I spent an entire WEEK in Vegas a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic. Besides missing my kiddos (this was, by far, the longest I’ve ever been away from them), it was a much needed get-away, both for my business and my marriage.

I spent the first part of the week in Vegas for Stella & Dot’s annual conference. It was an inspiring 3 days, along with being lots of fun. The women I was surrounded by were some of the most fun, inspirational, beautiful (inside & out), and fashionable ladies I have ever been around. I learned and laughed so much that by the time Wednesday came around (the last day of the convention) I was already planning for the next conference. 

The second part of the week was a vacation with my husband. This was our first big getaway (more than a weekend in Chicago) since before kids (over 3 years). And it reminded me of the importance of that one-on-one time with your spouse, post-kids. I think it’s easy to get into a routine and plan family-time and vacations, but time, alone, with your spouse is so important. I want my kids to grow up in a family filled with love and one way to help ensure that is to nurture our marriage.

Time alone reminds you of why you fell in love with this person in the first place. The grind of day-to-day family life can take it’s toll on a marriage. For example:

• work
• money
• a 2-year-old boy who screams ALL THE TIME (sorry, probably too specific to my life…but a legitimate stress)
• potty-training stress–or whatever “stage” you happen to be in with kids (teething, learning to crawl/walk, transitioning from 2 naps to 1 or NO naps, the “I know everything” phase, etc)
• sick kids
• band gig schedule (ok, maybe a little too specific to my marriage AGAIN, but you get the point)

These things can start to add up and instead of talking with each other, you just talk “at” one another. I think the first couple of years after having a child are the hardest on a marriage (lack of sleep, new stress you are learning how to deal with, your spouse not being able to read your mind) and time away is essential to re-connecting. I’m so happy we did this and I’m unbelievably excited that we are already planning our 10th anniversary trip next summer!

As I re-read this I just want to say one thing–I was never NOT “in love” with my husband. I have always and will always love him more than anything. It’s just that sometimes I didn’t “like” him so much. I hope that you all can releate…and not judge me too much (remember when I wrote about my problems with that here?). And, yes, he read this before I published it, and has his stamp of approval.

Finaly, one thing I was in Vegas for was the reveal of the new Stella & Dot Fall Collection. Here are some of my favorites that I got to see up-close and personal.

Each collection keeps getting better and better and this was no exception. I can't wait to add to my personal collection!

xo Sara