Tulsa Bound

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma Bound

This weekend was finally our Tulsa birthday adventure, and let me tell you, it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Me and Cherrie loaded up and headed out bright and early Saturday morning. She made it to my house around 7:30 a.m., and before long we were officially Tulsa, Oklahoma bound. The drive takes several hours from my house, but honestly, the excitement made the trip fly by.

Our first stop was the Tulsa Farmers Market, and I absolutely loved it. There were so many vendors set up with fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade soaps, lotions, and all kinds of goodies. They even had a live musician playing while everyone walked around shopping, and it just created such a fun atmosphere. I was actually surprised by how many people were there. It felt lively and cheerful and was such a great way to kick off the trip.

After the farmers market, we headed over to The Outsiders House Museum. I have to say, it was a really cute setup. The gift shop alone was huge and packed with all kinds of merchandise and memorabilia. Walking through everything honestly made me want to sit down and watch The Outsiders all over again. It brought back so many memories.

Next, we made our way to the Fire Department Museum. They were serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and root beer floats, plus admission was free for the event. I’ll be honest though — I was a little underwhelmed with the museum itself. I think I expected there to be more exhibits than there actually were. But even so, I’m still glad we went. I got to take a few pictures and officially mark it off my list.

We did also get to see some of the Vintage cars that was in the Route 66 car parade. Celebrating the centennial celebration of Route 66. 

From there, we drove over to Jenks where they were hosting a food truck festival. That place was packed with people, live music, and food trucks everywhere. It was definitely one of those fun community events where you can just walk around, people-watch, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Of course, no girls trip is complete without a little shopping. We stopped at Ross where I picked up a charger, and then headed over to Ollie’s. I found a book about U.S. state parks for only $3.99 that I originally planned to decompose for pictures and journaling. But now I’m debating if I can actually cut it up because there’s so much good information in it. That’s always the struggle with creative projects, isn’t it?

Later in the day, we headed downtown to visit the Center of the Universe. I’m glad we stopped there, but they’re currently redoing and revamping parts of it, so it’s kind of in transition right now. Also, let me just say — they tell you when you stand in the middle and talk, nobody outside the circle can hear you. Not true. Not true at all. But hey, we still had fun and got another thing checked off our Tulsa bucket list.

By this point, we were exhausted. We had walked so many steps, seen so much, and taken tons of pictures. But we still had one more stop to make before calling it a night.

We headed over to the Blue Whale in Catoosa for their big celebration weekend. There were vendors, food trucks, live bands, and lots of people enjoying the festivities. We walked down to the Blue Whale itself and checked out the brand-new gift shop since it was opening weekend. It really was a huge celebration and such a fun Route 66 stop.

Finally, we made our way to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to check into our room. To top off the night, we went to see Neil McCoy in concert, and he absolutely put on a fantastic show. It was the perfect ending to a very full and very fun day.

Overall, this trip was exactly what I hoped it would be. Lots of laughter, lots of memories, lots of walking, and lots of fun celebrating birthdays with my best friend. We made it back to the hotel around midnight, which honestly wasn’t too shabby considering everything we packed into one day.

Sunday Vibes with Grocery Shopping

Sunday Errands, Sweet Friendship & a Little Easter Weekend Reality Check

There’s something about Easter weekend that just feels full—full of plans, full of people, and apparently… full of grocery stores too. This Sunday, my best friend Cherrie and I set out with a simple goal: get the grocery shopping done before my upcoming trip on April 14th. It felt like the one open window in an otherwise busy schedule, and I was determined to make the most of it.

We pulled out of my driveway a little after 10 a.m., both of us thinking we had this day figured out. In my mind, I had already planned a little bonus fun—maybe a quick stroll through TJ Maxx, Ross, and Burlington before tackling the grocery list. Just a little browsing, nothing too serious. But Easter weekend had other plans for us because, surprise…they were all closed! Honestly though, I wasn’t even mad. Sometimes those little unexpected detours just make the day feel more relaxed.

So we shifted gears and made our first stop at Dollar Tree, right there by the stores we couldn’t get into anyway. And let me tell you, that stop was a win. I found exactly what I needed—travel-sized Monday shampoo and conditioner (perfect for my trip!) and even grabbed some coconut oil. It’s funny how the smallest finds can feel like a victory.

Of course, no good outing starts without coffee. Earlier on our drive to Norman, we made a stop at Scooter’s and picked up two iced coffees that absolutely hit the spot. There’s just something about sipping coffee, chatting, and cruising down the road with your best friend that sets the tone for the whole day.

By then, we were ready for lunch. We first thought about stopping at the Golden Corral, but y’all…when I say it was packed, I mean standing room only with a line out the door. That was our cue to pivot. We ended up at Chili’s in Norman, which seemed like a safe, easy choice at the time.

Now, I’m just going to be honest here—this was probably the low point of the day. The wait for our food was longer than expected, and while I tried to give them a little grace because it was Easter weekend, they honestly weren’t that busy. The food itself was just okay. Not terrible, but definitely not something I’d go out of my way for again. Maybe my tastes are changing, or maybe I’m just more mindful about what I’m eating these days as I work on healthier habits. Either way, it just didn’t quite hit like I hoped it would.

But thankfully, the day picked back up right after that.

We made our way over to Crest Foods (just across the street) and got started on the main mission: groceries. We hit the aisles around 1:45 p.m. and were done by 3:20 p.m., which honestly felt like a win. We worked through the list, stayed focused, and got almost everything I needed for the week and for an upcoming cookout when Luther gets the grill going.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a grocery trip without forgetting a few things. No hot pork rinds (which was disappointing), and I completely forgot the hamburger and hot dog buns. But that’s okay—those are easy pickups later this week.

By the time I got home, unloaded the car, and put everything away, I was more than ready to sit down and relax. And that’s exactly what I did.

Looking back, it really was a good, productive Sunday. Not everything went according to plan, but honestly, that didn’t matter. The best part of the whole day wasn’t the shopping or even checking things off my list—it was the time spent with Sherrie. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house, change your scenery, laugh a little, and enjoy good company.

Those are the moments that stick with you.

Ms Brantley’s birthday Celebration and Shopping

 

Saturday Shenanigans: Shopping Bags, Burgers, and Birthday Fun

Saturday turned into one of those unexpectedly good days—the kind that leaves you smiling on the drive home. It all started with my friend Cherrie, who had the rare luxury of a Saturday off so she could attend her granddaughter’s 6th birthday party. Anyone who works weekends knows how precious that is, so this day already felt like a small win.

We met at our usual parking spot, and right around 10:30 a.m. I hopped up into her truck, ready for a little road trip. Destination: Lawton, Oklahoma. We had a plan—well, a loose plan anyway—which is usually the best kind.

Our first stop was Ollie’s, because let’s be honest, Ollie’s is never just a stop. I picked up a few scrapbook items (because of course I did), some black pepper, spicy marinara sauce for a pizza casserole I’ve been thinking about, and a few other odds and ends that somehow found their way into my cart. Cherrie stuck to her usual Ollie’s staples: laundry soap and coffee for her Keurig. There’s something comforting about having “your items” at certain stores.

Next up was Hobby Lobby, which we treated more as a browsing adventure than a mission—although I did have junk journaling on my mind. I’m currently working in a junk journal for Moira, and stickers are basically a requirement for that kind of project. I also had a craft knife on my mental wish list, and wouldn’t you know it, Cherrie spotted one right at the checkout. That alone made my day. Sometimes it’s the small victories.

By then, we were officially ready for lunch, and S&B’s Burgers won the debate. We both ordered the SirBacA~Lot burger, which is exactly as indulgent and delicious as it sounds. We also shared queso and chips, because sharing queso feels like a friendship requirement. I even splurged and ordered a margarita on the rocks. Zero regrets—it was cold, refreshing, and perfect.

Before 2 p.m., we arrived at Curiosity Avenue for the birthday celebration. This was my first time there, and I have to say, it’s such a cute place for kids. Inside, they had different themed rooms set up—a fire station, bank, post office, veterinary clinic, hair salon, restaurant, and several more. There was also a bounce house and multiple ride-on toys. It’s one of those places where kids can just let their imaginations run wild.

Even though there was another private party happening at the same time, the space was large enough that it never felt crowded. Everything flowed smoothly, which is impressive when you factor in excited kids and birthday energy. I later learned they close on Sundays for private parties, which honestly makes a lot of sense.

We stayed for nearly two hours. I had a decent time, even though I didn’t know many people there. Aside from Cherrie, Coty, and Hailey, most faces were new to me—but that’s okay. Sometimes it’s nice to just observe, soak things in, and enjoy the atmosphere.

For the birthday girl, Ms. Brantley, I picked up a Mini Verse “Make It Café” Mini Brands set and tucked $10 into her birthday card. She was genuinely happy, which always feels good. There’s something special about watching kids light up over a gift.

After the party wrapped up, Cherrie and I made one last stop at Viridian for coffee. This time I tried the coconut toasted latte, and let me tell you—it was really good. I think I’m on a mission now to try all the flavors until I find my signature drink. It’s a delicious challenge.

I was back home before 5 p.m., tired in the best way and feeling grateful for a day filled with friendship, laughter, good food, and a little bit of adventure. Not every Saturday needs to be big or busy—sometimes it just needs to be good.

Sunday Funday with Cherrie

 Sunday is always a little extra special around here, because it usually means Sunday Funday with my best friend, Cherrie. Sundays are her only day off, so we make it a point to squeeze in lunch, shopping, and plenty of laughter whenever we can—usually a few times a month.

We met at our usual spot near City Hall around 10 a.m. It’s funny how some routines just stick. We’ve parked there for years, and it always feels safe and familiar, like the official starting point of our adventures. From there, we headed to Lawton, Oklahoma, for a few hours of shopping and girl time. Cherrie was on a mission to find birthday gifts for her granddaughter, Ms. B., who is about to turn 7 years old. Such a fun age to shop for!

Our first stop was Golden Corral for lunch. I honestly hadn’t eaten there in several years, but the timing worked out perfectly. They were just pulling breakfast and switching over to lunch, so everything was hot, fresh, and plentiful. That alone felt like a win and gave us the energy boost we needed for the rest of the day.

After lunch, we hit TJ Maxx and Burlington—thankfully right next door to each other, which makes hopping between stores so easy. Then we headed to Academy. I was hoping to find shoes for Lane and Landon as part of their birthday gifts, but unfortunately, they didn’t have the sizes we needed in the brand we were looking for. You win some, you lose some.

Cherrie, however, was having great luck and found several birthday gifts for Ms. B. From there, we popped into JCPenney just to browse. I didn’t find anything I needed, so I walked out empty-handed—and honestly, I’m okay with that.

As we were getting ready to leave, Cherrie suggested we try Shoe Carnival. I hesitated at first, but decided to pull in anyway—and wouldn’t you know it, they had exactly the shoes I wanted for the boys, and they were on sale! That felt like a small victory and totally made my day.

Before leaving Lawton, we made one last (and very necessary) stop at Viridian for drinks. This is always a must for me. I ordered a sweet cream with mocha, and it was exactly what I needed after all that shopping.

Next up was a quick run to Duncan, Oklahoma, to Walmart. I needed to pick up medication for Mr. C. and grab some new lipstick. I’ve used CoverGirl’s 12-hour lip color forever—it’s reliable and comes in so many great shades. While there, I found a few mini-brand “make it mini” food sets on sale and thought Kyndall would enjoy making those with her mom. Cherrie also scored several Barbie toys for Ms. B.

I made it home around 2:30 p.m., just in time to get ready for our next adventure—heading with Mr. C. to Elizabeth’s birthday party at the bowling alley in Chickasha.

Days like this remind me how grateful I am to be able to go, do, and enjoy life the way I do. I never take that for granted.

Sunday Funday: shopping, sweet treats, and birthday finds.

Yesterday was the perfect Sunday Funday!  I’m headed down to Marlow at 11:30 AM, picked  up Cherrie and we headed out to Lawton Oklahoma for an adventure of shopping. Both of us were on a mission.— Birthday gift for our daughter-in-law’s. Cherrie was shopping for Haley and decided on a Victoria’s secret gift card at Central Mall. We had no idea that the mall was deserted, except for a few stores. I was shopping for Savannah and thought it would be fun to create a green-Themed gift basket filled with bath items from Bath & body Works.

Our next stops were Ollie and Ross before hunger hit. Panera bread was calling our name! I ordered the broccoli and cheese soup with half an Italian steak and mozzarella sandwich, plus a strawberry basil lemonade Fresca that was so refreshing.

Fueled up, we headed to Bath & Body Works where I picked out the Sunrise Woods collection for Savannah. The buy 3, get 3 free deal was too good to pass up, so I grabbed some Warm Vanilla Sugar products for myself—such a cozy fall scent! We also browsed 5 Below to see if I could find a few extra touches for Savannah’s basket

Of course, we couldn’t resist stopping at Nothing Bundt Cakes. I grabbed two caramel apple cider cakes—fall in dessert form! By 4:30 p.m. we were back in Marlow, and I dropped Cherrie off at her truck. On my way home, I picked up Taco Mayo for Mr. C. and then called it a day.

It was such a fun outing, and I’m so glad Cherrie went with me. Best of all—I was able to get everything I needed for Savannah’s birthday gift. Mission accomplished!