FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Exploring the world with roots in the Midwest

Shrimp Fried Rice #2

This is what I will call “lazy” fried rice. I actually stopped at HyVee and picked up some plain fried rice knowing that I had raw...

Amanda Davis

Mar 14, 20091 min read

Beef Pad Thai

#beef #PadThai

Amanda Davis

Mar 13, 20091 min read

Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream

In a word. . . heavenly. Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream in Downtown Lawrence has long been a favorite downtown destination of mine. ...

Amanda Davis

Mar 10, 20091 min read

Oven French Fries

Well, next time, I won’t bake these for quite an hour. Or, maybe, Ill cut the fries a little bit thicker. We had quite a few VERY...

Amanda Davis

Mar 9, 20091 min read

Low Calorie Corn Dogs

Corn Dogs Makes 8 servings – 206 calories per serving Ingredients 3/4 cup reduced-fat baking mix 1/4 cup cornmeal 4 teaspoons sugar 1/2...

Amanda Davis

Mar 7, 20091 min read

Gift of Gin

When Josh and I were trying to come up with a gift to give our good friend Bryan for his birthday, we went through a list of...

Amanda Davis

Mar 6, 20091 min read

We’re Engaged!!!

Quick post tonight. Josh proposed at Sesquicentennial Point tonight after I got home from work. Here are some pictures of the ring and...

Amanda Davis

Mar 5, 20091 min read

Oven BBQ Brisket

This is the second time I think I’ve made her brisket and it’s kind of a fool-proof recipe. I think the only thing that someone might be...

Amanda Davis

Mar 5, 20091 min read

CrockPot Chicken & Dumplings

These certainly aren’t a “normal” chicken and dumplings. Granted, growing up, the dumplings that my mom made were usually based in a...

Amanda Davis

Mar 4, 20092 min read

Baked Ziti

Ingredients 14 1/2 ounce box fiber-enriched ziti or penne 15-ounce container fat-free ricotta cheese 2 large egg whites 2 cups finely...

Amanda Davis

Mar 3, 20091 min read

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This one might be the most unique suite we have stayed in in Las Vegas.

Executive Hospitality Suite 20-249 at ARIA Resort & Casino is a 2,000 square foot space that includes its own private board room for up to 12 people. Yes, an actual conference room inside the suite.

After meetings, the suite shifts into full relaxation mode with a wet bar, pool views, and a custom Sealy bed that makes it easy to forget you were ever working.

Business or pleasure, this one covers both.

Free cruise certificate from a casino? 🚢🎰

Before you book, read this.

Part 2 of my casino cruise offers series is live.

Link in Bio.

Auckland’s west coast is wild, rugged, and absolutely stunning.

We headed into the Waitākere Ranges with a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre for sweeping views across the forest and coastline. From there, we visited the beautiful Karekare Falls before continuing to the famous black sand beach at Piha Beach.

The iron sand, crashing waves from the Tasman Sea, and the iconic Lion Rock make this one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes near Auckland.

Such a beautiful and easy half day trip from the city.

We stayed in a Bordeaux 1 King Room in the Bordeaux Tower at Paris Las Vegas and it is a solid, spacious center Strip option.

Room 2505 blends classic European style with modern touches, including bold burgundy accents, a comfortable king bed, and a full size desk. The marble bathroom with walk-in shower gives the space a polished feel, and there is plenty of room to spread out.

If you want a comfortable base right in the heart of the Strip, this is an easy choice.

Vegas meets the great outdoors! We spent spring break dining at Lotus of Siam, steakhouse-hopping downtown, and exploring the National Atomic Testing Museum before taking a quick trip to Zion and Valley of Fire. Here’s how easy it is to turn a Vegas vacation into a nature-filled side trip.

Link in Bio.

One of the best ways to experience Auckland is through its food, and the Flavours of Our City tour delivered. 🍽️

We explored the city with The Big Foody Food Tours, tasting everything from handcrafted cheeses and fresh seafood to boutique coffee, seasonal specialties, and incredible desserts.

Beyond the food, we loved learning about Auckland’s multicultural influences and hearing the stories behind the chefs, producers, and local spots that make the city’s food scene so unique.

Great pacing, fantastic bites, and a perfect introduction to Auckland.

Cabin 13820 on Norwegian Joy is a Club Balcony Suite that comfortably sleeps three. 🚢

You get a spacious layout, a comfortable bed, a pull out couch, and a private balcony that makes mornings at sea even better. The bathroom includes double sinks and a glass door shower, which is always a nice upgrade from standard cabins.

There is also plenty of storage throughout the cabin, making it easy to settle in for a longer sailing. A great option if you want extra space without jumping all the way up to a full suite.

Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty delivered such a perfect mix of scenery, culture, and local flavor.

We started along the harbor with views of Mauao, then made our way to the beaches of Mount Maunganui where the coastline seems to stretch forever.

From there, we explored the city of Tauranga before heading into the hills for panoramic views and a stop at McLaren Falls Park. The waterfall and surrounding bush were such a peaceful contrast to the coastline.

Along the way we sampled local treats, including kiwifruit, Manuka honey, coffee, and ice cream, which made the whole day feel even more like a true taste of the region.

Such a well rounded and memorable stop.

The Resort King Mountain View room at @durangoresort is a calm retreat away from the Strip. 🏜️

Warm neutral tones, organic textures, and floor to ceiling windows make the space feel relaxed and comfortable. The mountain views are a nice change of pace from typical Vegas skyline rooms, and the spa style bathroom with high end amenities adds to the overall feel.

There is also a comfortable seating corner and a large 65 inch TV, making this an easy place to unwind after a long day. Durango really nails the modern desert vibe.

Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region might be one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets.

We drove through rolling farmland filled with sheep, cattle, orchards, and vineyards before heading up to Te Mata Peak for sweeping views over the Heretaunga Plains and Hawke’s Bay. The scenery alone made the trip worth it.

The tour also explored the Art Deco charm of Napier, rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake. Today, the city is filled with beautifully preserved 1930s architecture that gives it a completely unique feel.

Great scenery, fascinating history, and one of the most distinctive towns we visited in New Zealand.

We stayed in a 2 Bedroom Hospitality Suite on the 47th floor of @vdaralasvegas and this one is all about space and comfort. ✨

With two bedrooms, a full living area, and plenty of room to spread out, it really does feel like a luxury apartment in the sky. These suites sit high above the Strip on floors 42 through 48, so the views are just as impressive as the layout.

Vdara is non smoking and non gaming, which makes it feel calm and quiet, but you are still steps away from the energy of the Strip. It is a great balance of convenience and a true place to unwind.

Cruising through Queen Charlotte Sound felt peaceful, scenic, and completely unforgettable.

We explored the calm waters by catamaran, surrounded by steep hills, lush forests, and rugged shoreline that has barely changed since Captain James Cook sheltered here in the 1770s. Small settlements dot the coastline, many only accessible by boat, which makes the whole experience feel remote and untouched.

One of the highlights was stopping in Double Cove to feed the fish. Herring, mullet, and cod swirled around the boat, while king shags swooped in from above.

Beautiful scenery, calm water, and a relaxing way to experience the Marlborough Sounds.

The Go Premium King Room at the @Flamingovegas is a great center Strip option. 🎰

At about 550 square feet, the room feels spacious and comfortable with a king bed and dedicated workspace. The marble bathroom vanity, walk in shower, and updated finishes give it a clean, modern feel while still keeping the classic Flamingo vibe.

And the location is hard to beat. You are right in the middle of everything on the Strip.

Cruising for free sounds fake, right? 🚢🎰

I’m kicking off a new series explaining how casino cruise offers really work and how regular travelers use them to save thousands.

Link in Bio.

This might have been one of the most fun things we did in New Zealand.

We went out with @alpinejetthrills and sped across the turquoise waters of the Waimakariri River, surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and the incredible landscape of the Southern Alps.

It is the perfect mix of scenic beauty and adrenaline. One minute you are taking in the views, the next you are spinning across the water and holding on for dear life.

Highly recommend if you are anywhere near Christchurch or Springfield.

Corner Suite views at W Las Vegas never get old. ✨

This 741 square foot King Corner Suite is all about the windows. Sweeping city views, soft window sheers, crisp white linens, and a dramatic oversized tufted headboard give the space a clean, modern feel.

It is a quiet, stylish retreat that still puts you right on the south end of the Strip.

✨ Our first Virgin Voyages cruise was unlike any other! Incredible food, no kids, amazing vibes, and a private beach in Bimini made it unforgettable. 🚢💃 Here’s my honest Virgin Voyages review and who I think this cruise line is perfect for.

Link in Bio

Sailing through Fiordland National Park was one of the most breathtaking days of our trip.

We cruised through Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, and Doubtful Sound, surrounded by towering mountains, countless waterfalls, and scenery that almost did not look real.

Every turn brought another dramatic view. Misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and quiet stretches of water that made it easy to just stop and take it all in.

This is the kind of day that reminds you how incredible New Zealand really is.

This Terrace Suite Fountain View at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas might be one of the best views on the Strip. ✨

Room 2533 features sliding glass doors that open to an oversized private terrace overlooking the famous fountain show. Watching the water, lights, and music from your own balcony never gets old.

Inside, the suite is spacious with two large bathrooms and a bubbler tub in the primary bath. It is the kind of room that makes you want to slow down and actually spend time enjoying the space.

Fresh air, sunlight, and front row seats to the fountains. Hard to beat.

We walked through the Spring 2026 Bellagio Conservatory display and it did not disappoint. "Springtime Symphony: Music In Motion" is on display through June 6, and it's one of the more creative themes they've done in a while.

The botanical arrangements are built around a music and movement concept, with instruments, florals, and design elements that all work together without feeling overdone. The detail work up close is worth slowing down for.

If you're on the Strip this spring, it's free, it's beautiful, and it takes maybe 20 minutes. Easy stop. 🌸

#BellagioConservatory #BellagioBotanical #LasVegasTravel #VegasSpring #SpringtimeSymphony #StripLife #LasVegas #TravelReels

The Great Barrier Reef has been on my bucket list for years, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. 🌊🐠

We went out with @reefmagiccairns and it was a 10 out of 10 experience. Even though we did not film while snorkeling, the glass bottom boat and underwater observatory gave us incredible views of coral, fish, and marine life up close.

If you are debating whether it is worth flying from Sydney to Cairns for the Reef, the answer is yes. Without hesitation. Yes.

Truly one of the most unforgettable experiences we have ever had.

We ate our way through the laneways of Melbourne with @secretfoodtours and it was one of the best ways to experience the city. 🍽️

This tour weaves through Melbourne’s iconic and hidden laneways, sampling everything from street food to wine, cheese, and chocolate. Along the way we tried a mix of multicultural flavors, including unique local meats, focaccia, Chinese street food, and handcrafted sweets.

It felt like discovering Melbourne through its food, with stops we never would have found on our own. By the end, we had a long list of places we wanted to come back to.

We stayed in Balcony Cabin 10026 on Norwegian Spirit and it was a solid, comfortable home base at sea. 🚢

The layout is efficient, with a cozy bed, good storage, and a private balcony that makes all the difference. There is nothing better than starting the day with coffee outside and ending it with ocean views.

Not the biggest cabin on the ship, but a great option if you want your own outdoor space without upgrading to a suite.

Exploring Twofold Bay and the stunning coastline around Eden was such a peaceful stop.

We cruised through Twofold Bay surrounded by dramatic scenery, spotted seabirds along the cliffs, and even saw a seal in the water. The water, the quiet, and the views made this one of those unexpectedly memorable moments.

Sometimes the simple wildlife sightings and scenery end up being the highlight.

We stayed in a Partial Marina View King Room at Shangri-La The Marina Cairns and it was a great home base for exploring Cairns.

The room was spacious and comfortable, with views over the marina and easy access to everything along the waterfront. The location really stands out. You are just steps from restaurants, the Esplanade, and the departure point for Great Barrier Reef tours.

If you are heading out to the reef, this is about as convenient as it gets.

🎉 Festivals. 🌸 Cherry blossoms. 🍁 Fall foliage. Some of the best trips are built around special events or seasonal highlights. In this post, I share how to plan trips around events without stress.

📍 Read the full post. Link in bio!

We ate very well on Norwegian Spirit. 🍽️

Between the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, there was a great variety of options throughout the cruise. We especially enjoyed meals from:
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Le Bistro
• Silk
• Teppanyaki
• Onda by Scarpetta

From steaks and seafood to pasta, Asian dishes, and classic cruise favorites, everything felt elevated for a smaller ship. Norwegian Spirit may be one of the older ships in the fleet, but the dining definitely delivers.

We stayed in a Harbour View King Room at Shangri-La Sydney and the view alone made it worth it.

Waking up to the Sydney Opera House right outside your window is hard to beat. Add in a fantastic breakfast buffet and a central location in the CBD, and it is a great home base for exploring the city.

Fair warning, it does sit up on a hill, so there is a bit of a climb at the end of the day. But the view at the top makes it feel worth it every time.

Sailing away from Sydney Harbour on Norwegian Spirit was unforgettable.

Passing the Sydney Opera House, gliding under the Harbour Bridge, watching the skyline fade, and then heading out past the cliffs as the sun set. It is one of those sail aways that feels special from start to finish.

Sydney Harbour really knows how to deliver a send off.

💑 Do you and your partner have different travel styles? That doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. In this post, I’m sharing how we balance our approaches and plan trips that work for both of us.

📍 Read the full post. Link in bio!

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FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Shrimp Fried Rice #2

Beef Pad Thai

Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream

Oven French Fries

Low Calorie Corn Dogs

Gift of Gin

We’re Engaged!!!

Oven BBQ Brisket

CrockPot Chicken & Dumplings

Baked Ziti

​

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