Our Stay in Ocean City with Aloft!!

(This post is sponsored by Aloft Ocean City, all opinions and experiences are mine and mine alone.)

"Our Aloft Weekend Getaway!!"

There’s nothing like a good weekend getaway to refresh you and make you feel like new again. I’ve had some craziness the last couple months and Our little weekend getaway was just what the doctor ordered. There is nothing like fresh ocean air, sand under your feet, hanging out poolside and just enjoying the sun on your skin. Everyone knows that your trip is just as good as the hotel you stay at which is why we’re more than happy we stayed at Aloft Ocean City. Because the staff greet you like family the atmosphere is fantastic and we felt  super comfortable, plus they’re very pet friendly which is a big think with us because Piper always joins us. The rooms were beautiful with a sleek modern decor, I really loved the colorful rugs and wall hangings. You guys know how I love a good splash of

color, plus they even provided a bed and bag of goodies for Piper. It had cookies and toys, which automatically made her feel right at home as well. The rooms have little refrigerators, a safe, WiFi, smart TV’s, boy I could go on and on. Our balcony looked over the back of the property which was a stunning view, especially in the evening when the sun set you could see the beautiful colors over the water. There was also a view of the bay and swimming pool area, as well as their private beach where you could do some paddle boarding and kayaking from.

After we settled into the room and unpacked we then put on out swimsuits and headed for the pool, there’s a great little bar out back where you can order food and drinks, as well as swim and lay out. They also have live music at different points during the day and it was great!! I definitely recommend the Bavarian soft pretzels, omg so so good. There is also a little food counter in the hotel where you can order breakfast lunch or dinner, along with some great snacks and drinks. Everything Rob and I ordered we enjoyed so I’m gathering it probably all was. I saw this yummy corned beef hash selection on the breakfast menu, but due to my recent stomach issues wasn’t able to get it but Rob did and wow did he love it. After we ate dinner we took a walk to the beach and checked out a few stores, then after a long day of driving we retreated back to the hotel and turned in early to rest up for the next day. 

We woke up at 7am and started showering and getting dressed, we ate breakfast and headed out to the Boardwalk for a little early morning walk with the dog. Then we hopped in the car and headed to Rohoboth Beach so I could check out Mug & Spoon, a fantastic little freakshake spot. We had thee funnest shoot, the shakes were so colorful and absolutely amazing. They had 4 or 5 different shake choices and all types of amazing and unique icecream flavors, coffees and cookies. If you are ever on Rohoboth definitely stop in, your tastebuds will thank you. After lunch, milkshakes, alot of boardwalk and beach walking we retreated back to the Aloft hotel for some poolside rest and relaxation. Piper sat on the sun chair with me while I ordered some soft pretzels and together we enjoyed them and the amazing weather. To be honest this is what we did most of the trip, the hotel was so relaxing we really didn’t want to leave, at least I know I didn’t. There are so many amazing amenities and comfy common areas, they also have pool and game tables for adults and kids alike. 

By the time the day came to an end I had a nice tan and was more than recharged, sometimes you just need to get away for a couple days. The daily stresses of life in general can be exhausting, so I was more than sad we had to go home the next afternoon. We did get up early so we wouldn’t miss a single minute, and we were also meeting my mom for breakfast. She lives about 20 minutes outside of Ocean City, so every time we go to the beach we have this little thing where we always meet up for breakfast. I always love seeing my mom, I sure wish she still lived right down the street from me. It’s tough with her living 3 hours away because I don’t get to see her much any more. 

You guys know no matter where I go that I always find you the best of the best when it comes to icecream and shakes, so after breakfast I wanted to make sure I got a shoot in with my all time Ocean City favorite... Kohr Brothers, they have thee most amazing frozen custard. Their cones are covered in chocolate and sprinkles, then to add an extra pop of color I added a delish Boardwalk lollipop 🍭and wow was it cute. After our little photo shoot we had a little lunch and Doughroller and started back for the hotel to pack up and check out. I was sad to leave Aloft, it was so nice and will definitely be the only place we stay from now on when we go to the beach. I for sure recommend it to all, you will more than love your time there.

All in all our beach trip was amazing, all three of us had an amazing time. It’s something that we do every year because like I said above it really helps to just get away for a few days and refresh yourself. I definitely think we will more than love Paris, I’m more than excited to be going in September. I also think we will be taking a little DC staycation between now and then, something fun to mix it up!! Well here’s to a wonderful weekend, enjoy the weather and stay cool. 

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Our Live! Staycation!!

This post is sponsored by Live! Casino & Hotel, all views and experiences are mine and mine alone.

Nothing Like a Little Spa Get Away!!

Last weekend we spent the night at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, we needed a little recharge getaway and there's no better place to do so then 15 minutes from home. The Friday afternoon we checked in we caught the Family Feud Live show at the Live! Event Center, it was beyond funny and so much fun. They had some celebrity family members and they also gave aways some serious cash and prizes to the audience members. I always told Rob while we are watching the show at home that I would do so well, when in all actuality I would probably freeze realizing the world was watching ....lol! After the show we stopped into the casino for some Super 4 Progressive Blackjack and some slots. The Super 4 is fantastic and it gives you more chances to hit big, featuring top jackpots starting at $50,000 that could hit on a single $5 bet. Both games also offer an exclusive additional “Must-Hit” progressive guaranteed to hit by $500. Believe it or not your girl had some beginners luck and won some serious cash...I got #LuckyAtLive!! 

(Click here for more info on Super 4)

After we played for a few we headed off to the mall to grab a few things, I love that Arundle Mills Mall is just steps away from the hotel and casino. I was able to find some great items I scored on sale. Around 6:30pm we at dinner at Prime Rib, from start to finish the meal was amazing. Our server Flower was super helpful and she explained the menu from start to finish, as well as giving us recommendations on the best thing to order. We started off with a house salad (extra tomatoes), fresh rolls (mind you the pretzel rolls were absolutely amazing) and a french onion soup. For our entrees I got the Peruvian chicken, and Rob the salmon. The sides are all ala carte and definitely more than enough for two so we ordered the mashed potatoes and asparagus to share. 

Everything was more than tasty and cooked to perfection, I sure wish I could cook chicken like that at home. The mashed potatoes had a cheesy hint to them that went just right with everything on the table. Once we were stuffed to the gills we headed back up to the room to unwind and get some shut eye. Now let's talk about the super comfy bed shall we, the room was beautiful fresh and super clean. The decor is modern and welcoming, I fell in love with the bathroom, the shower is huge and the vanity was all in beautiful black marble. We got the best night of rest and were more than ready for our couples massage at the 

Live! Spa.  Since we wouldn't be eating brunch until after I ordered up a little something to the room, nothing like fresh fruit for breakfast right?

Around 11am we headed off to the Spa on the 2nd floor, it was thee most relaxing atmosphere. You change into beautiful thick robes, and chill on comfy sofas, with the sound of rain, fruit infused water or hot tea until the massage therapists come to get you for your session. I have to say it was the single most amazing massage I have EVER had, especially since I have never gotten one professionally. Rob has serious back issues and even he was overly-thrilled. I was honestly surprised because he's very hard to please when it comes to a back massage. I definitely wish I could get one a week, it's got to be good for stress and tension for sure. 

In our more than relaxed state plus a little champagne, we showered, got dressed and headed off to David's for Brunch. What a good move that was. To start off I ordered the caesar salad and onion soup, which sure didn't disappoint since it actually came in an onion. Yes I said an onion, it was hollowed out into a bowl and topped with warm crusty bread. For our entrees I ordered the parmesan crusted chicken and Rob the chicken sandwich. 

Another amazing meal for sure, so much so that I barely had room for a delish cupcake gelato sundae from Luckies. You know I had to get creative where dessert is concerned. They had so much to choose from, I just couldn't help myself. All in all we were bummed to have to head home but we were excited to get back home to Piper and as I always say 'There's No Place Like Home!" which might I add was only 15-20 minutes away. We had such a good time and everyone was so nice and helpful, we'll definitely be doing this again soon. 

Everything from A to Z in the casino and hotel is overdone with class, right down to the artwork and floral decor. It's all around amazing and on my recommendation list. If you haven't been yet try it, something tells me after that massage you'll be thanking me...lol!! Have a wonderful week dolls and please sound off below with your favorite Staycation spot!? I'm curious what you guys love!!

(The view from our room)

(Fresh fruit plate I ordered from room service)

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Sunday at the Farmer's Market with Tillamook!

Thank you Tillamook for sponsoring this post. Visit your local Costco today to bring Tillamook Ice Cream Sandwiches home to your family this summer!

Enjoying life's sweet and simple summer pleasures!

                                           

This past Sunday was one for the books because it was jam packed with so many of my summer faves. When late spring hits the Baltimore Farmer's Market & Bazaar starts back up, it's located underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holiday & Saratoga, every Sunday from April to late December. The entire underpass lines up with vendors of all kinds selling thee freshest of Maryland fruits, veggies, flowers, dairy items, meats, bread, nick knacks, handmade clothing and much much more. It opens at 7am and runs until 12 noon, and wow is it packed with tons of people from open to close. 

 It was literally elbow to elbow the majority of the time I was there, which was around 11am. The weather was perfect, it was breezy and about 70 degrees which I wish it was every day. I made sure to take some Tillamook Ice Cream Sandwiches with me, they always make any summer activity that much better. I particularly love the Chocolate Mudslide flavor, it's two yummy, baked golden brown cookies, made of butter and brown sugar, then dipped in the best chocolate. centered with rich and creamy ice cream. If you haven't tried them yet I really recommend you do, they're conveinently located in the freezer section of your local Costco. 

 They're delicious from start to end, the cookies are the perfect bite and they go splendidly with the ice-cream. I love that they come 12 to a box and are the perfect size. That way I can fit two in my mini cooler with some ice and drinks, which means I can take them with me anywhere because nothing puts a summer smile on my face like ice-cream. You guys know just how much I love it! Especially when you're shopping.....I was really enjoying strolling through the farmer's market enjoying my Mudslide Ice Cream Sandwich.  There were so many flower stands, ones where you could select the flowers and create your own bouquet. 

Then there were the flower trays and hanging basket stands, and wow were they all full of so many different beautiful colors and blooms. Then came the herbs, there were soon many different kinds and wow did they all look and smell delish. There's nothing like the taste of fresh cilantro in your salad or basil on your pasta. It's always so much better than the dried spices you buy in the store, the taste is so much more vibrant and plain fresh. 

There's nothing like using high quality ingredients, just like Tillamook ..the milk they use for their ice cream is only the best, from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, no high fructose corn syrup along with extra cream for a rich, smooth creamy texture. You can't beat it in my opinion, it's special just like the fresh local veggies I get from the Farmer's Market. Big juicy red tomatoes and strawberry, fresh snap peas, the list goes on and on. 

For dinner that night I picked up some fresh asparagus, it's great pan seared with a little  butter, onions and a bit of fresh diced garlic. I also got some carrots, onions, fresh bread and mixed greens, potatoes, and apples . All in all I was able to put together a meal unlike any other, a house salad, and chicken breast with roasted veggies, pan seared asparagus, with a strawberry and apple cobbler, over ice-cream with a dollop of whipped cream. Sounds amazing right? Wow was it a great trip, I can't wait for next Sunday so I can do it all again. 

I'll definitely make sure I have more Tillamook Ice Cream Sandwiches, next time I'll try the mint chocolate chip flavor. I bet it's just as amazing as the Mudslide. It makes any summer activity that much sweeter to enjoy. I would love to hear what your favorite summer activities are, please sound off below by leaving a comment. I'm always looking for fun new ideas of things to try, I definitely think we will be going to the beach the end of June but that's as cliche' as it gets when it comes to summer trips, so I'm really looking forward to reading your comments. 

Here's to the start of an amazing summer with Tillamook Ice Cream Sandwiches!!

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Spring Cleaning with Adams Flea & Tick!

(This post is sponsored by Adams Flea & Tick, all experiences are mine and mine alone.) 

Time to get the house ready!!

Hello my friends, spring is here and it’s about that time to start spring cleaning. For most people this is just inside of the house, but we do things a little differently, we like to do the same to the outside as well. We start off by pressure washing all the sidewalks, driveway, patios and porch. The we wash down the siding on the outside of the house, kind of like you wash a car. This keeps the white siding looking bright and new, then we move onto the yard to get it ready for summer. We make sure to fertilize the grass, and spray all of the rose bushes for bugs. Otherwise the beetles will have all the leaves looking like swiss cheese by June…they sure are destructive little things. Then there are the fleas, another annoying summer pest we have to worry about because of Piper.

(They love to nest in the soft plushy areas which are perfect for the Carpet & Home Spray)

During the summer we are out and about doing a ton of activities and many of them include other dogs. We go to the dog park on a regular basis, we go to the dog festival, and we love to go on hikes up by Liberty Dam. All of these activities carry the risk of Piper coming home with one of these nasty little critters on her, and we want to make sure that we are protected in every way so that our home doesn’t become a flea infestation. How fleas work is they attach themselves to your dog or cat (the host) and as gross as it sounds suck their blood. Then the flea will lay eggs all over your pup, then he or she walks around your home dropping these eggs in every area of your home, kind of like a little salt shaker. All over your rugs and floors, on your favorite chair, in his or her bed, on your bed, and even in the yard and car. Then these little critters hatch and jump on a host and start the cycle all over again, until your home, car and yard are swarming with fleas. This is why flea-proofing your pup, yard and house is so important. They are thee nastiest little critters in so many ways and i just don’t want them chewing on us or the dog, so I take steps to keep them far far away from us, Piper and the house. I keep a small arsenal on hand at all times, and we ONLY use Adams Flea & Tick products which we so conveniently get from the pet section of Walmart. The products consist of both immediate and preventive measures, because let’s face it all summer we are around other dogs. Whilst we can’t control fleas on everyone else’s dogs, we can’t stay held up in the house all summer either. With these products I can calm our fears and keep us all and the house pest free, that way we can enjoy fun summer and spring events like Pawject Runway a fun little pup fashion runway show that raises money for Barcs. Every year we love to go and help support Barcs, it’s always teaming with pups of all kinds from all over. 

(Adams Flea & Tick products are very easy to find in the pet section of Walmart)

I basically use the same routine each year and it starts off with a bath using the Adams Flea & Tick Cleansing Shampoo, this gets Piper clean, smelling fantastic and flea free. Next up I put the Adams Flea & Tick Collar Plus for Dogs & Puppies on Piper as a preventive measure, to keep any future fleas from trying to catch a ride. I always find that being preventive is much better than reactive, because it keeps it from happening all together saving me a lot of stress and headaches. Then there's the Adams Flea & Tick Spray which is wonderful for spot treatments and the Carpet & Home Spray is great to keep your home flea free. The flea and tick spray is great for those days we go on hikes in the woods by the dam, Piper loves to explore all the trails with us for hours and hours. While it’s lots of fun, I never forget all of the risks that these days can offer when it comes to fleas and ticks. Due to Adams Flea & Tick products we are able to enjoy our summer of fun activities without a care in the world. They also carry great products to spray your yard with, we use them too. 

Right after we finish planting the annuals and turning the mulch in the flower boxes, we spray down the outer yard and Piper’s area as well. She loves to run in and out of her doggie door into her yard, she also loves to lay in the grass spread eagle and sun bath. It’s the cutest thing in the world to see her enjoy her little space in such a comfy manner. By the time we finish up the yard everything looks quite beautiful, and it’s just in time for our annual family cookout. It’s so much fun to relax with the family, eat delicious food, talk, and just enjoy each others company. Yes it’s a ton of work, but nothing is more satisfying then pride in your work and home. After all it’s home, our very own little part of the world, and it’s a reflection of us as people, so we have to keep it looking nice and clean, as well as pest and flea free. The only thing left to worry about is those darn deer eating all my flowers….I definitely need a cry emoji right about now…lol!!

Well here’s to a beautiful flea free summer with Adams Flea & Tick Products!!

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Baltimore - DC Spring Vibes!!

It's Spring in Baltimore!!

(Piper and I at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC)

Don't let me drown you guys with all the killer spring vibes, I just couldn't help sharing them with you. I love this time of year so I go a bit overboard with the floral shots, I even have an Instagram account that is ONLY devoted to floral photography. It's a big big love of mine, as most of you know I was a floral designer for darn near 15 years. It was the only job I have ever had that never felt like a day of work, kind of like being an influencer. It's absolutely true what they say about feeling passion for whatever you do, it's the key to success for sure. Ok I'll stop chatting your heads off, we will make this post a mostly image post and let the flower shots do the talking. After all flowers are plain just good for the soul! My favorite flower is the Stargazer Lily, hence my Instagram username @DanaStargazerTruitt, and my flower page @_StarsFlowers, check them out and tell me what you think. If you don't follow yet please do. I look forward to your input/comments on the flowers shots. I'm also running a HUGE GIVEAWAY on my flower page as well, 2 people will win $1000 cash. 

Above is Piper and I in Mt. Vernon Baltimore Maryland, just across the street from the Washington Monument, and surrounded by magnolias. Below is another Magnolia shot in Druid Hill Park by the Baltimore Zoo, just outside of the Rawlings Conservatory. Piper was definitely trying to eat a bee she saw fly bye. 

The shot above is the Patterson Park Pagoda, which is also in Baltimore. It too is completely framed by magnolias in the riches shades of pink and purple. Last but not least is one of my favorite pictures of Piper to date, I call it Piper prancing through the tulips, and this too is at the Rawlings Conservatory. They always have thee most amazing flowers on display all year round. Doesn't Piper look absolutely gorgeous? Of course I am a bit partial to Pip and those tulips are so colorful, it's especially special because they all match her harness. 

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