Packin' up and movin' out...

because...

I will be HERE:

I'll be back soon-ish! ;)



Weekend Recap

To start the weekend off early, we decided to have date night on Thursday at Piola - and it was absolutely wonderful! Sometimes I think he decides we should have date night the night before I leave just to hammer home the idea that I will miss him - and it works EVERY time!

Old Friends

(whose little babies are now practically grown ups! and apparently the only things I took pictures of because they are unbelievably CUTE)

(this is the only group picture I took - I know pathetic - but we were busy playing!)

I know, I know, lots of kid pictures...but did I mention how CUTE they were?!!! :)

Happy Monday! (Thursday for ME!)

Look what the best carpool buddy in the world brought me this morning....mmmm YUMMY - a shake!!

What's in your Weekend Bag?

This should really be "what do I WISH was in my weekend bag" but as mentioned before - a girl can dream alright already. Needless to say my Saturday will be spent by the pool which means I NEED all of these beauties. I have been lusting over #4 since the Resort Collections came out in uh about DECEMBER, and #6 since about ehh March or so :)

 

Weekend Bag by sgrahm featuring tory burch sandals

1. Tory Burch sunglasses, $150

2. Tory Burch jewelry, $145
3. Melissa Odabash Bandeau Swimwear, $180
4. Roberto Cavalli amazingness, $698
5. Laundry by Shelli Segal floppy brim hat, $68
6. Tory Burch sandals, $155
7. Tory Burch logo bag, £137

via pinterest

Yiiippeee :) Happy Thursday, peeps!

Grateful Wednesday

I had a rough start this morning so I thought that this was going to be difficult today (more the reason to do it!) but, as always, God surprises me and is constantly giving (hence one of my "gratefuls" today)

1. Grandmother

I mean who can say that their Grandmother texts you with spiritual, faithful inspiration almost on a daily basis? Yep, this lucky girl can say that! :) She is constant giver - no exaggeration at all. She is loving and faithful, very very faithful. She is my role model and mentor. Grateful is an understatement.

2. Word Among Us

There is this little publication called Word Among Us. They use the daily readings to work up their magic which is a little blurb relating to everyday life. Today's was amazing, and very much needed - here are some favorites -

"Almighty God, the Lord and giver of life, delights in showering his children with gifts. He is so generous that every day he actively looks for ways to bless us."

"Like a waterfall, God’s blessings and grace flow over us whenever we set aside time for private prayer, whenever we fast from self-indul­gence, and whenever we give gener­ously of ourselves. Over time, these gifts change our hearts. Instead of walking gingerly through the day hoping nothing bad happens, we find ourselves walking in confidence and even joy. We find ourselves more convinced that God is with us, always ready to give us a double por­tion of his grace."

"And God is not stingy with his rewards!"

(and as Monsignor would say don't be stingy with yours prayers - pray for others too!)

via Word Among Us - Daily Meditations

3. Faith

I don't even think I need to say anything more than this. It is too massive to right a paragraph about - there are no words to explain it - just gratitude.

"Faith in God includes faith in his timing" - Neal A. Maxwell

via Pinterest

4. Iced Soy Chai

(Iced Soy Chai Tea Latte that is) So after my whole spill about my faith, my Grandmother, and the Word Among Us, I feel a little weird adding this nonsense to the list - but it was definitely something I was grateful for this morning! :)

5. "The Coaches"

Long story short my middle school coaches turned into my best friends. Who then turned into amazing mothers over the course of my high school and college career! :) I get to see the 3 of the 4 girls this weekend. They have been my best friends, have shaped me and formed me into the person I am today. I miss them dearly on on a daily basis. (I, too, can blame them for grateful #4 today)

Here are some oldies but goodies!

Yay! - it's Wednesday which means one day closer to the weekend AND the BEACH! :)

Happy Wednesday (afternoon), Y'all!

Weekend Recap

Thankful

The Water Gardens Friday night

Dessert and Wine for one at Piola Saturday night (more to come on this little adventure)

Counting down until I get to be reunited with these amazing ladies

 (minus Kacey :( But she's in Cali - who can blame her?!)

Brunch, might as well have called it dessert, with my hubby Sunday :)

And the Beach Countdown begins - we will be on this very beach very soon - yippee!

Happy Monday, folks!

This morning I have been listening to my pandora station, Beautiful Girls of course, and it has got me thinking, thinking a lot, sometimes its surreal what we go through on this Earth but at the same time the experiences and people make it all completely worth it all (call it cliche I know). So here is to another beautiful week of life!

Quotes by sgrahm on polyvore.com

Take me out to the ball game...

It was a wonderful evening at the ballpark last night (even though The Rangers played cough, cough HORRIBLE). Nonetheless it was a perfect evening with my mom! :)

(not too shabby - minus the mandatory "ice cream" break - oops!) 

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

(Crossing my fingers that my weekend might result in one of these fancies - doubtful but a girl can dream!)

Please and Thank You!

Want me some :) by sgrahm featuring Clarisonic beauty products

1. Need the curtains and the lamps - please, and thank you! Erin Gates’ South End Home

2. Bookshelves: Totes Amaze Erin Gates’ South End Home
3. no explanation needed - just need them Sam Edelman - Leroy Wedge - Last Call
4. and the obsession with blazers continues...
5. I have heard wonderful things about these - I might need to jump on that gravy train!
6. How about one of these for our outdoor party!

Grateful Wednesday!

Happy Happy Wednesday!

1. My Grandfather

Today marks 25 years of my Grandfather being ordained a deacon. I can't even begin to fully comprehend all the reasons why I am so grateful for him. He has taught me my faith (how does one put that into words) - not just faith but a pure wonderful example of a holy, faithful loving man. He gave me a perfect example of exactly what I wanted in a husband and a father of my children one day. He has shown me how to truly love someone on this earth regardless of anything and everything. He has given me the love of travel, baseball and most importantly family. Obviously, I could go on and on for another page of everything he has taught me and given me - that is why I am so grateful for such an absolutely amazing, faithful, loving grandfather.

2. Lee Lee

Alright so two of my gratefuls this Wednesday are family. It just so happens that it is also my aunt, godmother and a best friend, Lee Lee's birthday today! She is my second mother - you know the one when you get in trouble by your parent that you cry for instead (yeah it was either I want Lee Lee or I want to go to Grandmother and Grandads- I was such a little brat) anywho - Lee Lee - She is an amazing woman - a mother of 5 (6 if you include me, which she usually does) children, faithful, caring and kind...very very kind. I spent many days with her and I am so very grateful to have such a wonderful role model in my life. 

3. Baseball!

Now that I have gotten all the mushy gushy out of my system we can move to, ya know, little things I am grateful for. :) Yay baseball - never, in my many of years spending spring breaks at spring training, would I ever think I would be grateful for baseball - but yep here I am excited to go to my first (so disappointing that it is just now my first) Rangers game of the season tomorrow night. I can't wait! This last spring break I learned how to keep score. I had the best teachers anyone could have - my Grandfather (yeah you already know quite a bit about that amazingness), my Grandmother (who spent many many days watching my Grandfather play, then watching him coach all of their boys as they played ball), and my mom (who also watched many of games). Needless to say I can't wait for tomorrow to get my scorecard out, wear my Rangers hat and hear those sweet words "let's play ball"

4. Movie nights with my Hubby

Last night my husband and I watch Crazy Stupid Love and I must admit I really liked it! I love those nights of just laying in bed watching a happy movie with the pups and being so grateful for everything around you. That was exactly my night last night.

5. My little rascals!  

Speaking of my pups, how about these two little rascals - aren't they the best?!

Can't I just click my heels...

and be back in CA?

I am currently having vacay nostalgia...

Our view from Hotel Shangri-La

I decided to wear my Laguna kicks today (hence the clicking my heels)

Courtesy of a little boho chic shop called Blue Eyed Girl

I just had to have them <3 heartsies <3

Riding the Ferris Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier

and when I click my heels can I please reappear at a

swanky little brunch in Malibu at Geoffreys

 with my darling husband

Now to plan our next trip for the fall...where shall we go?

(eekk - I can hardly wait)

Happy Tuesday, Folks!

Weekend Recap

It is already time for another weekend recap! This weekend flew by...can I have an extra day, pretty please?

 preciousness

 

The chaos that ensues at Grandmother & Grandad's - isn't it loverly - I sure think so!

Allison & Keith's Shower Cake

(*yep, that's right we made an RV cake)

Yummy Blueberry Punch

The sunset on Friday - photo shout out to Amber - HOLLA (this is my blog version of a radio shout out, you know the ones you always wanted to do in middle school for your "BFFs")

And our surprise when we got home from our weekend away - my rose bloomed - somehow my coral rose bush "bloomed" into a yellow rose bush :)

No complaints here - just an absolutely wonderful weekend with family!

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

please do tell - because I could use some pointers.

Rose Bush #1

                                                              

May 26th 



June 7th

Rose Bush #2

May 26th

June 7th

                                           

I see some progress...I hope that's not just in my head! I also see a bloom...it just better not work its magic while I am away.

While I was gallivanting around the yard taking pics:

Someone grilled a tasty little dinner!

 And little yum yum on our way into work this morning! Happy FRIDAY!!!

I'll be back Monday, hopefully with some pics of our dessert creation. Keep your fingers crossed all goes well. Have a fabulous weekend.



Grateful Wednesday

Alright don't judge, yesterday was a busy day, but I had at least started my grateful list...just had to make a few tweaks and add a few pictures before I could post this morning. :) so Voilà - Here ya go.

1. Weekends (so I realized I should just label this desserts) 

I am ready for the weekend. We are having a couples shower for my cousin and her fiance - I have been on the hunt for a dessert... here are a few options:

Here is what we CREATED for the last two showers:

(don't judge us on this one - it was out first attempt at something other than cutout cookies or cupcakes. Though I should add that this was a champagne cupcakes with champagne icing...)

Yep, that's right, we've got some high expectations...

2. Family

I love family gatherings ... I am so excited to spend the weekend with everyone

3. Gardening

Alright, so maybe I wouldn't call it gardening (quite yet) but I am getting there.

here is one of my little plant loves :)

4. Swimming

The other night my husband and I went for a swim. We haven't quite been able to get back into our workout routine but we are getting there. Nonetheless, there is something so peaceful and relaxing about swimming (I know its the best - peaceful, relaxing, AND a workout - SIGN ME UP!).

5. Wonderful Company and Fancy Restaurants
Yesterday evening I meet a old friend for dinner at the Cafe on the Greens and there is something so wonderful about old friends who know you and fancy little restaurants. I am so grateful for people, I know that sounds ridiculous, but honestly - loving, caring, honest people by far make me the happiest person and they also make the dearest friends.


Happy Thursday, friends! That means it's almost the WEEKEND!!