Have a Colorful Weekend

Are you doing anything daring this weekend? I'll be (bridal) showering a friend with some love on Saturday, but other than that, not much. You won't find me complaining about a low key weekend, especially because this last week has been a bit hectic. I feel like I say that a lot, but it's true! Repetition won't actually make it anymore true, but isn't it comforting to verbalize how you feel sometimes?

Whatever you're up to, I hope you enjoy yourself!

(Photo: Cubits via QuietLikeHorses)

Alexis Russell Design

Yesterday, Joanna from A Cup of Jo was hosting a giveaway in which one lucky reader would win a pair of Alexis Russell Design rough diamond stud earrings. Of course I entered the giveaway, but also poked around Alexis' website. I love the beauty of her designs. The jewelry is unique, feminine, and raw; I especially love the hand hammered bands on so many of the rings. Here are a few of my favorites...

Clockwise from top left: Red Pear Rose Cut Diamond Stacking Ring / Green Sapphire Stud Earrings / Hammered Rose Gold Stacking Ring / Black Diamond Disc Earrings

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a small village in upper Austria with a population of less than 1,000. Nestled between a lake and a mountain range, visitors are guaranteed breathtaking, panoramic views. Hallstatt is known for the production of salt, and even boasts the world's first salt mine. This salt production helped create a strong economy that has continued to this day. Until recently (i.e. last century) it was only possible to reach Hallstatt via boat or narrow path, and even then the landscape made it difficult to visit Hallstatt regularly. No matter how difficult the logistics of visiting may be, people make it a point to visit throughout the year. The beauty of its landscape is powerful and awe-inspiring. So awe-inspiring, in fact, that a Chinese real-estate firm intends on building a replica of the entire village!

Have you ever visited Hallstatt? Any specific recommendations?
(Photo: Beautiful Places to Visit)

Happy Birthday, Julie!

Julie, Mom, & Me

Today is my sister's birthday. She is an amazingly sweet woman who loves her husband and son dearly. She loves to laugh and I admire her ability to "go with the flow". Happy Birthday Julie, I hope today has been as wonderful as you!

Boot Camp

Just last week, my company began offering a weekly boot camp for employees. It is cost-free for participants and takes place during lunch. I expected the whole experience to be totally lame and extremely embarrassing, but I'm happy to say I was wrong. I mean, it was a little embarrassing running around our parking lot, trying to complete as many burpees as possible without looking completely foolish, but overall I really enjoyed myself.

This week was our second session and I was a LOT less motivated than last week. I pushed through my hesitation and I'm glad I did. I completed more push ups than I thought I would, I lasted through more crunches than I have in a while, and I was able to stretch a little further than I normally can. Even if it was just a little bit, I improved from last week. Heck, I'm even looking forward to feeling the "good" sore tomorrow.

Do you work out regularly? Do you have any tips for staying motivated?
(Photo: Shape)

Have a Restful Weekend

I'm headed out of town for a girls weekend. We'll be nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains and the forecast shows rain on Sunday. I'm excited to spend time with friends and hopefully catch up on some much needed rest (this week was exceptionally busy and took me by surprise).

What are your plans this weekend?
(Photo: Here)

Currently Inspired By...

These dancers.

Their grace and beauty is astounding.

(Photos: one, two, three, four. All via this Pinterst account)

Location, Location, Location.

Do you ever wonder where television shows are filmed? Are all shows taped on a set in LA? Which shows are shot on location? I did a little digging on some of my favorite shows and here is what I found:

Friday Night Lights (a.k.a. the BEST show ever created)

Setting: Dillion, Texas (fictional)
Filmed: On location
Where: Austin and Pflugerville, Texas

Parenthood

Setting: Berkeley, CA and San Francisco Bay Area
Filmed: On set
Where: Southern California

Seinfeld

Setting: New York, NY
Filmed: On set
Where: Los Angeles, CA

Freaks and Geeks

Setting: Chippewa, Michigan (fictional)
Filmed: On set
Where: Los Angeles, CA

House Hunters International

Setting: All over the world
Filmed: All over the world
Where: All over the world!

Do you know where your favorite shows are filmed? Isn't it surprising how realistic certain sets can look?

Camping

Today marks the first day of Spring! Spring is not my favorite season, but it does have some undeniably great qualities. I love fresh blossoming trees, longer days, and how quickly life starts to stir. Since Spring follows a dark, cold, and barren season (one of my favorites though!), people start to come out of their homes at the first sign of sun. Farmer's markets get fuller, bike rides become more common, and fun summer trips begin to be planned. One activity I hope to take part in at least once this Spring/Summer is camping. I love being in nature, sitting around a campfire, and smelling the fresh air around me. For some, camping is not a relaxing vacation, but I am thrilled when I get to sleep in a sleeping bag and tent. It reminds me of my childhood and makes me feel adventurous!

Do you enjoy camping? Are you starting to plan any summer trips?
(Photo: via AWellTraveled Woman)

Paradiso's Italian Delicatessen

Saturday afternoon some friends asked us to join them for lunch at a "small Italian deli" close to downtown. We were more than happy to go along because we were hungry and thought it would be a good opportunity to spend some time with some great friends. Here are some pictures from our visit...

Once you walk in, it looks like you've been transported to 1969; the walls are covered with dated posters and wood paneling, giving it a laid-back, family feel, reinforced by the casual the staff. You can order sandwiches (hot or cold), or you can order hot food (i.e. homemade raviolis, lasagna, eggplant, etc.). The original owner and a kind, older woman (who I assume is his wife) manage the food and cash register. Once you order and pay, you settle into the back room with outdated decor and stovetops from the 1950's era, or the front patio if the weather is nice.

One of the first things I noticed was the stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of a daily routine. If you are in a rush, and need the quickness of a drive through, you may want to skip Paradiso's. The owner was prompt, but he seemed to be working on a singular speed. Saying that, if there was no one in line ahead of us, we probably would have gotten through much quicker. Plus, it's nice to slow down and enjoy the environment every once in a while.

The food was absolutely delicious and everyone was happy with what they ordered. Pricing was more than fair, and is adjustable based on how much food you want to get (i.e. adding sides vs. ordering a la carte). If you're looking for quality, homemade Italian food, I highly recommend checking out Paradiso's.

Paradiso's Italian Delicatessen
791 Auzerais Ave
San Jose, CA 95126

Have you ever eaten at Paradiso's? Do you have a Mom 'N Pop shop eatery you just love? 

(All photos taken for Short Story Long)