2014 Travels: Palm Springs, CA

I have to admit, the only reason I went to Palm Springs was because the tournament was sandwiched in between Hawaii and San Diego (both places I really wanted to go).  I didn't see a point in flying back and forth from east coast to west coast three times in one month so I decided just to stay on the west coast and go to Palm Springs as well.  I was pleasantly surprised.

The desert is much more beautiful than I would have imagined and the weather this time of year could not have been more perfect.  We had 80 degree days and 60 degree nights, all while surrounded by beautiful mountains.  All in all, it was a really great week and I'm really glad that I decided to go.

One thing I had heard before going to Palm Springs was that there are some great outlets about 30 minutes away that I needed to check out.  Ryan and I decided to go on Thursday night after they finished playing.  The outlets were great and I kept myself from doing too much damage but the most interesting part of our trip to the outlets were all the windmills.  The interstate is lined with hundreds upon hundreds of windmills, angled in all different directions and all different sizes.  It was a very interesting sight when you're driving down the interstate in the desert (see below).

Shopping isn't all that we did in Palm Springs.  We also celebrated another caddie, and one of Ryan's good friends, D Redd's 40th birthday at a great restaurant called Stuft with a lot of great friends!

           

And of course…I got to watch a lot of golf! Ryan and Hudson had another great week and a Top 25 finish!  Needless to say, it has been such an amazing start to 2014 and I am hoping it continues this week in San Diego!

2014 Travels: Hawaii

2014 has started out with a bang!  The first PGA event of the year was in Hawaii which meant I took an early vacation and tagged along.  It was well worth it!

We had such an amazing trip that I'm not sure any other trip this year could top it, but I'm so thankful to be able to travel with Ryan as often as I can and take advantage of visiting all of the fun places he gets to go to for work.

View flying into Hawaii - how gorgeous is that??

After a night in LA, we finally made it to Hawaii on Sunday afternoon.  We checked into our hotel and headed straight for the beach (after a quick stop for some late lunch).  Much of my early time in Hawaii was spent soaking up the sun by the pool or at the beach while Ryan was at the golf course working.  I certainly can't complain - it was exactly the relaxing vacation that I was looking for! Then, much of the weekend was spent at the golf course. We took full advantage of being on the coast by eating fish and sushi as often as possible - and it was all delicious!  We were staying right in the middle of Honolulu and we were able to walk pretty much everywhere (except the golf course) which was really nice.  Also, because we were adjusting to east coast time, we saw the sunrise and the sunset almost everyday. Talk about a beautiful way to start and end your day!

One night, we decided to attend a traditional Hawaiian luau with Hudson & Katherine and another golfer, Wes, and his girlfriend Sarah. The whole show was great but the best part was definitely the fire dancing at the end.  It is so impressive how they are able to do all that they do.  It was a fun night and we were all happy that  we were able to do at least one traditional Hawaiian thing while we were there (luau pictures below)!

The most important reason we were in Hawaii: The Sony Open.  Not only was the golf course and the view phenomenal but Hudson & Ryan had their best finish yet.  They carded their first top 10 on the PGA Tour with a T8 finish.  Hudson played amazing golf (with an amazing caddie if I do say so myself) and it was such a blast to watch! 

 View from the 17th hole at the golf course

Ryan and I after the great finish!

Whew! What an amazing week in Hawaii!  I can't say I was happy to leave but I am excited about what the rest of 2014 and all of our traveling will bring us.  I'm hoping this is just the beginning of an amazing year!

Aloha!

Carly

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!  I hope everyone had a wonderful time ringing in the new year last night.  Ryan and I were lucky enough to watch two of our friends, Hudson & Katherine, get married last night and celebrate the new year at their wedding.  It was a gorgeous event and we had a wonderful time!

2013 had some bumps in the road, but it was overall one of the best years yet for Ryan and I!  I am so looking forward to what 2014 has in store for us - I am especially excited to marry the man of my dreams!  I have never been one to make new years resolutions so, instead, here are 10 things I would like to work on or do in 2014.  Like I said, these aren't resolutions so I won't beat myself up if I don't achieve each of them all of the time. They are just a few goals for me.

1. Talk less, listen more.
2. Practice patience.
3. Say "yes" more.
4. Travel often.
5. Laugh every single day.
6. Cook more, eat out less.
7. Give.
8. Take time to just relax.
9. Leave my judgements at the door and be kind to everyone.
10. Never pass up an opportunity to tell those that I love just how much I love them.

What are you working on in 2014?  I hope this year brings lots of love, laughter, health and joy to each and every one of you!  Ryan and I are off to Hawaii on Sunday (not a bad way to start off the new year if you ask me) and I will definitely post lots about our travels this year!

Lots of love to ya'll!

Carly