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Best Anniversary Gift EVER + Weekend Recap

Favorite Things· Travel· Weekend Recaps

26 May

So, did everyone have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend?

I sure did!

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I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary on Sunday by doing exactly what I did for our first anniversary. Slightly modified, however, because this time I actually brought my husband along.

{Fun fact: I spent our first anniversary with my bestie Lana… not my husband. I interned with the 500 Festival that spring, and the Indianapolis 500 happened to fall on the same weekend as high school graduations. I went to the race, and he went to my sister and his brothers’ commencements.}

Courtny and I were joined by my cousin, Kayla, and her fiance, Dave (shout out to Dave – you’re on the blog!) for the 99th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. This was Dave’s first time to see the 500, so obviously we had to do it up right! We stumbled upon an incredible parking deal that included a “clean” bathroom, free water and coffee, and a shuttle to the track… for $20.

Uh, yes please? Parking at the Indy 500 usually brings Courtny and I halfway to divorce. This year we were drinking brews on a school bus by 9:30 a.m.

Victory.

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The weather was perfect. By the time Courtny was about to overheat, our seats became shaded. The race was exciting, the local beers we brought were on point, the Indy Dogs were just as good as I remembered… Patrick Dempsey was like 50 feet from us…

Oh, and Kayla and I managed to get a selfie with our “almost” grandma.

{I’m full of fun facts today: Our grandpa once went on a date with Florence Henderson (aka Carol Brady) in his youth. We literally could have been the Brady Bunch.}

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See that itty bitty person singing on the Winner’s Circle? That’s Florence.

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#GetWellSoonHinch

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Why, yes. I french braided my husband’s crazy long hair. (photo cred: Kayla)

Unfortunately, Juan Pablo Montoya won. Boo.

We all stopped for a quick dinner at Scotty’s Brewhouse, picked up baby D, and headed home for what was left of the evening. I had full intentions of relaxing and cozying up with the last Harry Potter book, because that’s what you do on your anniversary when you’ve been married as long as we have.

You see, we both agreed not to buy each other anything. We even had the conversation earlier in the week that going to the race would be our “gift.” I broke the rules and bought him a card, because I’m a rebel like that. So as I was sitting out on the deck, enthralled in the Deathly Hallows, I thought our anniversary was over.

I didn’t see this coming.

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Naturally my husband has to outdo me and surprise me with a BEACH VACATION. All planned and all purchased without my knowledge.

I was speechless. I cried. I still can’t figure out how he managed to pull this off. And then I gave him my card… which felt ridiculous in comparison.

But can we talk about how excited I am? Because I’m STOKED. There is nothing I need more than a little QT with the sun, sand and the love of my life… all while knowing that baby D is having the best time with her grandparents. Did I mention that I’m ecstatic?!

Best. Anniversary. Ever.

—

So… how was your weekend? 😀

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Comments

  1. Adrian says

    May 26, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Sounds like you had a fabulous weekend. I’m so excited for you about your vacation. Way to go Courtny. The french braid is hilarious by the way. Lol!

    Reply
  2. Rach M says

    May 26, 2015 at 11:31 am

    Hey Samantha! I just found your blog after searching for Stitch Fix blogs and now I’m hooked! I don’t know why I like seeing people’s Stitch Fix blogs, but I do! So I got reading yours, read them all and am now plowing through your blog cause I love your writing! I want to come and visit you so you can take me to that awesome looking junk shop in Ohio! Don’t worry, I’m in England so that’s not going to happen lol! Happy anniversary and awesome news on the holiday, sounds awesome! I just thought I’d say hi, here’s another reader and I love your style xXx

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      May 27, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      I love reading Stitch Fix blog reviews too! It’s almost like living vicariously through someone else’s closet. 😉 Thanks for the lovely comments and for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. Kim Pincombe Cole says

    May 26, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    Happy Anniversary!! We didn’t attend the race this year, but it looked like the track packed! Hopefully it’s a trend that will continue, after the few down years we’ve had. Scotty’s is always a great idea (I’m biased though, because I’m close friends with Scott & Amy Wise, the owners). Have a great time in Florida- what a great surprise!!!

    Reply
  4. Leslie says

    May 26, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    So jealous of your beach vacation! He’s definitely a keeper! 😉 Happy Anniversary!

    Reply

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

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#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
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NEW POST: Dear Samantha, We tend to speak to ours NEW POST: Dear Samantha,

We tend to speak to ourselves negatively. But, what can happen when you write nothing but good things to yourself?

I challenge you to do the same. Link in bio. 🤍

#cottentales #lifestyleblog #blogger #bloggerlife #momofgirls #momblogger #travelblogger #selflove #selfcare #lettertomyself #positivevibes #positivity #positiveenergy #loveyourself #motherhood #weightlossjourney #pelotonweightloss
NEW POST: Sunburn I challenged myself to be uncom NEW POST: Sunburn

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Link in bio. 🖤

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Let's help each other grow. 🌿

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #blogger #mhn #selflove #selfcare #identity #30something #travelblog #momofgirls #blog #bloggersofinstagram
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⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

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Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
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R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
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