My first creme brulee

For our Belated Mother's Day Celebration of Awesome (belated due to a not so awesome cold that relegated me to the couch for a week), I made my first batch of creme brulee ever. It wasn't fancy French restaurant caliber, but it was pretty darn good for a first attempt (and for, yes, how easy this recipe really is).

Also, note to self: I need to make more food that requires a blowtorch.

Happy Belated Mother's Day to the two best mothers in the world.

Exciting News

 So many good things are happening to so many people that I love. New jobs, engagements, graduations.  Congrats to three very special people.

Sin City: Day 3

So, I forgot.  After everything that happened on the Colorado River during day 2, the day still wasn't over. We trudged back to our respective rooms, I had the most glorious shower of my entire life, and then we went to see Penn and Teller's show at the Rio. It was fan-bloody-tastic. Husband and I have been big P&T fans for awhile now, and to finally see their show in person was a real treat -- certainly one of the highlights!  Husband had seen them once before, but he still enjoyed himself thoroughly. The way they marry "magic" and beauty is so perfectly done. Astounding and highly recommended.

We awoke bright eyed and bushy-tailed on our last full day in Las Vegas (HA, not really. I, at least, awoke, moved my body to extricate myself from bed, and immediately regretted waking up alive). My girlfriend had a plane to catch that afternoon, so we decided on a relaxing day just spending time together and enjoying one another's company.

You don't see this every day in the Midwest.

After breakfast, we visited the Mirage's Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. For me, this was one of my favorite small excursions. We got to see many dolphins up close. The area where the dolphins are housed is an educational facility, so there weren't regular shows like at Sea World. I particularly enjoyed the pool with baby dolphins, because...D'AWWWW.

We then walked in to the tiger and lion area. Beautiful. And a little scary.

See what I mean? Scary.

White lions - wow.

Most of them were either going to sleep, sleeping, or just waking up and preparing for their next nap. 

After that, we spent time at the Mirage pool area. The only (minor) bummer was that the pool was only 3.5 feet deep -- everywhere. Very strange. Though there was a waterfall feature that was neat to stand beneath, even if the pool wasn't conducive to swimming. Thankfully, strawberry daiquiris and the hot tub made everything all better.

Prettiest gals at the pool (uhh...ignore the photobomber...). 

I had a wonderful time with a wonderful group of people. As memorable as the trip was, spending time with people that I love was the real treat. I can't wait for the next trip. Whaddya think, guys?  Where to next?!