Donne's Fling Before the Ring!

:: The Ladies in front of the Bacara Fountain :: 

While some brides and bridal parties, choose to partake in extreme bachelorette weekends in Vegas full of drunkenness and debauchery, Donne chose to celebrate with a weekend in Santa Barbara at the Bacara Resort.  As soon as we approached the grand archway of the Bacara, I knew we had picked the perfect place to celebrate Donne's upcoming wedding!  The Barara is a luxurious resort, the perfect place to relax, and conveniently located to local vineyards like Koehler and Rusack.

 

:: Poolside @ the Bacara ::

:: Koehler ::

:: Rusack ::

:: all dressed up for a night out ::

I'm Back!

Hi everyone! I'm back!  

Thank you to everyone for their kind words and support while I have been on my blog break; they were very appreciated.  While on my lil hiatus I have also gotten a bunch of questions...  I figure this would be a good time to catch everyone up and let ya'll know "I'm back!"  

Have you stopped blogging? NO!  I have not stopped blogging.  Unfortunately I hit a slight blogging "road block" then decided I needed a slight break.  I decided to take my brief hiatus after realizing that on my journey to 100 posts I caught myself posting just to make sure I would hit 100 on my birthday - I didn't want blogging to feel obligatory nor did I want to my voice to sound uninspired.  What I have come to realize is that, like many other bloggers, I love my blog, I love sharing about things that make me happy and things that inspire me, and intend to continue to do so. I have honestly missed blogging during these last couple of weeks and am glad to "be back."

Did you end up going to San Francisco? How was it? Yes, I went to San Francisco!  I booked my ticket on a Friday, and left on the following Monday!  I had a wonderful time at the conference (it was very informative and I met some great people) and had fun playing tourist in the City by the Bay.  

Enjoying Boudin Clam Chowder!  YUM!

I made sure to stop @ Ghiradelli Square for chocolate! 

Have you cooked anything new? Yes!  The Mister and I cooked a very meaty spaghetti!  -Unfortunately I didn't have my camera on hand, and I don't have a recipe to share because as I have mentioned before, the mister isn't one to use or follow a recipe... But I promise to draft a recipe for our spaghetti the next time we make it, because it is that good! 

How are you doing on "The Shred?" I was doing pretty well but "fell off the wagon" when my flight to SF was delayed over 8 hours and finally checked into my hotel room right after midnight... Since then I have been doing the Shred in spirts but fully intend to do all thirty days (consecutively).  

How is the Mister? The Mister is currently battling a slight cold but is doing well.  :) 

How are your wedding plans coming along?  Wedding plans are coming along wonderfully! Thank you to everyone for their interest in our wedding!  I will try to do wedding posts more often and share how our plans are progressing and new bits of wedding inspiration.  

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And now I just gotta say... OMG!  

Did you see Anne Hathaway's shoes on the Oscars?! LOVE!

via Dolls Factory

Brian Atwood "Fiona"

Packing like a Pro

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I used to be notorious for overpacking, but as I become a more seasoned traveler I have trained myself to pare down and survive with only a purse and a rolling carry-on.  By not checking in any luggage I have not only saved myself a lot of money, but also time at the baggage carousel and the agony that comes with lost and damaged luggage.

Since I only travel with a carry on, it is very important that I pack strategically. 

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• This means no bulky clothes allowed, and the clothes I do pack are grey, black, and white which makes coordination easier.  
• When possible I try pack dresses because it requires less coordination and less pieces to pack. -Since weather.com says it will be in the 60's I will be sure to pack tights and spanx to keep me warm.    
• I try to pack versatile sleep clothes ie. camis and tights that can be layered and worn during the day if necessary.  
• I have a set travel toiletry bag that I always have ready which has a sewing kit, mini first aid kit and mini versions of all the essentials like face wash, hair spray, toothpaste, makeup remover, and lotion (already in a clear plastic bag).  I try to keep this bag easily accessible for the TSA security checkpoint.  
• Hair products: straightener, curler, headband, and hat.  
• I travel with tech gadgets like my computer, cell, and camera so it is very important that I fully charge everything before I pack them and then remember to pack the appropriate chargers.  
• Shoes... humm... this is where I tend to over pack.  I plan to pack one pair of black pumps, a pair of shoes to work out, slippers, a pair of evening sandals, and my Uggs. 

I keep my more essential travel goodies in my purse.  

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• Wallet (with cash, ID and, credit cards)
• Glasses and Sunglasses
• Pashmina
• Makeup
• A snack and candy bar ;) 
• Brush and rubber bands
• iPod touch
• Inflatable neck pillow and eye mask
• One fashion magazine and one "current event" magazine
• and I can't leave home without my Itinerary!