The Galvans

Favorite treat once a week

2012-05-01T09:33:00.001-07:00

Frozen yogurt is one of the best things ever. Nick and I treat ourselves once a week to "froyo." We love going to Yogurt Time, it's self serve which is always fun, and you can choose from their millions of toppings making each yogurt your very own creation. I always go for vanilla, but change the toppings here and there. My weekends would not be complete without my froyo!

Food for the soul

2012-04-13T13:01:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was cold and rainy. I was home cleaning and decided to make a delicious, warm, rainy day dinner. I looked through the pantry and came up with black bean, lentil soup. Sometimes when I make a bean soup It turns out on the thicker side, not so soupy... I could have added more water but decided not to. Instead, I cooked some polenta, chopped tomatoes and avocado, and poured it on top of the beans and lentils. And of course I added a little sour cream, and a corn tortilla for dipping. Yum! It turned out perfect. I love making up my own recipes, I always have a vision of what I'm trying to make, but it usually turns out slightly different in the end. At least I can say most of my concoctions have been very tasty!

Mushroom Market

2012-04-12T09:22:00.002-07:00

Who knew that there are hundreds of different types of mushrooms?! I love mushrooms and walking around a market area I spotted these unique mushrooms and captured their beauty. They almost look fake to me, that's how pretty they are. Next time we go back to the market I will make sure to bring some home to try.

Friends and the city

2012-04-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

I love that San Francisco is just a hop, skip and jump away. Nick and I met our friends who were visiting from Southern California. We had lunch at Gott's Roadside, then walked around the market to search for a cup of tea. The day was perfect. Nick and I agreed that we need to go to the city more often, it's fun to get away for the day and what better place to go than SF.

Produce galore

2012-03-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

My dad works with produce, so the last couple of weeks he has brought me boxes of delicious fruits and vegetables. The one thing I have noticed is how flavorful it is, and I am pretty sure it's because everything is organic. Normally I only buy organic bananas. I have to have organic bananas because they taste so much better than non-organic. Little did I know, so does everything else! The apples, oranges, tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus, you name it... Organic fruits and veggies have so much flavor. I am pretty surprised at the difference. I know eating organic is better for you, but it's not always the most reasonable to buy. For me, now tasting the big difference, and knowing how much better organic produce is for you, I will not hesitate to spend a few extra dollars next time I go shopping. Next time you go to the store, pick up one organic banana and one non-organic banana. Compare the two and let me know what you think. Is there a difference? Or am I just crazy?! :)

Window of love

2012-03-23T14:33:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite views is from a window in our laundry room. Looking out of this window reminds me everyday how lucky I am. I love where we live, I love that it feels like I live on a mini farm and I love the pictures hanging from one side to the other. To me, it's picture perfect.

Our mini farm is only missing a few things, farm animals! I would love to live on a farm with a lot of animals, even though I would need all the help I could get, because I wouldn't have a clue what to do except give them a perfect home. I'm lucky enough to have the occasional deer grazing on the grass around our house. I love when they come to eat. I have tried to feed them carrots, I can get pretty close to them, but they don't eat them. Maybe I'm confusing deer for reindeer?! Then of course we have raccoons and all of the neighborhood cats who visit daily. The cats have me figured out, they know I'm an animal lover and if they are ever in the mood for a mid-afternoon snack, they are guaranteed to find food here. I leave cat food out for my two cats, but our large bag of food seems to go a lot faster since we have moved here. I'm glad I can feed the neighborhood. The more animals the better!

CornerStone Sonoma

2012-03-20T12:37:00.001-07:00

A good friend of mine told me about a place where you can wine taste, enjoy art, grab lunch and walk around the grounds. Nick and I went and checked it out this last weekend. The wine was great, the grounds were fascinating, and it's a perfect place for adults and kids. My friend and her 10 year old daughter met us there, we all enjoyed watching her daughter play and run off some energy. Nick and I only made it to one of the tasting rooms, so we are looking forward to going back to enjoy more art and taste the wine we didn't get to try.

running through the windmills

Yarn balls

One of my favorites. They twinkled in the sun, so pretty!

Tired panda

Garden of kale

2012-03-15T20:13:00.001-07:00

A couple months ago I planted five kale plants in my yard (this is the only vegetable I have planted so far). I cannot believe how much they have grown, they are beautiful! It's amazing how kale can tolerate hot and cold temperatures. This is the perfect vegetable for me to grow, it's low maintenance, one plant provides so many leaves and it hasn't died on me.
I love kale, not only is it good for you but it tastes good too. Since my kale has been such a success, I am looking forward to planting more vegetables. How perfect and convenient to walk right outside your front door and hand pick your dinner, I can't wait!

Rainy day necessities

2012-03-14T12:43:00.003-07:00

I love being home on a rainy day. It's never fun to be out driving in traffic or walking to and from your car dealing with a wet umbrella. My perfect rainy day (like today), is leaving work early, and being home! Nothing is better than being home when it's wet outside...

We all know that when you go outside in the rain you make sure you have at least one of the following, rain boots, an umbrella, a rain coat, a poncho, or yellow rain pants (you can never be too prepared).

Well, same goes for being inside when you're home getting comfy and cozy. I make sure to have my favorite socks on, my softest blanket around me, a good book to keep me company, many cups of tea, a fire, and of course Annie.

There you have it. Try out my perfect rainy day recipe, and see for yourself why I love being home on a rainy day.

Lunch in the park with Grams

2012-03-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

My Grandma and I wanted to enjoy one of the last days of sunshine before all the rain comes. We decided to grab sandwiches, our dogs and head to a local park to soak up some sun. I love hanging out with my Gma, she's the best and I am so lucky she only lives 5 minutes away form me.

We had a great time at the park with the dogs, I look forward to our next picnic together!

Happy 8 months!!

2012-03-09T10:22:00.001-08:00

It's that time of month again! Nick and I have been married for a whole eight months. Yay! We are now on a four month countdown until our one year. It really is crazy how fast time flies. Marriage is amazing and I am loving every minute of it. I know, I know... it has only been eight months, but I am still loving it!

Take me out to the ball game

2012-03-08T22:22:00.002-08:00

Pre-season is upon us and Nick and I can hardly wait to go to a Giants game. We love taking the ferry over to San Francisco because, you don't have to deal with parking in the city, you can enjoy the views from the boat, you have the option to sit outside in the sun with the wind blowing against your face and enjoy a beer if you choose. It makes for a day of fun. Nick and I prefer sitting in the bleacher section, it's a perfect view, the tickets are always reasonably priced and you sit pretty close to the field. Day games are my favorite because they are usually warmer and after the game you have the rest of the day to explore SF.
Baseball season can't start soon enough, go Giants!!

Our visit to Cooperstown this last summer...

A new rack

2012-03-07T22:36:00.002-08:00

I love scarfs. I love them in every shape, size, texture and color. I hate to admit it but, I haven't given my scarfs the best life in the past. Most of them were living in the bottom of my closet. Some getting stepped on if sticking out too much, others tucked away in a corner collecting dust and wrinkles as if they were aging, and the rest of them not getting any attention from me due to other clothes overshadowing them. So, as of yesterday I have put my foot down, this is all coming to an end...
My scarfs have a new rack, a new home and a new place to shine. Not only is my new rack cute, it was very reasonable and you would never guess where I bought it... Big Lots! Yes, I am a bargain shopper so I shop at Big Lots here and there. My last visit I discovered the Jessica McClintock section. Who knew Big Lots sold Jessica McClintock? I didn't! I wanted to buy everything, her line has so many cute things. I want to go back asap!
Although the online store doesn't show off her best items, take a look here. You never know what you might find.
Happy bargain hunting!

Baby proof

2012-03-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what it would be like having a baby, but after sleepless nights getting up with Annie (my dog) I feel like she has prepared me and given me a better idea of what motherhood might entail.

Annie has slept in a crate since she was a puppy. She loves her crate. We have to lock her crate because she used to wake up in the middle of the night and have 'accidents' on our floor.

Last night Annie was thirsty right before bedtime. Well, we know what that means... in about four hours she will probably need to wake up to go outside. And that she did, not once but four times last night. She scratches on her crate until I wake up to let her out. I let her out four times about every half hour. Once to go potty, the other three times I followed her as she walked around the house and finally plopped down in her bed in the living room. She can't stay in there because it's the middle of the night, so I picked her up and put her back in her crate. Like I said she did this three more times. She has never wanted out of her crate just because. Usually she has a reason, needs to go to the bathroom or needs water.

I felt bad, poor baby girl. I think she is just restless. This morning when Nick's alarm went off she started crying right away to get out again. Nick was so sweet, he took her outside then brought her bed in from the living room that she was so persistent to lay on. Annie has been sleeping soundly all morning after our restless night.

I love my sleep, I love a good 9-10 hours of sleep. I am such a grump when I have to wake up in the middle of the night. I really do not know how I am going to do it if and when Nick and I have kids. I'm going to cherish my sleep now as much as a can.

A walk is definitely in store for the little girl today. I may have been a grump last night, but waking up to her little face in the morning makes my sleepless night worth it.

Addicted to tea

2012-03-05T23:50:00.000-08:00

Since my body is so sensitive to caffeine (even decaf coffee) I have turned to tea. Herbal tea that is! I drink so much tea it's crazy. My tea routine is, chamomile in the morning on an empty stomach, peppermint tea after breakfast and before lunch, more chamomile after work, and a sweet flavored tea after dinner. I just can't get enough!
It slowly wakes my body up each morning (which I hear is good) it soothes my stomach after meals, and satisfies my sweet tooth after dinner.
If you are a coffee lover, try being a tea lover for just a day. You might be surprised how wonderful it makes you feel, especially on a cold day.

Envolve wine party

2012-03-04T21:05:00.001-08:00

On Saturday Nick, my mom and I went to the Envolve wine club party to support our wine making friends, Danny Fay, Mike Benziger and Ben Flajnik. One of the winemakers is Nick's roommate from college, so for Nick it was a college reunion having seen a lot of old friends, and for my mom and I it was enjoying great wine (we love their pinot) delicious food, and making new friends. The event was held at a beautiful barn in Sonoma. The view of rolling vineyards was breathtaking. The sun set captured the vineyards and the barn at it's finest.
We had a great time and look forward to the next Envolve wine party.
Cheers!

Cal Poly roommates

My mom, Capmbell, and Ben (The bachelor)

Evolve Cabernet

Tomato plant

Mug shot "pretend like we are in jail"

Rolling vineyards

Enjoying sunshine

Table centerpieces

My one and only!

Join their wine club and attend the parties with us!
Check out their wine club here

Dinner with Martha Stewart

2012-03-02T00:09:00.000-08:00

Okay, maybe not really Martha Stewart, but close!

My sister in law, Gwen is so talented. She can make just about anything from crafts, jewelry, food, even delicious presentable deserts. My brother and his wife had my family over for dinner this evening. They had a spinach salad, salmon, wild rice with mushrooms, and homemade bread (of course it was homemade). After dinner we indulged in desert. YUM! Two different tarts to choose from (of course I had to try both) one was a whip cream/mascarpone filling, and the other had a custard filling. And again it was homemade, even down to the crust.

Gwen makes all of us ladies look bad. She is so talented I can hardly stand it. My brother is one lucky guy!

Salmon marinated (overnight) in brown sugar and tamari sauce

Custard fruit tart

Mascara 101

2012-02-29T23:10:00.001-08:00

Ladies (or gents)!
I need your opinions, advice, and suggestions. I have yet to find the perfect mascara, and I'm determined to do so.
I have tried expensive and inexpensive brands, I just can't seem to find 'the one.'
My last mascara mistake was buying a 24 hour mascara. Who wants their mascara on for 24 hours? I don't... I didn't realize what I had bought until I got home. Of course I still tested it out, and sure enough I was wearing mascara for 24 hours (at least it does what it says). The next day not only did I still have mascara on my lashes, I also had it in my eyes, and (black flakes) on my face. I tried to wash it off that night and the next morning, but it was on there for good. A good 24 hours!
Since using it my lashes look shorter and feel really brittle...
This my friends is why I need your mascara input. I hope someday soon my lashes will meet their perfect matchscara.

DIY Chalkboard

2012-02-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

I will be the first to admit, I am not very crafty. But if I can make this, so can you!

Go to your local thrift shop to purchase a glass framed picture (you can do this on a mirror too). Your picture can be big or small depending on what size you would like your chalkboard.

My precious little picture

Notice the money I saved by going to a thrift shop...

Then you will need to purchase some chalkboard paint. I prefer spray painting over paint brushing it on.
I applied three coats (allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next layer) just to make sure I ended up with a nice thick chalky finish.

Lay it out to dry

My finished masterpiece!
So fun to have around the house for grocery lists, reminders, love notes, or for your kids to draw on!

Camera Happy

2012-02-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend we dedicated our Sunday to my new camera. I still have a lot to learn about this new member to our family, and yesterday was a perfect February day to be outside getting to know each other a little better.
Nick, Annie and I headed north into the Dry Creek and Alexander Valley area. Right now (being a new camera owner) I am very camera snappy happy. Everything pretty (which is almost everything I see) I snap a picture of. I see so much beauty through my little lens, I can't help but capture it.
I won't bore you with the 100's of pictures I took, but I will bore you with a few... Enjoy!

Baby Nikon

Dry Creek

Wine barrels

Mustard in the vineyards

Happy girl

Precious

Spring has sprung!

2012-02-24T14:50:00.001-08:00

Though not officially spring, this weather has everyone fooled! The trees are blossoming, birds are chirping, sun is shinning, and most of all the clothes. There are so many fabulous finds in the stores right now. It's that time of year to hit your favorite retail stores (find the best deals) and purchase some new sundresses, shorts, tops, glasses, and a new bathing suit. Sounds like my kind of day. Let's go shopping!

Love this Buttoned dress for spring. You can dress it up with a pair of heels for an evening look, or dress it down with a casual pair of sandals. Loving the color too!

Simple, comfortable, wear any top with, denim shorts. You can't beat the price!

I can't stay away from bright colors. This tote would be great for the beach, or if you wanted to brighten up your outfit. Love it!

This tunic is perfect with shorts or leggings (you can purchase this in orange too).

This is just the beginning of my spring shopping. More clothes to come...

Before, during and after.

2012-02-22T11:30:00.002-08:00

The days I work are actually very peaceful...
I drive over hills, through fog, and trees. I'm usually one of the only cars on the road, everything around me is very still. With all the tall trees and hills, sometimes I pretend I'm on my way to Tahoe instead of work. Wishful thinking!
When I get to work after my relaxing 15 minute drive, I walk into a spa filled with clients lounging, wearing robes, spa slippers, smiles, and sipping on hot tea. Every client is happy to see me, they know I am going to make their day even better. The second I step into my esthetician room, the spa music hits me as if there is someone rubbing my shoulders and telling me to relax even more. I've entered my sacred serenity. By this time I am ready to take on any client. If someone is having a bad day, or stressed out, my goal is to have them leave the spa feeling fabulous, and forgetting they were having a bad day to begin with. My spa energy is so important. I know I might sound loopy but really, if I'm stressed and tense, my client is going to feel that energy from me. A great spa treatment will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and happy!
I hope everyone finds a way to relax themselves before work, during and after. It's so important. I am very grateful for my drive to work, even if it isn't Tahoe.

My drive to work

Rose petal facial

Dry lips?

2012-02-21T17:39:00.001-08:00

One of the easiest ways to get rid of dry lips is by using your handy dandy toothbrush! I run my toothbrush (in a circular motion) gently over my lips at night when I'm done brushing. This mini lip treatment will have your lips feeling slightly tingly, smoother than ever, and ready to apply your favorite moisturizing lip balm. You will not believe how smooth your lips feel the next day. This takes 30 seconds, so treat your lips tonight with some tender lovin' care!

A Wine-Filled Weekend

2012-02-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the perfect day to pack up some cheese and crackers, hop in the car with a couple of good friends, (Annie joined us too) and set free out on the country roads to taste some local wine. One thing I love about wine tasting is every winery is so unique. Each one has its own style, view, personalities behind the bar, and of course wine. Every wine you taste has a flavor of its own so you are bound to fall in love with one by the end of the day. In fact, the last winery we visited Nick and I did just that. We fell in love with their wine, and joined their wine club. It's the first wine club we have joined and couldn't be more excited to receive their shipments of wine (3 bottles 4 times a year). They also have wine club member parties. The winery brings in a local restaurants to cater and serve food for the members. Enjoying wine that compliments the food, what could be better? We're in!

Having a picnic on the porch at Wilson Winery

Handsome hubs

Look at all the mustard in the background

Our new wine club

Kelly and me

Pure silliness

Miss. Annie found the opportunity to sneak in a sip

My blind baby girl

Chris showing Annie the farm animals

So sweet

Want to smell my wine?

We call this the "squirrel"

Breadsticks to cleanse your palate

Corks in a basket

Hay there!

Friends, family and food.

2012-02-18T23:57:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like great wine, delicious food, and the company of some of your favorite people. My mom had a dinner party this evening, the food she serves never disappoints. I am very lucky to have most of my family live no more than 20 minutes from me. My mom only living 10 miles away, I get to see her whenever I want. I am one lucky gal!

Tonight was a perfect Saturday evening, going to bed full of food and love.

Fresh bread

Olive oil with crushed garlic

Ceasar salad

Mmmm, delish!

Lemon bread pudding. To die for!!

Nightcap