The 2017 Western & Southern Open

Earlier in August, Nick and I made our annual pilgrimage to Cincinnati for The Western and Southern Open.

Western and Southern Open is always a fun event to go to as it is the last tournament before the US Open. We had another great year, despite most of the top ranked men being absent due to injury. Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori, and Milos Raonic were all absent. However, we got to see some great women's players such as Garbine Muguruza, Madison Keys, Joanna Konta, and Simona Halep.

We also love the Western and Southern Open for it's atmosphere. It features local Cincinnati food and treats, along with stadium favorites. You can move through out the grounds and watch matches going on at the smaller courts as well as Center Court. I also love the shopping! I got some Bandi headbands this year.

We were excited to see players such a Nick Krygios, Juan Martin Del Potro, Jamie Murray, and Rafael Nadal.

This was the first year that we went to Champion Sunday. We saw Krygois take on Gregor Dimitrov and Garbine Muguruza demolish Simona Halep.

Our friends Mark and Danica were our gracious hosts for the third year in the row. This year we explored Newport, Kentucky with them, and enjoyed some Nashville Hot! So yummy!

Happy Monday! The US Open starts today!

Visiting Zermatt

Zermatt can be found in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais. Located in Southern Switzerland, it's home to the famed Matterhorn mountain. Our trip around Switzerland in May took us to this amazing town.

To prevent air pollution, which could obscure the town's view of the Matterhorn, the entire town is combustion-engine, car-free zone. Because of this, we, like most visitors, reached Zermatt by cog railway train from the the nearby town of Tasch.

Almost all the vehicles in Zermatt are battery powered and almost completely silent. Electric vehicles are allowed for local commerce. Zermatt also boasts a helipad for the import of needed goods.

Although the main draw of visiting Zermatt are the breath taking views of the Matterhorn, the town also features centuries old homes, shops, restaurants, and a gave yard dedicated to those who have tried to reach the Matterhorn's summit.

The peak of the Matterhorn is only reachable on foot, visitors make their way up the Klein Matterhorn. Near the southern end of Zermatt, the Matterhorn Express gondola transports passengers up to the interchange station at Furi. From there, there is access to the Schwarzsee gondola which leads to Trockener Steg midstation, and the on to the Klein Matterhorn.

Once you reach the top of the of the Klein Matterhorn, you can enjoy the views from 12,500 feet, explore the ice cave, enjoy some authentic Swiss hot chocolate, or partake in a snow activity such as snow tubing.

Zermatt was an overwhelming experience. The town was so quiet and quaint, it was like it wasn't real. It was fairy tale like. I never wanted it to end!

Once I got home I was approached Modern Map Art and knew I needed Zermatt! Modern Map Art allows you to create your own one-of-a-kind map art. You can make posters, iPhone cases, pillows, and they offer art prints for sale. I was excited when my map of the ski trails and gondolas. Can't wait to pick a special spot for this and get it up on my wall!

July Reads

Due to work and adulting, I usually only get through one book a month. However, when my husband gifted me with a Kindle at the beginning of July for my birthday my reading really ramped up!

Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf // 4 out of 5 Stars

I've enjoyed this author in the past, and although this book wasn't as thought provoking as her others I still found it a very enjoyable mystery to read. We follow main character Sarah Quinlin as she visits her husband's hometown and unravels the secrets of his family's past. She learns that her husband has a few secrets of his own - including that he was once the main suspect in his mother's murder.

After Wimbledon by Jennifer Gilby Roberts // 3 out of 5 Stars

I love tennis and chick lit so this book was an ace for me. We follow British tennis star Lucy Bennett as she contemplates retirement while navigates a tricky love triangle with the No 1 and No 2 ranked men's players. There is a lot of tennis jargon in this one, so if you aren't a tennis fan, I'd say skip it. As a tennis fan I loved it, and the writing was easy and feel good. I look forward to reading more selections from this author.

The Woman in Cabin Ten by Ruth Ware // 4 out of 5 Stars

Journalist Lo Blacklock lands a dream assignment - a week on a luxury yacht with a handful of cabin in exchange for a write up in her travel magazine. One night Lo witness what she believes is a body being thrown overboard. Did it really happen or is she just seeing things? This book had a great cast of characters that kept you guessing at every turn. I was really happy this wasn't a hard to follow mystery. I was able to enjoy every surprise as it came!

Romancing the Throne by Nadine Jolie Courtney // 2 out of 5 Stars

I love my Royal Reads, and honestly this book probably deserved more than 2 out of 5 stars, but I was comparing it to The Royal We and The Heir and the Spare which I liked better. This really is a must read for anyone who loves the The Royals and royal fiction. It's not only a story of two sisters who happen to fall for the same prince, but about two young ladies finding out who they are and who they want to be. This book should be found in the YA section.

What have you been reading?