Giraffe's, Glitter Latte's, Pizza and a Wedding.

It's been a minute but I had to take time to remember what a wonderful weekend our stay in Pueblo was in July! Mainly because my cousin Cody got hitched and Jovana is the perfect addition to the family!  So, my sister and I loaded up the kiddos in Birdie and we hit the road.  We stayed one night in the Springs because you can't go to Colorado without hitting up the Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo and eating at Amanda's Fonda before we headed South to celebrate.  It was a quick trip but we managed to find some pretty cool spots!

If you haven't been, Pueblo is just a 45-minute drive South from the Springs, but the difference in the temperature is crazy!  It's more of the desert-y part of Colorado and the bright sunshine and averaging only 12 inches of rain per year proves it.  Regardless of the heat, Pueblo is filled with many Museums, the Historic Riverwalk along the Arkansas River, Art Districts, San Isabel National Forest, the Pueblo Zoo, and Lake Pueblo State Park ... just to name a few attractions.

Check out Gypsy Java's for Coffee and East Coast Pizza ... both must-try places in Pueblo!

Gypsy Java's Coffee Shop.  Gluten free goodies and this amazing Rainbow Glitter Latte.  Need I say more?  Make a stop at East Coast Pizza for lunch. 

The Historic Pueblo Riverwalk 

Congrats to Cody and Jovana!

Shona

Follow Me ↠ #kcgypsea

Travel IG: http://www.instagram.com/dirtroadshighheels

Personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/shonamhouston
Sign up for blog emails here: http://www.thedirtroadshighheels.blogspot.com

We Like Fried Food, Coffee, and Cocktails

On a recent weekend adventure I was seriously ecstatic to be able to try a few local places that included none other than food and drink...two of my favorite things!  On the way to St. Joseph, we made our way off the highway to a small place called Fords Drive-In.  We walked in and the folks there instantly knew we weren't from around those parts...but they didn't care. They found us entertaining and served up a big smile anyway.  Reason #48,295 why I love places like this.  The guy behind the counter, "You must be related."...why yes, yes we are.

We each ordered a burger and decided to split cheese sticks, mushrooms, and spicy cheese cubes and after polishing that off, ordered a large fry.  Our total bill, under $14.  Now, these servings are smaller, thank you for not super sizing anything...but fulfilling for us. I am not going to lie, I could have ordered a triple burger, but decided to take it easy.

Once arriving to our destination, we dropped off our bags...see previous blog post about Whiskey Mansion...and decided to head downtown.  We found the cutest little coffee house, Mokaska Coffee and each ordered something warm to "warm" up.  My sister had this whipped apple cider...and although my cappuccino was yummy, I wanted to steal hers!  Once we finished there, we headed to the Tiger's Den to up our game with cocktails.

This place had me instantly...it's a used book store/bar, let's call it a Book-Bar.  Prohibition-style drinks, walls of used books, comfy couches and friendly folks.  I am so glad we found this hidden gem.  They offer a variety of craft beers, many different wines, and great cocktails. I opted for the Paloma, a favorite of mine. Best part about it, no television. Bonus points in my book...see what I did there?

By the way, how could we not start out this roadtrip without a bathroom selfie? November is seriously my favorite time of year!

I can not imagine life that didn't include exploration.

Shona

Happy New Year #2016

If you read my last blog post, you will relate to this one!  What got me through the year of #2015! My favorite things, people, places, life and Kansas City events!  I seriously could not have made it otherwise.  So here we go!

1. Friends, and I mean a lot of them! Each offering me something different that made me realize I can handle anything thrown my way.  Whether they were handing me a sandwich to make me eat, tucking me into bed to make sure I had sleep, offering advice, throwing one back with me, or just sitting with me in silence...the #1 life saver.

2. Family, it's a different kind of help and support. Family is there for you and it's just expected I guess.  Some were, some weren't, but those that were...their love and support didn't go unrecognized. From helping me move, to letting me live with them (thanks Mom and Phil), to letting my dog out, running errands for me, listening, just being there whenever I needed something.  Offering advice, opening ways for me to see life in a different perspective, these people were there too.

3. Vacations, just getting away is something that always helps me to cope.  I may have over did it a tad in Vegas...oops, but hey, I get a freaking pass for that one!  Colorado twice, Iowa, Lake trips and pool time...although still in KC...I imagined I was at the beach with the salt water pool, it was just what I needed.  Lots of sonic drinks during Happy Hour for sure! I am blaming Shannon for that addiction.

4. Patios, yes, it's true. Nothing better then a warm summer night, a cold beer, fire pits, and good company! I just love Coaches, Brewtop, Maloneys...and a few others! Whether it was watching the Royals...hollaaaa or just relaxing, it's one of my favorite things to do! 

5. Coffee shops or just coffee on my couch, it's one of the ways I like to start my day! It either meant long talks or just being able to stay up to study. I love a good cup of joe!

6. Vodka, yep, it's there.  Shannon and I definitely made some adjustments...we all want fewer calories, right?  Leave it to us, we know what we are doing...and already planning #summa2016 #bereadypool #summashorts

7. The ROYALS!!!!!   I am so excited for Opening Day 2016 and it all started last year with Opening Day 2015...tailgating with friends! Going to the game, watching them on the best patios in the city...there are a few that I am partial to, or just tailgating in the parking lot...I love baseball! These pics could go on for days!!!  #crowntown #countingdownthedays

8. My New Apartment, at first I was upset about having to move into a one bedroom apartment...I have a lot of stuff..I mean, clothes and shoes and apparently an addiction to kitchen glasses...but I made it my own.  Some people would love to be where I am at, so I am thankful for my place! It's all mine...well sort of!

9. Nursing School, getting accepted was one of the best things that has happened to me. New career in the works, new friends, new connections...nursing is where I was meant to be! One semester down, three to go!

10. Alone time..I have to admit, at first, I wasn't a fan. But I have learned to love just sitting in my apartment, reading a book, having that cup of coffee, catching up on some tv, working out or just doing normal household chores...all of that is ok!

So here's to #2016!  It is going to be awesome!
Xoxo,
Shona