Then I Got To Thinking...

Shabby Apple Giveaway

2012-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be hosting this giveaway for a

$50 gift card

to Shabby Apple.

Have you visited their website? They have some great stuff. You can choose any item in their store with your gift card.

Mandatory Entries:

Visit and "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook

"Follow" Then I Got To Thinking through Google Friend Connect

Extra entries:

"Like" Then I Got To Thinking on Facebook (2 entries)

Follow me on twitter: @tracylesher (2 entries)

Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post (5 entries)

Leave a comment saying what you would purchase if you win the gift card!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and please include your email address in at least one of your comments.

*Contestants need to have USA shipping address to be eligible

Here are a few things I have found on their website that I love...

Good Luck!

A winner will be randomly selected on June 7th.

**If you don't win, everyone can use this discount code for 10% off your order:
thenigottothinking10off

Sports Themed Pub Crawl

2012-05-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

I have two very close friends with Birthdays on the same day. Jenny has been my best friend since high school. We've lived hundreds of miles apart, lived in the same town, and now live about 40 minutes from each other... but we've always managed to stay close. We get each other. We have a very close friendship, and I am so lucky to have her. I love her to pieces.

My other friend, Adrianna, is one of my best friends from college. We've been close for years - and this girl is very close to my heart. She's a true friend, and someone I cherish so much. Last year, I spent Memorial Day Weekend with her to celebrate her Birthday.

This year... I stayed close to home to celebrate Jenny and a friend named Brock. We did a pub crawl in Sacramento, starting out at DeVere's Pub in Sacramento (love that place!) It was a game, with rules, trivia, etc... but by the 3rd bar, it just turned into a big mess of scores and a good time. She hung with the crowd, even with everyone buying her drinks. It was very nice to see so many people from high school that I haven't seen in years.

The gang (minus TL) at DeVere's

Jenny and her boyfriend Wil - he planned the whole thing!

My cousin Lo, Natalie, and me.

Blue Team (see wristbands)

Orange Team

Great Girls

Then Jenny got a hold of the face paint

Love them!

TL and Jenny at the last stop!

Jenny riding the BULL!

The Birthday Kids

Me and my BFF... Happy Birthday Jenny!! xoxo

Hope you had a great Memorial Day Weekend.

The Hawk Family

2012-05-24T08:42:00.002-07:00

Since we moved into our house, we've always had a large nest just outside of our balcony in one of the trees. Sometimes birds will come and go - but about 6 months ago (or so), a family of hawks moved in.

A baby hawk was born recently, and it's been interesting to look out the window and see it grow. I think they are pretty cute.

Yesterday, while I was working, I looked out the window and saw the parent hawk fly in with a snake in her mouth!! Yuck - but I am glad she is helping me control the snake population around our house. :)

Mom and dad hawks (I think) watching the nest.

Baby hawk!

Baby hawk watching the nest.

This was taken through the window screen, so it's blurry. This is mama bird feeding the baby the fresh snake she just brought in for lunch.

I'm kind of geeky, but I thought this was so cool.

Happy Thursday!

Concert in the Park

2012-05-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

We had our first concert in the park in our community last Friday... it means summer is making it's debut!!

The concerts in the park are fun. Last year we started going with my group of girls from Bunco, and it's just a time to relax, hang out and chat over some yummy snacks and a few drinks.

It's always fun to see the families out, vendors in their tents, the kids going crazy in the bounce houses and everyone having a good time. It reminds me how lucky I am to get outside and just enjoy!

Part of the spread - cheese, crackers, meats - and brownies

Mega bounce houses... and lots of people!

TL and a couple girls... oh geeze.

Little Avery in her summery tutu

The girls!

The stage... and setting sun.

Our spread!

Already looking forward to the next concert in a couple weeks.

Hope you're having a great week!

Necklace Obsession

2012-05-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Since college, I have had an obsession with big necklaces.

When I was a freshman, I went with a friend I met in the dorms to NYC and we did some serious shopping at a street fairs with inexpensive big, chunky necklaces.

This was one of the first necklaces I bought - it was $9, and it sparked my love.

I remember wearing this thing all the time. I still wear it, and I will keep it forever.

Since then, I have made a habit of collecting unique, colorful, and fun pieces when I see them.

I get asked a lot where I buy them, and the answer is: everywhere!

Most often: street vendors, small stores, brass plum, banana republic, anywhere I see them.

(including my MIL's closest - she's very generous )

{my girlfriends got me this Kate Spade beauty for my bday}

My mom also feeds my obsession - she loves buying fun necklaces when she sees them.

And, I can't talk about jewelry & necklaces with out mentioning my MIL, who has contributed greatly to my collection, and loves big, fun necklaces just as much as I do. (I am wearing her's in this pic)

It's always neat to see all of the fun pieces she's collected over the years.

My newest favorite necklace came from The Red Dress Boutique: {I want one in every color}

Cheers!

What are your fashion obsessions?

Juju's Birthday at The Wine Affaire

2012-05-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

My sister and I started planning her Birthday celebrations more than a month ago. She's got a great group of fun girlfriends, and any excuse to get together with them is always welcome for me. Because she lives in a town more than an hour away, and most of her friends live closer to me, we decided to have the little party at our house.

Because of Mother's Day, a big event was going on in the Town Center. It's called the Art & Wine Affaire, and it was pretty good. Lots of wineries and several local artists and jewelry, furniture, and sculpture artists. It was sunny and hot... so we shade hopped and stopped for a bottle of wine and refreshing drinks inside a cute little cafe right in the center of the action.

I think she had a fun Birthday - I know I had fun celebrating ;)

Happy 28th, Juju - I love you!

I made sure we had plenty of snacks to start out the day... kept us going!

This was half of the exhibits...

Our little break inside at the cafe... lucky we found a table big enough for us all!

Posing in the shade for a group shot

Juju some of her fabulous girlfriends!

It was so hot!!

Girl shot!

Me and my crazy guy.

Matty, Juju, Tim, and me - seriously, these two boys together = trouble!!!

My sister and her man. Love them... perfect fit together!

We parked in area "G". We thought this was hilarious...

Make a wish!!

The day ended with a few games and hanging out on the patio!

It was a beautiful afternoon. I love this girl - and was so happy we got to celebrate her with a few of her close friends. She's such a special person with a big beautiful heart and soul. So lucky to have her as my sister!

Mardi Gras Bunco Madness

2012-05-14T12:44:00.001-07:00

We're fully aware that Mardi Gras happened a while back... but our hostess, Melissa, still thought it would be fun to do a masked Mardi Gras theme for this month's bunco. It was a blast!

The themed drink was hurricanes, and they were quite a hit! We had sandwiches, chips & dip, veggies, and cheese & crackers... not to mention the snacks on the tables.

We played bunco, chatted, and ate until our heart was content.

I love these girls.

I always eat way too much!

Missing Kelly - she showed up a little late!

Festive cake & pretty masks!

Sitting down to eat

The winners!!

The losers ;)

Candid of us chatting.

I love having these girls over for Bunco! Thanks Melissa for hosting :)

Mothers Day.

2012-05-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am not a huge fan of the Hallmark created holidays... but I do like that they remind me each year to recognize my mom and remind her how much she is loved and cherished by her daughters.

I also think about many of my friends who don't have their mom with them to celebrate this holiday... I celebrate your desire to live out the best qualities you learned from yours.

My mom lost her mom at 17, yet I still feel like I know my grandma. My mom tells us about her often, and follows the examples she set.

My mom is truly one of those women who is selfless.

She's always had this way of balancing encouraging and believing in us, and reminding us that we're human and not perfect. She's just a good mom... even now that we're adults - she always makes sure to remind us how proud she is. She's always kind and always there for us.

My mom also has this way of "knowing". I can call her and at hello, she can hear something in my voice if I have had a bad day, am upset, or sad. She knows us well and it seems talking to her always makes me feel better. She's a good listener.

When I think of my mom, I think of the words: gentle, beautiful, love, thoughtful.

Gentle because that's what she is. Gentle with her words and advice. Gentle with others and her approach at understanding them. She's radiates warmth.

Beautiful inside and out. One of the things I will always remember my mom telling us at a very young age is that 'beauty is on the inside'. Whenever we were fretting about what to wear, our hair, comparing ourselves to others... she would remind us about her idea of beauty. My mom is very beautiful on the outside, but I am certain that it's her beautiful heart and soul that attracts others to her and makes her the wonderful mom and friend that she is.

Unconditional love. Always. My mom loves us and supports us even through our mistakes. When I got into middle and high school, my biggest fear was disappointing my parents. It scared me more than anything... probably because she always made sure we knew she would love us no matter what, but she reminded us how much it would hurt her if we made bad decisions that could affect our lives or relationships.

My favorite word to describe my mom is thoughtful. It's just what she is. It's not about material things with her, it's about the thought behind them. She always has been so good at making us feel special. Whether it was her writing a note on our brown lunch bags (she made our lunch every single morning from Kindergarten through senior year of high school), sending thoughtful text messages, or going out of her way to make sure we're always comfortable.

I remember when TL and I returned from our 3 week long honeymoon we came home to a full fridge & clean house. She is always thinking about us.

I could go on and on about my mom... she's a good person.

I know not everyone has a mom like her, and I am thankful everyday that I was picked to be raised by her and my dad.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

I love you!

And... Happy Mother's Day to my sister, my grandma, my MIL, and all of my friends & family members who are moms. You have a very important job!

Me and Mom - Hawaii 2010

Mom and her girls...

TL and my mom - so lucky they have a good relationship

My two favorite people... mom and dad!

Weekend in San Diego

2012-05-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

TL and I love taking little mini vacations... especially to places as beautiful as San Diego. It's been a few years since i've been {since my best friend was in college there} so I was very excited to visit and stay downtown.

We stayed at the US Grant Hotel right near the Gaslamp in downtown. After flying in on Friday morning, we headed to Escondido to visit one of TL's half brothers. We also met our nephew for the first time... he is so adorable! We went out to dinner at Pho Ever - a yummy Vietnamese restaurant - and spent the evening catching up.

Saturday was all about The San Diego Zoo! Have you been there before?! It's pretty cool. We were very impressed. They have so many wonderful exhibits with rare animals. We enjoyed seeing it through a 3 year old's eyes... a very exciting place! For dinner, we drove into downtown to Fred's to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a few margaritas! TL and I also had a drink at The Lincoln Room and The Yard House.

Sunday was spent shopping at Horton's Plaza, exploring La Jolla (we ate breakfast at Il Covo, oh my gosh, so delicious), visiting with family and taking the short drive to Coronado. Small world... while TL was in the bathroom at the famous Coronado Hotel, he ran into one of his long time friends. I know... the bathroom, ironic!

We ended up going to the hotel bar by the beach (beautiful!) and spending a couple hours sipping cocktails. The afternoon turned into evening, and we all ended up back in downtown San Diego at the Karl Strauss Brewery for dinner, then for more drinks and chatting at Quality Social.

Monday, we had breakfast at George's in La Jolla before catching our flight home... it has absolutely gorgeous views, and the food isn't too bad either.

{the little ride they have at the zoo... beautiful views}

Delicious restaurant in La Jolla - I had the french toast, TL had the Denver Omelet... both were so good! It has a beautiful outdoor patio with views of the ocean.

Views from the bar seating...

Such a fun group!

Views from George's restaurant in La Jolla - a gorgeous morning!

It was a great little trip away...

so nice to spend time with family, friends, and each other.

Ryan's 3rd Birthday... John Deere Style

2012-05-02T15:30:00.001-07:00

My nephew, Ryan, is absolutely one of the sweetest little things in the world that can brighten anyone's day no matter what. He has a big heart for only being 3, and his smile & laugh fills me with so much joy. He is such a good boy - what a blessing to see him grow.

My sister threw a John Deere Tractor Party for his 3rd Birthday... it's one of his favorite things (he loves spending lots of time with my dad, who also loves tractors). He also loves bounce houses... and that was the main attraction at his party!

{He came out of the bounce house for cake and a couple pictures, and that's about it} ;)

{what a smile...}

{Cake pops made by Kel's friend Buffy}

{Such a pretty mama... that's baby Adam, Ryan's little brother and her second boy!}

He LOVED the bounce house, couldn't wait to get in!

Before the party got started!

An attempt at the kid picture!

This picture kills me... giving his little brother a chance to blow!

Full of smiles

... and laughs!

LOL - "hi juze" {aka: Zeus}

Big smiles and blowing out the candle!

Some time with pops in the bounce house. {notice pops has a John Deere hat on}

Little Brother, Adam, worn out from the party!

Happy 3rd Birthday to my sweet, sweet boy, Ryan... auntie loves you!

Life Experiences

2012-04-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have moments when I love digging into my past - flipping through old scrapbooks, pulling up pictures on my computer, and rummaging through my big plastic bin of keepsakes from years gone by.

At times, I feel like these moments I'm looking at happened so very long ago... and then as I dust off the mental details of a photo and remember where I was, who I was with, and what we were doing, it feels as though I was just in that moment yesterday.

As I look around the walls of our house, have a staring contest with one of my dogs, or fall to sleep listening to the hum of our ceiling fan... I think about what got me to this place in my life.

I don't open up about everything on this little written journal I call my blog - but sometimes, I wish I would have started it years before I did in 2008. I am that girl who has journals, notebooks, and dairies. It's how I reflect.

For many years - in elementary school, middle school & part of high school... I envisioned myself being older. I pictured myself with long blond hair leaving the mall with shopping bags filling the trunk of my white VW Beetle. While part of that vision has become my reality (I do drive a white beetle) - I never imagined the events that would happen and the people I would meet to build my character through the years of growing older.

When I finally made it to college, I remember something inside of me screaming - 'cherish these moments... stop wishing to grow older. Be present.'. And at that point, I started making a conscious decision to take small moments in. I mean, really take them in.

I lived on my own in college for 2 years - in a tiny studio apartment. I loved being there. Although I wasn't often alone - I remember moments of standing alone, feet buried in the carpet looking at my open computer on my dusty desk, pictures scattered across the wall and feeling amazed at where I was. I remember dancing around Union Square to a street band's saxophone with my new friends that I had met after I make the trek to college not knowing a single person. I took pictures in my mind of those sweet girls in bright dresses, high heels, and boas... and was filled with warmth to know I had made friends in a new place.

I dated that 'wrong for me guy', and at the time of getting my heart broken regretted every memory with him... but looking back - I realized that relationship, and the others I have had, helped build my character. It also gave me a platform to connect with other people and the ability to say "I've been there" when you're talking to a friend going through the same thing. There is something about the chase and getting your heart broken that opens you up, makes you vulnerable, and builds your inner strength.

All of the people I have met - through high school, college, internships, social functions, jobs, communities, events... they all have provided an avenue for me to explore & connect. These memories with them, our conversations, the topics, ideas, and discussions have built my growing file of connections.

I guess what I am getting to, through all of this babble... is that every experience we have - whether big or small, good or bad, insignificant or important... shapes us into who we are.

My mom and I were having one of our long phone conversations last week... we were talking about specific things happening in my life right now that sometimes cause me frustration and hurt. She reminded me that even though our adventures may not always be positive, they give us the opportunity to grow, learn something. It's another avenue to connect with others and we can file these experiences into our growing cabinet of life development and who we are. {Think Bruce Almighty... when he was meeting with "god" ;)}

I guess it's another way of saying you're in charge not of what happens to you, but how you deal with it. I am trying my very best to see everything that happens, good or bad, as just another piece of my own life's cake. And eventually, everything that is happening now has a direct influence on where I will be years from now... and those pictures, keepsakes, and diaries will end up in a plastic bin that I will probably be digging through some day thinking about how they helped lead me to where I will be.

Oh, How Pinteresting...

2012-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Linking up with one of my favorite bloggers, Michelle, at The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting...

I am sharing a couple of my favorite pins from the week.

All of these pins can be found on my boards!

I love this outfit...

Love the contrasts, and the mint pants!

An important thing to remember.

Find me on pinterest here.

Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week!

Tax Day Bunco

2012-04-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Bunco this month fell on Tax Day... our beautiful hostess Trish decided to just go with the theme.

We had a little baggie of fake coins that were handed to us when we walked in. Anytime we needed a drink, to go potty, eat, ect - we had to give Uncle Sam {aka Trish's hubs} money. At the end of the night, there were prizes for two winners... but you didn't know the magic amount to have left in your baggie.

We had delicious cocktails: Bank Statements

I just love these girls... so much great conversation & just a good time!

They were good... well worth the "money" we paid for them!

Delicious homemade mac and cheese for dinner...

Shan, Melissa, Erin, and me

It wasn't a successful night for me ;)

The hostess and her hubs

Group shot!

I always look forward to our Bunco dates... my month isn't until December. I am already plotting themes ;)

Hope you're having a great week - any bunco players out there? What are your themes?

Visiting Minneapolis, MN

2012-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I never imagined the nonprofit I work for would take me across the country... but it did for

The National Service Learning Conference.

What an exciting, powerful, and educational conference. I learned so much about the capabilities and power of our youth. We sat through conferences for much of the day, but at night - my boss, Jen, and I hit the town for a little while to eat dinner and do a little exploring.

We never made it to the Mall of America (cue sad music) but we did make it to the Target in their downtown area... Target is actually headquartered right there in Minneapolis.

We also were able to try three different restaurants for dinner...

Zelo was delicious - Jen treated me to Italian for my Birthday dinner :)

We also went to Key's Cafe, which was cute - a restaurant and bakery.

And the last night, we went to The Local, which is an Irish themed restaurant... fun decor and atmosphere.

We stayed at the Hilton, and the conferences were taking place in the bottom of our Hotel - all the way through to the MN Convention Center.

By the way... my favorite part of Minneapolis? The Skyways. They are all over that city and I think it's brilliant. You can walk across the city in these skyways. I am sure if I were there during the winter months... these things would be even better!

I loved Minneapolis - it's truly a beautiful city. As we flew in, you could see all of the lakes and trees. I think I could live there... but maybe not during their winters ;)

Outside of the Hilton.

We had to enjoy a cold one everyday after a long day of learning ;)

The skyways... they connect all of downtown. So cool!

Oh Target, I love you. I also talked Jen in to buying a pair of Skinny Jeans... she loves 'em!

Jen wanted this vase for her house...

The outside area of "The Local" - loved their downtown area.

Music notes painted on the building, loved this.

"Our World, Our Future"

Inside the convention center where we ate breakfast and lunch and sat in on Planery Sessions - thousands of people attended the conference and it was so cool to be a part of it. I am lucky to work with such a wonderful woman that I got to share this with!

On the flight home, I realized we never got a picture together... maybe next year! :)

Hope you're having a wonderful start to your week!

Amador Wine Tour Last Stop: Wilderotter

2012-04-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

By our last stop, we had tried several wines... but were still up for more :)

Wilderotter is in another beautiful location, backed up to acres of vines. They have a quaint tasting room with all of their wines, and they make an olive oil. After tasting 14 wines... we were all ready for another dose of our picnic lunch, so we brought it along and sat out on their back patio to enjoy!

My guy & my girlfriends...

Me and my Shells

Juju was our 'photographer' as the boys set up the food & bought a bottle of wine.

I am so lucky to have this girl as my sister!

Leaving our last stop... so grateful for him planning out a beautiful day visiting these vineyards!

Little did I know, the next stop after this was a surprise gathering with a few more of my close friends and family :)

Amador Winery Tour 2nd Stop: Terre Rouge

2012-04-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

The next stop on our Birthday Wine Tour through Amador was Terre Rouge.

The first tour through Helwig took more than an hour and we tasted several wines (I believe more than 10), so the next stop needed to include a picnic.

Terre Rouge has a litte bocci ball court and picnic table to spread out. We brought along cheese, crackers, and sandwich rolls. We also bought a bottle of wine inside so we could enjoy the sunshine!

Terre Rouge doesn't have a tour, but we tasted more than 10 wines - many of them by their partner, Easton. Their tasting room is really cute, and I think they were impressed by our mustaches. :)

Casey brought them along, and we all played the part well!

Our picnic lunch

Creepy mustache ladies

Inside the tasting room... yes, we left them on!

The boys playing Bocci Ball, the girls snapping pics

TL and my BIL, Matty

Me and Lady inside

We played a few games of BB, hung out in the sun while eating and drinking, and just had time to chat! It was a beautiful stop.

Amador Winery Tour 1st Stop: Helwig

2012-04-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

I love wine tasting... not just for the wine, but because most often wineries are in beautiful settings & it's a time to relax, unwind, and learn about wine.

The first surprise stop on the Birthday Wine Tour {see this post if you missed it} was at Helwig.

I've tried their wines before (very good) and heard many good things about their location. I was very excited when we pulled up.

TL called ahead and booked a winery and cave (they have caves!) tour for all of us!

Before leaving the house...

My sis and college girls in the limo

The boys...

Helwig: rustic & beautiful

Wine tasting with Case

Where they do their "fermenting"

Lady, me and Shells

Lighting inside the caves...

Our tour guide explaining how they built the caves

Me and my sis, Juju

Gorgeous!

One of my favorite wines from Helwig is The Round Up Red... it's a delicious blend!

If you live in or visit Northern California - don't overlook Amador wineries... especially Helwig :)

Thoughts about my Birthday.

2012-04-10T21:20:00.002-07:00

It's truly amazing how quickly Birthdays come and go as the years pass by us.

I had a really good Birthday this year. The celebration was amazing, and I took a few moments while surrounded by some of my family and friends to just reflect.

I know I talk a lot about TL on this little blog of mine. The obvious reason is because this little written journal I write here is about my life, and he has the leading role in mine. During a few moments I was by myself tucked away as the sun dropped from the sky listening to the chatter and laughter reflecting... I looked at him standing talking to my family I thought to myself,

"how did I get so lucky to marry this guy."

He is always happy to do what he can to make me feel special, especially during my Birthdays. This year, he sent my best girlfriends from college gift cards for SouthWest to fly up to visit me for the weekend. He rented a limo to take us wine tasting, emailed and organized a little surprise gathering with a few of my close girlfriends at my favorite restaurant so we could all celebrate together to end our day wine tasting.

What really struck me, was his thoughtfulness... the little details that he paid so much attention to. In the airline gift cards he sent to my girlfriends, he sent a little note explaining how much they mean to me and why he wanted them to come.

He pre-ordered and picked out the balloons, cupcakes, candles, and my favorite appetizers and planned out how to make it come together. He packed my coat in the limo because he knew I would be cold after the sun went down. He woke up in the morning to make me and the girls coffee.

I'm grateful for the tangible items, but I am mostly thankful for the heart behind them.

On Easter I was grocery shopping with my mom when we ran into him and his firefighting work crew in the meat section. I kept my eyes on him as I walked near him, and when he looked up and saw me, his entire facial expression brightened up and a big smile filled his face and eyes as he held his arms out to hug me. I know it sounds cheesy, but the butterflies in my belly went crazy. We surely aren't a perfect couple, but this guy has a way of getting to me.

I know that bad and unfortunate things in life can happen to anyone at anytime.

My hope this year is this...

I always hear people say "you don't know what you have until it's gone..."

and I want to let whoever the almighty decision maker of our fate know:

I appreciate this man, his beautiful heart and soul, and even his flaws.

I am thankful everyday for my generous and incredible parents, amazing family, and the beautiful women in my life that I am lucky enough to call my friends.

So, as I embark on this next year of my life... I understand that change is inevitable, challenges will fall into my lap, and many new lessons will be learned. But I also begin this new year with a deep gratitude for the people in my life that are constantly building my character, encouraging me, loving me unconditionally, and riding with me through the experiences on this crazy roller coaster of life.

Cheers!

I have about 49372 pictures from the weekend, and I will recap and share all of the details so I can look back and remember.

But for now, here are a few of my faves from the weekend.

These girls have a special place in my heart.

The gang before wine tasting

The cake and present from the girls.

My guy.

It was a beautiful weekend, surely one I will never forget!

Lots of love & thank you for all of the Birthday wishes :)

Matty's 30th Birthday

2012-04-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

My BIL, Matty, turned 30 last week... and this last weekend, my sister threw him a party!

It was such a fun crowd of his friends, we partied late into the night, listened to music, played games, and caught up.

My BIL is a great guy. I always just wanted the best for both of my sisters... and he is definitely a good fit for our family. He is funny, laid back, and he has a big heart! He and TL are a lot alike, too - it's fun to see them interact.

My sister did such a great job with the party - delicious mexican food, cupcakes, and plenty of beer :)

She did a little pirate theme... yaar!

My sister & the Birthday Boy!

When the boys lost the games... they had to do push ups...

& when the girls lost... we had to do wall sits!

My sister and 3 of her good girlfriends :)

Me and my sis... love this girl!

Matty, Adam, TL, and Ray

singing to each other ;)

The Birthday Boy surrounded by his good buddies.

I think Matty had a great 30th... it was definitely a night to remember!

Happy Friday!

Oh How Pinteresting: Travel Edition

2012-04-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've got the travel itch... bad.

Seeing all of the wonderful bloggers living in Europe and other areas of the world doesn't help.

Sometimes, I just browse Pinterest and think of all the beautiful places I want to see!

Linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple!

Greece... stunning!

Pulpit Rock, Norway - stunning!

It's a little dream of mine to stay in one of these bungalows in Tahiti

I love this quote!

Berlin - a destination on my must see list!

Neuschwanstein castle: Bavaria, Germany

All pictures via Pinterest

So many places to see & visit...

What's on your dream list?

Announcing: Sacramento Area Bloggers Meet & Greet!

2012-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

A while back, I participated in a small meet up with a few local bloggers from Sacramento.

It was so great to meet other ladies in the area who are creative, sweet, and love this blogging community as much as I do.

After I posted about it, I had many people reach out to me saying... "I want to go to the next one!"

So I decided to plan another one.

The details:

Date: Saturday, June 2nd, 2012

Time: 11:30am

Location: Sacramento Area

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Event Partner:
Girls On The Grid

Carmel Eats

2012-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

There are a few places in Carmel that we visit almost every time we go. I have had a few people ask me about recommendations, so I thought I would share!

My favorite spot is The Highlands Inn - the views from the glass bar overlooking the ocean are gorgeous, and the service is amazing. You will drive right to it if you take the 1 just past carmel. If you go, ask for Faye or Amy - they are always very sweet! They have lots of great cocktails, including a special mix Amy makes for me when we go. Their calamari is delicious if you need a pre dinner snack to watch the sun go down.

We also have been going to the same restaurant since we first started going together almost 5 years ago... it used be called Bahama Billy's, then it was something else, now it's called Bahama's Island Steakhouse. It's tucked away in the Barn Yard shopping center. I don't go for the steak though, I go for the appetizers!

They have delicious sweet potato fries with a mango chutney sauce that I could eat every day, and their garlic corn bread fills me up so much that I have learned not to order an actual entree. Between these two appetizers and a small salad, I am always good to go!

Cute little shopping area "The Barnyard"

YUM!

We also visit the Baja Cantina if we are in the mood for delicious margaritas and authentic Mexican grub. The cantina is so cute, it has a very homey feel with rustic decor and lots of stuff! Their margaritas and hand made guacamole are definitely worth ordering, and I usually get one of their huge burritos to eat.

There is something really special about the California Coast... it's a gorgeous place - and the cliffs that drop into the ocean are definitely worth seeing.

Best Local Blogger

2012-03-29T19:42:00.005-07:00

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw someone nominated me for the Best Local Blogger in Sacramento.

I am not usually one for competitions, but I thought this was pretty cool :)

I put a link over on the left hand side of my blog - also at the end of this post. If you click it, it will take you to the site to vote.

It just takes a minute, and I would be so happy to have your support!

Thank you... and Happy Friday!!

Whale Watching in Carmel

2012-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

TL, my dad, and I took a trip over to Carmel last weekend.

I love spending time with them, it's always fun to see my two favorite guys together.

They are two peas in a pod - so different, but they compliment each other.

I'm so lucky that they have such a strong relationship.

I love them both so much!

The whales along the central coast were putting on quite a show for us. If you kept your eyes on the horizon, you would see spouts floating up and down across the water. We couldn't believe how many we saw!

Carmel is so beautiful, and I have many great memories with these two guys there!

I was laughing because I couldn't see much through those little binoculars, but they were so close, you could see the spouts with out them. :)

Tail Wagging Tuesday... Instagram Edition

2012-03-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have a serious problem of taking waaay too many pictures of my pups. {at least a thousand}

I just love them to pieces!

Every day they are always so stinking adorable, I have to take a picture.

If you follow me on instagram, you've already met Maximus & Zeus.

They are short haired miniature dachshunds.

{aka: models}

This is a link up with C Mae at Happiness is for her Tail Wagging Tuesday!

Hope you're having a wonderful week so far!