Oh Canada!

Our dear friends Andrew & Lindsey are moving to Canada in the morning. Robbie and I were fortunate enough to spend time with them before they leave, but our social circle will be missing a major piece once they hit the road. Unfortunately, we are experienced in saying goodbye to great friends as they take on new adventures, but I am so excited for what lies ahead for them. I'm anxious to hear how Andrew deals with his first snowy winter, or how quickly Lindsey will fall into a normal routine.

{How cute are they?!}

Andrew has been a great friend and bandmate of Robbie's for several years. He is extremely creative, intentional, and thoughtful. Lindsey is wonderfully sweet; she is genuine and caring. She is a dear friend.

A&L - We will miss you, but are excited to come visit you! You'll be sure to let us know the best month to visit, eh?

White House, Black Accents

As time progresses, I'm beginning to notice I am drawn to much simpler design. I am motivated to strip things down and focus on the few items I've decided to keep. Putting this into practice is a whole other post, but I am finding it easier to get rid of items I no longer need.

White decor with black accents seems to compliment this simplicity so much so that my eyes are repeatedly drawn to this style. The stripped down look is so sophisticated and classic. Here are a few of my favorites:

{The small details are so chic!}

{Who wouldn't feel productive in a home office like this?}

{What a cool outdoor space}

What are your favorite color combos? Is there a color you do not dare use?

Thanks to Fox Interiors for the inspiration!

Summer Dreamin'

As the weather continues to warm, I can't help but think of the gorgeous island of Santorini, Greece. It's beautifully white-washed buildings and inviting sea below are drawing me more and more each day.

Who wouldn't want to sit back and watch the wind with a cold drink and greek salad?

What destination are you dreaming of today?

Thank you Theodora for the dreamy pictures!

Santa Cruz - A Graduation Gift

For the last 5 years I have been working with an organization called the Friends of Friends Drive Neighborhood Center. It is sponsored by a local church and serves a small community in south San Jose. They have multiple programs ranging from afterschool homework help, one-on-one college mentorship, to personal mentorships. I actively participate in the personal mentorships and spend every Saturday morning with the high school aged girls. I am so proud when one of my girls reaches the high school graduation milestone.

This year, we celebrated the graduation of Dariela Salazar. She is a young woman who didn’t love school, but loves to bake delicious treats. In honor of her accomplishment, my friends Patty, Sarah, and I took Dariela and some friends to Santa Cruz as a gift for graduating high school.

{Dariela}

Patty found an amazing hotel deal on Groupon.com that landed us right across the street from the beach, the Boardwalk and the wharf. The weather was so beautiful that Dariela and a friend decided to brave the cold Pacific and spent time the water.

{Dariela & Izzy playing in the Pacific}

Somehow I thought it would be a good idea to ride Fireball, but immediately regretted it when I had to head back to the hotel early because of the overwhelming nausea I felt.

{Why would I subject myself to this?!}

Overall, it was fun day.We hung out on the sand, we rode a couple rides, and we even went swimming in the hotel pool.

{Don't you love the colors painting the boardwalk?}

What is your favorite memory from Santa Cruz? Is there any ride you won't ride?

Goodbye Nathalie!

Nathalie is my good friend and mentor. Today is the last day we will be working together. I am very happy for her because she is moving on to an exciting new position, but I am sad for myself. As my mentor, Nathalie has taken extra time to provide insights and suggestions that have helped me be successful in my position. She cares deeply for the people around her, and her laugh brings a smile to the faces of those who hear it. She challenges the people in her life solely on her own motivation and drive.

To send her off, I decided to bake brownies. They were flaky, moist, and delicious! It was a small token of my gratitude and I hope she enjoyed them.

Congratulations Nathalie! I can’t wait to hear the fun stories from of all the new friends you make.

{Nathalie & her brownies}

Happy Anniversary!

Today Robbie and I celebrate our 5^th wedding anniversary! I am so excited to celebrate for multiple reasons:

1. This means I have spent the last 5 years with the most wonderful, humorous, humble man a woman could ask for.
2. We are beginning legitimate marriage, so when someone asks, “How long have you been married?” I can say, “5 years”. Not that the first 5 aren’t legit, because they are, it just feels good.
3. Since it’s a “milestone”, it means that we get to celebrate somewhere special.

When Robbie and I travel, we prefer to go to cool places in the summer and warm places in the winter. It gives a break from our current climate and helps us to really feel like we’re getting away. This year Robbie thought Monterey, CA would be a great place to celebrate each other, and I couldn’t agree more!

We were able to book a great room right in the heart of Canary Row. Some of my favorite features included: the in-room fireplace, the complimentary continental breakfast delivered to our room, our proximity to restaurants, our fabulous view, and the wonderful sound of waves crashing outside our window.

{The view from our hotel window}

Throughout the long weekend, we explored the aquarium, ate delicious food, and barely exercised to compensate for the extra calories. We drove the scenic 17 Mile Drive and were able to visit with a great family friend. Overall, it was a great weekend in which Robbie and I were able to enjoy each other’s company. We didn’t make any concrete plans, so we weren’t rushing to make time commitments or finish work. Instead, we were able to take each day moment by moment.

{A happy turtle at the Monterey Bay Aquarium}

What vacation destinations send you straight into a state of relaxation?

Wanderlust

Wanderlust is a phrase that I have recently been introduced to. I had always assumed it was “wonderlust”. It makes so much more sense to have it read “wander” instead of “wonder”.

Anyway, enough with my ramblings.

Here is what I am currently dreaming about:

Cinque Terre, Italy

Enjoy!

I'm Back!

We all know that I haven’t been writing and I feel no need make excuses as to why. Let’s just keep trekking and leave the past behind us. I’ve decided to re-vamp my blogging style so things may be changing over the next few months. I will need your help, so don’t be shy in providing your opinions.

First up… a name change! My blog’s name is too much of a mouth full and isn’t very catchy. This is where you come in. Can you think of anything that describes a young professional, with a passion for people, and a love for travelling? If so, send them my way!

I would also like to try some “homework” assignments given by my readers. This means if you have a book recommendation, a movie I just “have to see”, or a recipe that will change my life, then let me know! I’ll read it, watch it, or try it and let you know how it goes.

I’m feeling very inspired by the beautiful things and people around me, and I would like to share some of that inspiration with you. I hope you’ll join me on this journey!

P.S. I hope you had a wonderful 4^th, or were at least able to enjoy an extra day off! Also, do you think I should have a sign-off (i.e. XOXO, Bye!, See you soon!, etc.)? Let me know!