My Hubby Is A Genius!

We already know Mike is a pretty smart cookie, but this proves it.

Just before another tough summer in Southern California, Mike got us one of these bad boys...

Now, some of you might think this is stupid, BUT the tap water quality in Southern California isn't always the best and our little fridge water filter was tuckered out.

So, now we are livin' it up with our fancy filtered water and enjoying the good life.

Cheers!!

xoxo

My Weekend

Mike and I headed up north this last weekend to help celebrate my Dad's birthday and what a wonderful weekend it was!

On Friday Mike and I had the day to ourselves so we bummed around Lodi, ran a few pre-birthday party errands and picked up some perfectly ripe fruit from a local stand near our house. Later that night, we headed to Sacramento to met up with my very best friend, Holly, for dinner.

On Saturday, we headed over to San Francisco with my parents and had a grand ol' time. There is something about San Francisco that I cannot get enough of. I love the weather, the feel, the sites, everything! In this trip, we started off with breakfast at the Cliffhouse and headed over to the Legion of Honor to view their new exhibit. (P.S. the Legion of Honor grounds remind me of Versailles. Very European)

Then we were off to Hayes Valley to stop into the cutie-patoottiest (it's a word) candy/cake shop in the world, Miette, for some pistachio macarons, lavender shortbread, salted caramels and other amazing confections. I would live in this store if I could...that is how much I love this place.

While we were in the neighboring park eating a few of our baked treasures, we saw this ice cream shop that had very odd flavors. One of those flavors happened to be 60% dark chocolate with candied jalapeno peppers...so we knew my dad was hooked. I'm so glad we took this detour and tried Smitten Ice Cream because I think it is the best I've ever had. Especially their Brown Sugar ice cream with cinnamon shortbread crumbles. TO. DIE. FOR.

For our late lunch/early dinner, we headed over to Boudin for their famous Clam Chowder Bread Bowls and a loaf of sourdough.

Can you tell our San Francisco trips revolve around what we eat? Ha ha ha!!

Who cares? It was all so Yummy!

San Francisco never ceases to amaze me and I've slowly planted that love into Mike's head now too! (But I think his love stems from the amazing food we get to enjoy there) Out of everywhere we've been, it is still one of our favorite places.

Now don't get me wrong...I do enjoy our Southern California "10-minute drive to the beach" benefits. But I'm a San Francisco girl by heart. It would make sense though since it is in my genes.

I can still hear my Gram singing Tony Bennett's, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco"

...and I know exactly how she felt.

xoxo

Must Haves

Here are a few things that I'm lovin' right now...

1. Pistachio Macaroons from Miette
2. No Slip Grip hair bands from Scunci at Target
3. Skirt from Old Navy
4. Brown Sugar ice cream from Smitten Icecream
5. Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara
6. Moroccan Hair Oil
7. Bath & Body Works Magnolia Blossom lotion
8. McEvoy Olive Oil Salve

Enjoy. xoxo

Our Obsession

Mike and I have been slightly obsessed with Game Nights lately.

It all started when we were bored and exhausted one night and wanted to do something other than watch a movie.

So, the logical thing to do was play Clue...and not just any Clue, but The Office themed Clue. Jealous much?

Now tell me, have you ever tried to play Clue with only 2 people? If you are a rule-follower, then the answer is no. But as you can see, Mike and I live on the wild side.

We had a blast while we were slaughtering the game and then we moved onto other games like Phase10, Catch Phrase and the beloved Uno.

Now, I can't wait for Mike to get home so I can kick his butt in Phase10! (We stopped playing Clue because Mike was always winning...not so much fun for me.)

I think tonight will be a Jenga night!

xoxo

A Little Boost

Serving in the Young Women's organization is probably the hardest calling I've had at church...and that's saying somethin' since I've been everything from the Ward Activities Committee ( yes, I said that correctly...I WAS the committee) to a Relief Society President.

Working with the youth is just draining. I tip my hat to all my Young Women leaders and I am grateful for all the time and efforts they gave to make my church experience the best.

And teenagers can be moody!

But, when I feel like no one is listening to my counsel and lessons or I'm talking to a brick wall, those moody teens surprise me with the sweetest comments. My heart swells when they apply what we've been teaching to strengthen their testimonies and grow closer to their Heavenly Father.

It truly is a roller coaster of emotions.

So, when I was attending our Stake Leadership Meeting this Thursday, I almost burst into tears when I saw this handout. Our stake asked our girls to write down how they felt about their leaders and then they gave those comments to us.

And to be a little selfish...here is a few of the comments:

"The stories of when she was a Young Woman are really easy to relate to and help me know that everyone has their unique side"

"She always reminds me of my worth and helps us with our inner and outer beauty. Her life experiences help me a lot and she takes me on one on one dates to help me when I'm in need of help"

"She's so funny and I really enjoy her lessons and I feel I really get something from them"

"She taught me to be who I am and not to be afraid to be myself"

"I want to be like her"

Our stake leaders are so tricky. After reading those comments, how can anyone NOT want to serve the Youth?

Tricky tricky.

Have a good weekend everyone! xoxo

Mom

I love my mom.

I love everything she has done for me and everything she continues to do for me.

She's my hero, mentor and best friend.

Enough said.

Happy Mother's Day!

Summer Love

I love to rant and rave about things that make me happy.
My hubby, summer time, Royal Weddings, shoes...
So many things to love.

But there is one thing I hate, hate, hate... and that is paying full price for shoes.

Sounds silly, I know. But let's just all admit that we all have our vices. For some, it's jewelry, others it's sugar or skinny jeans (or in my husband's case...cars).
Mine is shoes and accessories.

I know this may come off snobby, but I love being that girl that has the perfect coordinated outfit. Call me shallow, but I think most women love that little title of "the fashionable one".

Admit it...You know you love that title. ;)

And since I was on a strict "my husband is in school" budget and our Marshall's here in SoCal isn't that great, I've had to resort to other methods.

So, here I am...sharing my knowledge to those of you that might be interested...

Best shoe stores ever:

www.cutesygirl.com

www.gojane.com

These were my recent present from me...to me.

Enjoy!

xoxo