Okoboji, Iowa

Front top left: Beautiful lake view; Free little library; Swinging on the bar chair; Sunset view

When I found out a work trip had me going to Okoboji Iowa, my first reaction was "Oko-huh?"... I had never heard of the place, and I had no idea Iowa had a chain of Great Lakes.  Well let me tell you about this charming little lake town in northwestern Iowa. It's known as Iowa's #1 vacation destination, and it's not hard to see why.  Between the breathtaking natural lakes, amusement park, and fun bars in between (like the outdoor bar with swings for chairs) - it's the kind of place that makes you want to grab onto summer with both hands and never let go.  Truly a hidden gem in the midwest that I will have to put on repeat... 

And check out these amazing lake homes I spotted during my morning walks - each one prettier than the next.  Another find from my walks is the "free little library" (pic in upper right)... I have never seen anything like this! The sign reads "take a book, borrow a book, share a book, enjoy a book".  Could this town be any cuter!?

Cayman Style

This could be a Target ad - everything is from there :)

The amazing house we stayed in during the trip

Our view from the balcony - we had our own beach!

Swimming in Sting Ray City - totally insane!

Me and my buddy - they were HUGE!

The vacation crew

Amazing Cayman sunset

Last week I was in the gorgeous Cayman Islands - and truly it was one of the best vacations I've ever had... if you've never had the chance to vacation in the Caribbean, you have to put it on your list!  The water is most beautiful blue and the weather is perfect.  The highlight for me was Sting Ray City - I definitely had to get out of my comfort zone, but touching these amazing creatures was an experience of a lifetime... The trip left me with a nice tan, some very fond memories, and fabulous new friends :)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The most beautiful tree in NYC on a rainy day

Times Square

Tree Lights at Rockerfeller Center

Empire State view at the Top of the Rock

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is my favorite book because it so beautifully captures the things in life I never want to lose sight of: innocence, honesty, and hope.  And even though my favorite tree (pic 1) is not in Brooklyn, it's still in New York and it's all the same to a Midwesterner like me!  I got to go to New York for a couple days for work, and these pictures are my favorite moments.  There is nothing that can compare to the sights, sounds, and energy of New York - it's a place like no other, and it was so much fun to experience the magic firsthand!