Surprise, I went to Las Vegas last week! I had a conference to attend for work and spent the evenings exploring sin city. Not really the city you usually think of exploring on your own, but I had a blast just taking everything in. There are no words for Vegas; it's so much bigger, grander, and unbelievably decadent than I ever imagined. My cab driver from the airport said that because everything is so oversized your perception of how far and big things are gets skewed. He was so right.

Each casino could be its own island, or city, or country really. Everything you could possibly need to forget the rest of the world can all be found in one place, and in case of an apocalypse Las Vegas is where I'm headed. I'll also be honest and say I spent most of my time on "the Strip" during daylight hours. It was more amazing for me to see everything in its full glory, without the neon halo.

In true Bekuh fashion though, my absolute favorite casino had to be Paris. I mean they have a Eiffel Tower guys, how could I not fall in love? There's a little piece of my heart that will always seek something french in every place I go. Some places are just more obvious than others.

Even though I liked the sunlit streets a little better than the nightlife, it don't stop me from staying a little past dark to see the real Las Vegas come to life. Join me here tomorrow for Las Vegas in moonlight. - b.

Congratulations on making it through another year, and welcome to a new one. Let me join the chorus of people saying to you today, Happy New Year!  Every year we say it, but it doesn't make it less true, the last year has flown by in a flash!

2013 was a year of big changes for me and my family, and all the things we hoped for (and planned for) came to fruition. We moved far away from our families, and into a shoebox sized apartment in Philadelphia. I started a new job I love, with an actual career path. We took our first vacation in two years, and we still managed to save a little bit of money! To say we took a giant leap forward in the last year would be a major understatement. Something I'm immensely grateful for! 

So, what does 2014 look like for us Brownings? What are our plans and resolutions? I'd say it's to make less changes. This year I hope we find a little corner of Philly to really make our own. To settle down a little, and enjoy life a lot more. With all the changes of the last year we could use a little normalcy and a little less upheaval. First on the list is finding a slightly less shoebox-y place to live and then invite everyone we know to a little housewarming party. 

What are some of your plans and resolutions for 2014? Regardless, let's resolve to make it the best one yet! - b.

 It's Christmas! It's Christmas! The tree is trimmed, the presents wrapped, the travel over, and the celebrations well under way. I wish you all the merriest of holidays and hope you're spending it with those you love most. I'm off to grab another cup of egg nog coffee and unwrap something pretty from under the tree. - b.