Category Archives: Attractions

Bucket List: Another One Checked Off!

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I’ve been having a hard time trying to figure out how I’m going to share my experience at BlogHer a couple weeks ago. It was absolutely amazing to say the least. So we’ll start off with my favorite, the sights of Chicago!

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

Checking one off my Bucket List for 28 in 28, was to complete a 5k… and I DID IT! The best part about this 5k was not getting up at 5:45am, but the sights along the way! (I know, hard to believe isn’t it?!). Chicago stole my heart. More specifically, the architecture. Have y’all been to Chicago?! I didn’t know what to expect but I was blown away. The downtown area is so clean and the buildings, oh the buildings are gorgeous!

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

Diana meets Lake Michigan. Let’s stop for a quick, “I look like hell but I want a photo anyway” opportunity!

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

And then we ran next to the Lake. So beautiful and peaceful in the morning!

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

To prove I completed the 5k, here I am at the Best Buy finish line! The 5k was sponsored by Best Buy, they graciously provided us all with FitBit’s for participating. That little life tracker is there on my wrist, the model that I am at 6:30am. haha!

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BlogHer 2013 Sights on 5k Run
Chicago, IL

Now that I have one under my belt, I’m excited to take part in The Color Run this fall. (Don’t forget to grab your $5 discount code!) Chicago is beautiful! If you have a chance to go, don’t pass it up. I’m already looking for a reason to go back!

Let’s Go Antiquing!

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Just south of the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex, you will find yourself in the little town of Venus. I mean, it’s little, not small, little. I found myself looking at the water tower that hovered over the police station, overlooking the park and the one and a half blocks of buildings that surrounded it. A restaurant, hardware store and an antique store. I couldn’t have been happier to have found the antique store… I’ve been searching for just the right piece of furniture to call my own!

In the above building, you will find Grandma Had One Antique and Once in a Blue Moon Antique Sale. Essentially, the store is split up into two sections. The section on the far left is filled to the brim with books. Thousands and thousands of books!

The section on the right, well, anything and everything else. Furniture, books, window panes, horse shoes, cookware, odds and ends, chairs, tables and everything else.

For the curious and crafty mind, you might as well bring a trailer for your goods. You’ll be overwhelmed with ideas from all of those great HGTV shows. For others who are just looking for a good piece of furniture to pick up and bring home, well there’s plenty for you as well! If I had a house, I would’ve taken the below piece home.

Instead, what I took home was this little table (below). Super cute and very reasonably priced. I just had to dust it off a bit and I was able to check getting a piece of Texas furniture off my bucket list! Plus, the color is perfect!

If you happen to be in the market for furniture, refurbishing or even just looking for a drive thru a little ole Texas country town, here’s one you can check off your list!

Masons Mama

Activities at Hyatt Lost Pines

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It’s officially summertime and what a better point to take some time off and just run away from the world for a bit. Whether you are staying at the Hyatt Lost Pines for a day or two, or even a week, chances of getting bored are slim to none. The resort provides a magnitude of activities, no matter what who you are with or what your age. Singles, couples, families and for group stays, the opportunities are endless.

When I walked into the resort, I immediately felt at home. Who wouldn’t love this orange couch?! Makes you just want to settle down and pull out a good book or catch up with some friends.

If you’re not quite sure where to begin, the Hyatt Lost Pines helps you out. They have an activities desk located right next to the main lobby. Not only do they have a board with the daily activities and time, but they will help you schedule whatever it is that you’d like to do. Horseback riding, a massage, zip lining, canoeing, the options are endless. Take advantage.

Speaking of endless opportunities, let’s talk about a few….

The gardens. There are two gardens right outside the main rooms that you can walk around, smell the flowers and even sit down and just take a breather.

Of if you’re lucky enough, these three seats will be available overlooking the river.
Disc golf and basketball are right at the bottom of the hill if you’re looking for some friendly competition.
Bike rentals are also available if you’d rather hop on to ride around the resort. If you prefer to take a walk in the woods, I definitely recommend hitting the trails!
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
McKinney Roughs Nature Park and the Renegade Trailhead are right next door to the resort. Here you can go rafting, canoe, zip lining, horseback riding and even take shooting lessons, just to name a few.
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)

If you’d rather just lay next to a pool instead of jumping into the river, well they can help you out there as well. Slides, pools and even a lazy river could keep you cool from the Texas sun all afternoon.

(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
Let’s not forget about golf. The Hyatt Lost Pines has a beautiful Wolf Dancer Golf Course. Granted, I wasn’t able to golf while I was there, some of the views of this area are fantastic. From what I hear, the golf course is one that you must play at least once! You can also schedule golf lessons with one of four PGA professionals.
 
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
Speaking of views….
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
If golf isn’t your thing, or your significant other is out on hitting the greens, the Spa Django is right next door waiting for you.
(Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines)
Animals are prominent on the resort. These are the Percheron horses that lead the wagon ride, daily. Hop onboard to enjoy a tour of the grounds and learn a little bit about these 2,000 lb. horses (double the size of a “normal” horse).
Also, you will find llamas and a pair of longhorns. I’ve never seen a black and white longhorn (and we all know how much I love cows), so I was pretty happy.
If all that doesn’t tire you out by the end of the night, head over the Sheller’s Barrelhouse Bar. Enjoy a cold one, sit back and listen to some great local music. I happened to be there when Steven Dolster and Phillip Gibbs came in from Austin. Great Americana music.
(A couple more videos from that night can be found, here.)
My stay at the Hyatt Lost Pines was far too short to enjoy all the activities available all in one swoop. What I could attend, was beyond phenomenal and I highly recommend the Hyatt Lost Pines for any kind of function. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities and activities available at the resort, please check out their website.
Related Posts:

Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Most Historic Small Town In Texas
Exploring Nature at the Hyatt Lost Pines
Comfort & Beauty – Room Overview
Firewheel Cafe at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Disclaimer: I was not compensated but did receive one night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in return for this post. All photos and opinions are 100% my own