to try Cuban Coffee. I really liked it at La Colada Gourmet. It will put hair on your chest. The owners were really wonderful. They took the time to explain the significance of Cuban Coffee to Alex and I. You will only need one cup. Just walking around is fun. Azucar Ice Cream Company is a must. Their flavors have deep roots in Cuban culture. Super yummy and rich. I suggest sticking to one scoop. Worth a stop for sure. It took me awhile to find the Welcome to Little Havana Mural. The address is: 801 SW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33135. It is in an alley next to a Chase Bank on the corner of 8th Street and Beacom. It’s the perfect Instagram spot!

We decided to head to Miami Beach and Lincoln Road. Lincoln Road is the Rodeo Drive/Michigan Avenue/Fifth Avenue of Miami. The buildings are bright white. Lots of people are bustling around shopping. I stopped into Starbucks to pick up a Miami mug because I’m basic. Alex and I meandered our way to the beach. It was a Monday in the middle of September, so the beach was very empty. The boardwalk was quiet. Walking along the boardwalk and beach you’ll see the pastel and art deco architecture Miami is famous for. The beach is pretty with blue-green water. We waded in, but I was too lazy to actually go for a swim. We didn’t stay long. It’s fun to just walk around, especially when the area is so quiet.

Ropa Vieja, Black Beans, and Cafe con Leche at Versailles Restaurant.

Before leaving Miami, we went back to Little Havana to eat some Cuban food. We went to Versailles Restaurant. It is one of the most famous Cuban restaurants in Miami. They’re open late, and I hear it’s the place to go for late night food. The place is giant. There are mirrors all around the main dining room, which is the Versailles influence, I think. The wait staff is friendly and efficient. We ordered, and the food was brought to us incredibly quickly. I love fried plantains. They have great ones. I’m a fan. I ordered Ropa Vieja because it’s my favorite, a side of black beans, and a cafe con leche. I ordered way more food than I needed, but it was worth it. Yumminess.

Miami is such a fun city. Five days is nowhere near enough to explore, but it was a blast!

Drinking Cuban Coffee at La Colada Gourmet.

Vizcaya Museum & Garden
Instagram: @vizcaya_museum
3251 S Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129

Porterhouse Bar & Grill
17004 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Shuckers Waterfront Bar
Instagram: @shuckersmiami
1819 79th Street Causeway
North Bay Village, FL 33141

La Colada Gourmet
Instagram: @lacoladagourmet
1518 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33135

Azucar Ice Cream Company
Instagram: @azucaricecream
1503 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33135

Welcome to Little Havana Mural
801 SW 27th Avenue
Miami, FL 33135

Versailles Restaurant and Bakery
Instagram: @versaillesmiami
3555 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33135