Drink it in...

"Mmm. San Diego. Drink it in, it always goes down smooth." -Ron Burgundy 

*From personal experience I can tell you the food always goes down smooth too!*

Happy to be in sunny SD, and at this point still blissfully hopefull I'd get a visit to Sea World in. Whaaaaaaaaaaaa? It is dorky to LOVE orcas and otters? Shut the front door.

This past weekend I flew down to San Diego and let me tell you, the land of sun, beaches, Ron Burgundy and Shamu did not disappoint.

Of course I had tons of fun, wore great outfits (if I do say so myself) and soaked up a lot of much needed sun and zzzs... but what made me laugh most was the trip down memory lane via my iPhone once I returned.

All I snapped on that little device (which I never talk on) was FOOD! (oh, and a small break where I tried to capture some sun soaking)!

I plan to do an outfit post soon with some of my fav ways to pack lightly and still look great (I usually take short weekend or business trips and try to only ever carry one bag and have gotten super pro at it - note if you are a loyal reader my Cabo posts do NOT fall into this category! Plus, I can't pack and NOT think of my dad telling us our whole lives "you packed it, you carry it"...) but had to laugh share how well San Diego kept me fed all weekend long!

Yummmmmm! Can you tell I LOVE hot chocolate? And yes that bottoms pancake is so big it had whole bananas sliced lengthwise across it! Hash House a Go Go is def somewhere you should try for breakfast when in SD next, also, that gnocchi from Little Italy rocked my world! Not pictured are the 5-7 street tacos I ate from what was probably the best taco "truck" ever, a big bag my fav cherry gummies that get me through most flights (am I the only 27 year old child who get SO antsy on planes?!?!), and some wonderful key lime pie and strawberry cheesecake I woofed down one night at my hotel... YES, TWO desserts ONE night! Is it any wonder the Englishman calls me Fatty McFatterson?

*the beach picture and hotel shot are from the patio of the GORGEOUS Hotel Del Coronado... what I wouldn't do to be out sitting on that patio in the sun lounging... sitting at work with a massive cold looking out the window at some dreary weather is so not as amaze!

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Spring Training

A few weekends ago the Englishman and I were SO beyond excited to take off for the weekend and head to sunny, warm Scottsdale for Spring Training. I love, adore, obsess over and go gaga for the Giants - and when you pair them with a little get away and some sunny skies - I couldn't be any happier.

We hopped on a Friday early evening flight after work and headed for AZ!

Of course my new and coordinating Longchamp bag - it is a rainbow keyboard what's not to LOVE? - and awesomeballs necklace made their wearing debuts on the plane with us! (Future note to self: the Englishman gets frustrated when I wear too many layers, belts, necklaces, socks, boots etc that have to be taken on and off at security)

After our flight got delayed more times than I could be patient for we finally made it to the W in Scottsdale. Unfortunately, we were so late we missed our dinner reservations. A quick stop at the concierge desk and we had a recommendation to try The House.  The restaurant was gorgeous. The patio was gorgeous. The evening was gorgeous... and just perfect  for sitting out on that patio and the service was impeccable.

The next morning, after our great luck with the W's concierges suggestion we tried their breakfast recommendation... Breakfast club. I had the sweetest hot chocolate (my teeth ache just thinking about it) but an amazing chocolate chip waffle with strawberries. Unfortunately, while sitting at the counter eating my flip flop just fell off. When I went to slip it back on I noticed the thong part had completely broken and was not even wearable! We had to walk back to the hotel and change shoes before venturing on to the stadium!

 

Once my flip flop crisis had been averted we were finally on our way to the game! We got to see the Chicago Cubs (and Nate!) play my lovey Giants and had some of the best seats in the park. The weather was almost too warm, sunny sunny and I was in heaven! 

Look at the sky! It sure was such an absolutely gorgeous day to be sitting watching some baseball with my love!

After the game was over we decided to walk back to our hotel and see if anything on the way looked good for a little snack... as luck would have it we found the best Mexican joint and I may have eaten my body weight in their ridiculously amazing salsa and crazy good tacos. Umm potato and cheese taco I still dream of you!

After our game and taco fest we ran back to the hotel so I could change and meet up with my favorite friend Alisse and her darling daughter and husband. I do not know HOW in the world I have never met her sweet, funny, smart, adorable, hilarious little girl thus far but I was so excited to see Alisse (hello, do you know I haven't seen you since my wedding? Mat 2008!!!) and to meet amazing little Lucy. And let me tell you Lucy did. not. disappoint. We went to the Sprinkles across from my hotel (Alisse you know me too well) and I was so impressed with how polite, smart and charming Lucy is. I adore my own little Gwen to the moon and back,  and of course she is my favorito but if there was ever a close second... Lucy would be it.

Also, my Alisse friend is pregnant with what I am sure is the cutest baby boy to be ever and I was so excited to see her cute tummy (how do you make being pregnant look so great?!?!) and get to enjoy some cupcakes and laughs with them. Now, you three must come visit me. Please!?!?!?!

The Englishman and I then went to a restaurant called Cowboy Ciao and it was awful. Awfully poor service, not amazing food, and just a really barfy experience overall. Except for the company of course! Look at that hunk!

Our golf cart driver (yes, in Scottsdale we took golf carts from our hotel to everywhere... they just drive on the streets it is so silly) had suggested a place for the Englishman to get a drink after dinner. They had chatted in the golf cart about Napa and SF Speakeasys and the like so after our disappointing dinner we walked a few blocks to try her suggestion. Now we were three for three on Scottsdale natives suggestions! If only I hadn't tried to be so smart and use yelp we would have had only great food experiences!

It was freezing in the bar... who knows why I look so sweaty and awful. But this pic still makes me swoon!

The next morning we got up had some massages at the W and then ventured to a breakfast bar/spot we had seen walking the day before. They made amazing smoothies and one of the best bagel sandos ever!

Then it was onto see the Diamondbacks playing the Giants! Ok, ok and another quick stop for more tacos at the place from the day before again because they were SO good. And then unfortunately, we had to run to the airport and rush and rush to only get delayed again going home!

Coke, baseball, sun. Happy B.

Hi Boch. You're a doll!

Thanks again Scottsdale! Now onto baseball seasoooooooooooooooooooooon! Yay!

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Happiest Place on Earth

I have so many "happy places"...

• hanging with Gwen
• hanging with the Englishman
• sitting anywhere reading a dessert menu
• the shoe department at Neimans/Nordstrom
• any and every cupcake store
• reading in a hammock/lounge chair/pool deck on a sunny day
• at brunch
• sitting in the shower with the water as hot as possible for as long as possible
• Lululemon

... you get the picture. If there is food, clothes, shoes, sun or one of my G funk lovers around I am pretty darn smiley. I also secretly (and this is an unchic confession) love Disneyland, the original happiest place on earth. I have been to Disneyland more times than I can count, DisneyWorld a few times, and even EuroDisney. And I love it. All of it. Walt and I are for sure secret soulmates. I mean people, there is a castle, rides, sugary treats, and people in animal costumes... what is NOT to like?

Gwen has been to Disneyland many times and has been tall enough for all of the rides for almost a year now. She loves Disneyland almost as much as I do and is finally old enough for me to make stay at the park from dawn till dusk and do ALL of the things as MANY times as possible. She is well rewarded in stuffed animals and over priced mouse ear head ware for her willingness to stay long past her bedtime.

A couple of weekends ago I decided that I had been super busy lately, and not spent as much time with Gwen as I'd like. Saddest. Also, I heard a very nasty rumor that both shocked and offended my sensibilities. If I said to you that the Englishman had NEVER been to Disneyland (of any form or locale) in his life wouldn't you just die? Like a choking, spluttering, clawing at your face in shock and disbelief kind long drawn Academy Award winning slow, dramatic death? In that case, I won't say that he has never been (no need to die). But just know that the rumor... or the truth (as much as it shocked me and pains me to say) is something that rhymes with "Shmee bas mever feen"!!! So, obviously I did exactly what needed to be done. I immediately booked us a trip for the next weekend. 

I thought I may explode of antsypantsness before the week was up! I was so excited to spend the weekend with my G babes and OF COURSE to be in Disneyland! However, this trip obvi brought up some you know... "things"... the Englishman has met Gwen, multiple times. And aside from his accent, Gwen totes adores him. Who knows why she is the only (other) woman on earth (aside from moi) who isn't totally smitten with his accent? However, the three of us going to dinner, or the occasional movie, or friend's birthday party, Giant's game etc. is far different from two WHOLE days at... well, let's be frank, what can be the whiniest place on earth. Smart Many people do the picking a life partner and then the having of kids, in that order, and while I wouldn't change a single thing about my life ( who am I kidding - what wouldn't I kill for a new nose, and a cupcake delivery man) dating with a kiddo is a bit different. There are all sorts of things to consider, and think over, and ways to be fair and balanced and appropriate and you know a good mom and a good girlfriend and not a hot mess. Obvi these are things I worry about and obsess over but then fail at. Isn't that the story of my life? I sat my little self down though and convinced myself that I had bigger things to worry about (like the best route through the park to maximize and ensure I got all of my favorite snacks while there... HELLO pineapple spears and Mickey shaped brownies!) like having fun, and just enjoying myself and decided that I would just let the weekend progress as it did and not try and micro manage it. And if everyone ended up hating each other I wouldn't notice, what with all the fun I'd be having on the rides I would just dump the Englishman, I mean Gwen is far cuter. KIDDING!! It was a major test of their get alongness togetherness though. Again, KIDDING! Dear Englishman you were our esteemed guest, not in the subject of scrutiny... I promise! The weekend turned out to be a huge success though and everyone returned home happy, exhausted, adoring of each other and FILLED with sugar!

Now, onto the pictures... aka the real reason you read this hurrr blog!

Day One: Flight to LA and Disneyland!

Years ago this was Gwen's first "big girl rollercoaster" and it was the Englishman's first rid at Disneyland!

The look of focus.

I swear I wore a cute dress... it was just so cold I had to wear a Lulu zipup, puffy vest and scarf over it and still be cold! What's up with the sunny sunshine and yet still being cold LA?

Rootin' tootin'est cowboy in the wiiiiiiiiiiiiiild wild west!

Found in the fruit cart/stall outside of Jungle Cruise! The best yummy spicy stuff to put on your fruit. Note: when you are only buying drinks and not fruit, do not put this on a spork and taste a mouthful. It is SPICY. And only good when offset by fruit. Unless you like your mouth to BURN for the whole length of Pirates of the Caribbean...

Ok, let's take a quick break from photos for a hot second and enjoy the above photo. I am not going to act like I have not had this EXACT same meal at Disneyland three times before this occurrence. It is that delish balls. In the Downtown Disney district is a great restaurant called Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. I love it. They have all the amazing foods, seriously, everything there is yummy (or if I haven't tried it yet LOOKS yummy as it floats by to other tables)! This particular dish is filet mignon with a blueberry Merlot demi glaze, grilled asparagus and blackened blue cheese dauphinoise potatoes. Or you can just call it heaven. For realzzzzz. Who even remembers what Gwen and the Englishman ate (was probably delish though), I literally was oblivious as I was too buzy nuzzling my plate (in between bites) and tearing up as each sumptuous mouthful meant less and less left on my plate. We skipped dessert (much to my sorrow - last time I was here - obviously with people who love me more than the Englishman - we ordered the bananas foster, the white and dark chocolate ganache bread pudding and the beignets. WARM BEIGNETS. Kill me now.) to head back to the park and ride some more rides. Anyhoo, moral of this story... EAT THERE when you are in Disneyland. Or be saddest.

We got sucked into Build A Bear on the way from dinner back to the park. Let's be real. This was one point in the weekend where I thought we had scared the Englishman away. Note to single parents on the dating scene. Don't take prospective lovers to BBBW. It is kid crack as we all know, lines are long, and non parentals have no clue what they are getting into.

Day Two: California Adventure and flight home :(

Gwen looks so happy here on this "baby" ride. Not pictured in this blog is her epic freak out and departure from the California Screamin' line or her sheepish return to the line once calmed down. Nor her pretend barfing and tears when the was over. Nor did I get lucky enough to snap the Englishman's face when after ALL of that DRAMA she suggested we go on it again a few hours later because she LOVED it!?!?!?!

My fav picture from the whole trip. Love those two G crazies!

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Bring it all home now

Our last few days in Cabo were nothing short of idyllic. I mean, let's be honest, it isn't that hard to have a killer time when you are: eating, laying in the sun, have no access to cell service - aka THE REAL WORLD DOESN'T EXIST, and have the coolest vacay mates... but that all aside, the days got better and better as we were there, and my dread for coming home grew and grew.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my mom is a babe. So is Gwen. I can't call myself one, but you're welcome to. KIDDING!

We pretty much spent our last few days doing what I like to do best.. laying in the sun like lizards, just soaking it up. Gwen perfected her Summer Olympics 2016 gymnastics routines in the pool, I made valiant efforts to wear all of the bikinis I packed, and my parents tolerated taking pictures of us every five minutes per my requests (whaaaaaaaaaaaaa? someone has to document our lives!).

On one of our last nights there we decided to go to another dinner at one of the hotel's pools. Last dinner we attended was pirate themed, this one was to be a Mexican fiesta (hadn't my whole trip thus far been a Mexican fiesta?) I wasn't totally jazzed about the idea BUT figured it would be a great time to break out the skirt that took up almost a half a suitcase. Pretty much everyone who saw the skirt before I bought it (I have trouble making shopping decisions, ok ok, I have trouble not buying everything, so I frequently text/email etc pictures of items I am trying on/thinking about to people who I know will be brutal. The Englishman I am talking about you!) hated it. Pretty much everyone who saw the head scarf I am wearing also hated that too. I am pretty positive this is the best outfit I wore in Cabo. And have been dying to restyle that skirt once I can get my frankenfoot back into a heel - flats just don't really do it justice you feel me?

Child after my own heart. Started with dessert.

Last sunset of our vacation. Tear.

When pictured like this the suitcase situation looks bad. My mom and dad lived out of the two grey and light brown bags and that black ipad purse. All over bags are mine (and Gwen's). Ay de mi.

The night before we left my mom brought me mine and Gwen's passports from the safe in their hotel room. She casually said, don't forget to get your green card out of your purse because you never gave it to me with your passport. I laughed at her and responded that DUUUUH I had not brought my green card. My mom proceeded to DIE and say lots of things that are unrepeatable in prime time  We then had an epic showdown of words in which I told her that she had told me all my life that you never take your passport and green card anywhere together in case you lose them. You have to have one to replace the other... she responded that I was [basically] and idiot and that you can never leave the US without a green card when you are a permanent resident such as myself and that she hoped I loved Mexico as much as I professed to because I wasn't going to be leaving. I retorted that I had left the US many times and never taken a green card, and she  just laughed and told me good luck the next day at the airport. (Editor's note: this fight was shortened and taken down about 18 x's in aggression).

Baaaaaaaaaaasically the next day I was at the airport for all of 30 seconds before they asked for my green card and laughed in my face when I said I didn't have it. What happened then was some epic tears on my part, lots of parting of cash from my wallet to gate agents to use their computers/phone etc to call the British consulate in SF and a finally a purchase via my iPhone of a Visa Waiver program. We got to our plane, and were on our way. Crisis averted right?

Could it ever be that easy with moi? No, senora. When we got to customs in SF I was asked for my green card again. I proudly showed my Visa Waiver and expected a fanfare and red carpet to roll out for me. I was above using a green card now ladies and gentlemen. Instead I was met with a rude customs agent who informed I was breaking three federal laws using such a waiver as it didn't apply to my situation and then I was pretty much arrested. Gwen was taken from me and made to wait for my parents while I was interrogated and made to feel like the worst kind of illegal immigrant sneak attacker.

The thing is, after about thirty seconds in the customs office they were able to pull up all my info, old passports, green cards, alien number etc on their computer systems, I think they just enjoyed messing with me and being jerks. After a substantial amount of time and lots of "advice" that I never leave the US without my green card in hand again I was allowed to go... out into the cold, rainy SF night. Not quite the happy end to our vaca!

Cutest little traveling companion!

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