We’re lifelong Cardinals fans—met at Busch Stadium II, got engaged by Scott’s family brick at Busch III, and even had a Cardinals-themed wedding—so yes, we’re a little biased. But we’ve done our best to give an honest, well-rounded review of one of baseball’s most beloved ballparks. Busch Stadium III is often referred to as “Baseball Heaven,” and it’s easy to see why: a breathtaking view of the Gateway Arch, classic red brick architecture that complements the city skyline, and the unmatched energy of being part of Cardinals Nation. Just outside the stadium, Ballpark Village adds to the excitement with rooftop views, massive video screens, and a variety of bars, restaurants, and live entertainment, making game day feel like a city-wide celebration. Inside the park, the food scene has stepped up its game in recent years, with fun new options like Session Taco and Freddy’s joining fan favorites like loaded nachos & tater tots and bacon-wrapped hotdogs. And of course, with Budweiser’s roots in St. Louis, you’ll find plenty of Bud products flowing—plus a growing selection of local craft brews. The Cardinals Way isn’t just a slogan—it’s a culture, a community, and for fans like us, a thrilling way of life.
Sew It Begins: My Hobbit Apron for a Journey to Middle-earth
From the Shire to the Stitch! I sewed this hobbit-inspired apron just in time for our visit to Hobbiton, and it felt like it belonged right in Bag End’s kitchen! With rustic charm, earthy tones, and a touch of whimsy, this handmade piece was perfect for wandering past round doors, sipping ale at The Green Dragon, and baking second breakfast (or third). Whether you’re a sewing fan or a Tolkien lover, this apron brings a bit of Middle-earth magic to everyday life.
Wisteria Dreams & Easter Gleams: Spring Styling with Bridgerton Regency Flair
Step into a world where Regency elegance meets Easter whimsy—our home is in full bloom with a Bridgerton-inspired spring decor! Cascading wisteria vines, delicate bunnies, and glittering Easter eggs set the stage for a season of charm and creativity. From Crictued bottle art lining our shelves to 3D-printed decor that adds a playful twist, every corner is filled with pastel cheer and personal touches. Whether you’re here for the high society vibes or just hopping by for some spring inspo, there’s something blooming for everyone.
🏴☠️ Princess Bride: Dread Pirate Roberts and Buttercup Cosplay
Ahoy, nerdy nobles and masked marauders! ⚔️ We set sail for the Swashbuckler Soirée – A Legends & Lanterns® Masquerade Ball, and it was nothing short of inconceivable fun. We donned our finest fairytale pirate gear as The Dread Pirate Roberts and Princess Buttercup—though Sarah added her own twist as The Dread Pirate Buttercup 🏴☠️ (because why let Westley have all the swordplay?). From 3D-printed masks, weapons, and belt hardware worthy of Florin royalty, Sarah brought our costumes to life in true DIY fashion. Scott even sacrificed his beard for a full Ron Swanson-style mustache—commitment, right? We made it to the costume contest finals, mingled with another Dread Pirate, dodged a few ROUSes, and were serenaded by a live band with a custom Princess Bride song just for us.
Our week in Costa Rica was the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and laid-back beach time, starting in the misty jungles of Arenal where we hiked lava trails, soaked in hot springs, and spotted sloths, toucans, and frogs. We celebrated Abby’s birthday with volcano views, waterfall swims, and a surprise engagement at sunset—one of many unforgettable moments. From there, we headed west to Potrero for snorkeling, surfing, and sunsets from our beachfront infinity pool. We wrapped it all up in Playas del Coco, kayaking to secret beaches and sipping chorreador coffee while soaking in those last golden rays. From ziplining and white water rafting to sloth-spotting and seafood feasts, this trip truly had it all—pura vida at its finest.
Our Costa Rica adventure began in the lush Arenal region, where we stayed at an amazing house overlooking Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal—the kind of view you don’t mind waking up to howler monkeys. We kicked things off with the Mistico Hanging Bridges, surrounded by rainforest and framed by volcano views. We then packed in more thrills, soaking in steamy natural hot springs, soaring through the treetops on a zipline, and braving some seriously intense white water rafting. On Abby’s birthday, we hiked the rugged Arenal 1968 lava trail, swam at the base of the La Fortuna Waterfall, and explored the incredible Bogarin Trail, spotting sloths and frogs while hearing the heartwarming story of the man who built the refuge. We wrapped up with a sunset volcano-view dinner, a surprise engagement, and one very lucky cat enjoying Sarah’s leftover fish—a perfect end to our stay in Arenal.
After a few wild and wonderful days in Arenal, we headed west to the Pacific Coast for the beach portion of our Costa Rica adventure. Our home base was the dreamy Villa Corazon del Mar, a beachfront Airbnb in Potrero complete with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean—perfect for catching sunsets. We kicked things off with a chill afternoon of beach lounging. The next day brought a bit more adrenaline with a surf lesson in Tamarindo, a beachfront lunch at Pangas, and tropical brews at Volcano Brewing Co. To top it off, we spent our final morning scuba diving, exploring the vibrant underwater world near Las Catalinas Islands. Sun, surf, and sea turtles—this stretch of the trip was pura vida at its finest.
We wrapped up our Costa Rica adventure with a relaxing stay in Playas del Coco, a laid-back beach town known for its golden shores and coastal charm. Our home base was a beach front house, a breezy Airbnb just steps from the sand—perfect for unwinding after the action-packed days in Arenal and Potrero. We kicked things off with a lazy afternoon soaking in the Pacific vibes and gorgeous sunset. The next morning we set off to explore the powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters of Calzón de Pobre. This beach was the perfect peaceful sendoff to our week in paradise.
Each Hawaiian island we visited offered its own version of paradise, creating unforgettable memories at every turn. On the Big Island, we explored the otherworldly landscapes of Kilauea, hiked the Kilauea Iki Trail, wandered through lava tubes, and toured flavorful stops like Greenwell Farms and the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory—all topped off with a swim alongside wild spinner dolphins. Maui delivered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—from learning to surf at Goofy Foot Surf School and winding our way through the lush landscapes of the stunning Road to Hana, to celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks on a sunset dinner cruise and enjoying a traditional luau at The Feast at Lele. We ended our journey on a high note, watching the sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā and biking down the slopes of the volcano—an unforgettable finale to an incredible island experience. Oahu blended history and beauty with visits to Pearl Harbor, a UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch – the real-life Jurassic Park, and iconic sunsets on the North Shore at Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline. Kaua’i captivated us with its raw natural beauty, including a thrilling, doors-off helicopter tour over the Na Pali Coast, a bucket-list hike along the Kalalau Trail, and surfing along the golden beaches of Poipu. Every island had its own charm—and together, they left us completely enchanted by the spirit of aloha.
The Big Island welcomed us with open arms—and a bright red Mustang convertible! From the moment we landed, it felt like we were in for something unforgettable. We settled in at the peaceful Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, where mornings began with plumeria blossoms and ocean views. We celebrated our anniversary with the best breakfast we’ve ever had at Island Lava Java, explored the flavors of Kona coffee at Greenwell Farms, and learned how real chocolate is made at the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory. One day took us across the island to experience Kilauea, the Kilauea Iki Trail, and the surreal Thurston Lava Tube. Along the way, we swam with wild spinner dolphins, relaxed on black sand beaches, and witnessed a lively hula and fire show. The Big Island gave us a perfect balance of adventure, flavor, and Hawaiian spirit.