8.5.12

1. A morning walk for coffee and bagels.

2. My family all came out today to spend time with us on the boat. It was just what the doctor ordered. Lately, my parents have been under a lot of stress as they have been trying to sell their house for the past two years. Today, we didn't talk about money. We didn't talk about work. We didn't talk about the future. We just focused on the moment, enjoyed one another's company, and appreciated the security in a loving, supportive, and connected family.

3. 95 calorie margaritas.

8.4.12

1. An afternoon playing on the water.

2. For the past three years, I have desperately been wanting to learn how to stand up paddle. I'm happy to say that FINALLY, my wish came true. Not only was I able to stand up, but I was able to STAY up.

3. Today, we were coming off the boat (yes, we spend our afternoons on a boat. Rough life. I know.), and Brian being the amazing guy that he is was carrying all of our things, and just as he was about to get onto the dock, his phone slipped. Before we knew it, it had sunk. To the bottom of the ocean. It was a heartbreaking loss as we watched all his photos, texts, and contacts go sinking down. But, Brian handled it like a pro. He simply turned to me and said, "Oh well, it's just a phone. Let's go to Verizon." He didn't panic, he wasn't angry, he was flustered. He was calm, realistic, and poised. I am so appreciative to be sharing my life with a man to can stay a float no matter what is thrown his way.

8.3.12

1. An afternoon shopping at Ikea.

2. An opportunity to cook dinner for my parents. They're always taking me out for wonderful meals, so it was nice to do something for them and enjoy the pleasure of a simple, casual, dinner. Together.

3. Working as a team.

8.2.12

1. A morning walk to Starbucks.

2. Lunch at Taco Asylum--this was one of my FAVORITE new finds. The tacos were creative, delicious, and had the perfect amount of heat.

3. A late night dinner at Pei Wei. Brian and I love trying new restaurants and have fun getting dolled up for an evening out. But sometimes, the best nights are those when we're in shorts, flip flops, and spend under $20. We had the best time and it makes me so appreciative that we can find just as much joy at a casual joint as we do at a five star restaurant.

8.1.12

1. Today, I fell in love. Again. This adorable puppy stole my heart. I would have given anything to bring her home with me, but sadly I had to leave her behind.

2. An afternoon on the couch. Doing. Nothing.

3. Tonight, I got to take Brian on a date. He is always going above and beyond to spoil me, so it was nice to take him out for a change. We went to Roy's for dinner followed by an evening at the Pageant of the Masters. It was a wonderful evening and I'm so thankful to be able to appreciate a truly fantastic meal and the beauty of art.

7.31.12

1. A surprise gift from my love...a gorgeous Kate Spade bangle. Boy, does he know what a girl likes!

2. A new lunch spot discovery. Pita Jungle opened in Newport Beach a couple months ago, and I was all too happy to find a new delicious restaurant, and reasonable too!

3. An afternoon wandering through life. We had no agenda today, and it was so fun to just let the day happen. After lunch, we drove with the top down along the coast and found ourselves on the beach in Laguna. We later ended the day with a fantastic dinner at Cucuina Alessa followed by an evening in the hot tub. Doesn't get much better!

7.30.12

1. Today, I got to spend the afternoon with my best friend of 29 years, Alissa. With both of our busy schedule's, it's hard to get quality time together. But, whether we spend an hour or ten hours together, it's always so much fun to hang out!

2. I felt very overwhelmed today. I don't know why. I have been spending lots of time with family and friends, but sometimes the worries of life makes me overlook all the pleasures. Just when I felt like I was going to break, I took a shower, drank a glass of water, and just sat. I'm appreciative that when things get too stressful, I can get reconnected to my love for life through simplicity, and can do so quickly.

3. Brian came to visit tonight...yay! We've only been apart for 3 days, but considering we have the great fortune to spend each day together, it's been 3 days too many!