Samson's First Staycation. {One Night at Rumor.}

Last week, my dearest friend, Carina, came for a visit. It was a very busy three days, especially considering I had to work while she was here, but we filled every available moment with all the fun and laughter we could muster. More on the Carina adventures to come, but first things first...

This post is all about our one night at Rumor Hotel.

Do you remember when I told you about my favorite spots in Vegas? Places you can't miss when you visit? Well, it was one of my favorite posts, but since writing it, I've fallen in love with a new place. Rumor Hotel is now where I send all my friends and family to stay when in town. It's a smaller boutique hotel with a Hollywood vibe, a hip style and impeccable service.

My favorite thing about Rumor? They love doggies! Jenner and I have been taking Samson to their biweekly "Yappy Hour" event where we can mingle with other dog owners and their furry friends all while enjoying yappetizer specials and doggy goodie bags. {Oh, and as an added bonus, I can't think of another place that affords the opportunity for Holly Madison to tell you your dog is cute. Thanks, Holly!}

So, when Carina and I started planning her Vegas trip, I was most excited to finally introduce her to her nephew, Samson. On the last night of her trip, we planned a little staycation at my new favorite hotel. Best part of our stay? For only $25 extra, Sammy was able to bunk with us for the night. And let me tell you, my little boy loved it.

I can't say enough good things about our time at Rumor. It really is the perfect place to take your most beloved companion. Not only did he get lots of attention, he was also able to roam freely in the hotel's dog park, relax with his mom in a hammock and even accompany us to breakfast the next morning.

So, the next time you're in Vegas, I urge you to consider staying at Rumor (whether or not you have a pup in tow...) And to Rumor, a BIG thank you for making Samson's first (but certainly not his last) hotel stay a great one. We'll definitely be back and the furry one will be bearing kisses. Beware.

Love, Loss and Humanity.

This photo of a father remembering the son he lost on 9/11 took my breath away this morning.

On a different morning, ten years ago, the world - at least as we know it here in this country - was transformed by tragedy. My father had died just three months before the events that took place on September 11th. What I remember, more than anything, was the grief. The grief I carried in my heart was suddenly shared and reflected in every moment, by all of us. We had all lost a father, or a mother, or an innocence.

Like only the most unbearable of events can, this day instantly split everything into before and after.

Whatever this day meant to you ten years ago, and means to you now in the heartbreak of the after, let the outcome be love. An outpouring of love. We are here such a brief moment. Love the people around you. Love your father, your son, your innocence.

Out of our greatest tragedies, I believe our humanity is often born. Love your humanity today.

A Girl and Her Dog. {A Love Story.}

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France.

I've written several love stories on the blog. The love story between a girl and her waxer. The love story between a special woman and her special gay man. I've even written my own love story.

Today I'm telling a different kind of story, a different kind of love story. The love between a girl and her dog.

If you know me - or have ever read my blog - you know how much I adore my Samson. I had wanted a puppy for what felt like forever and daydreamed about the day I would finally bring my own little furball home. What I hadn't known, however, was how much my love for my dog would transform my heart. From the day he became mine, I started to slow down, to notice the world around me in a different way. I became more patient, more loving, more playful. Bottom line, I'm a better person with this dog by my side. (And Jenner? Don't even get me started... Without a doubt, we have become the world's most ridiculous couple in the way we fawn over our pup and seeing him with our little guy has given me a whole new side to fall in love with.)

Thank you, Sammy, for making my heart feel like it will burst with love and, of course, for only barking once every three weeks. You're a rock star of a dog and I'm so happy you're mine.

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." - Edith Wharton