A Whole Lotta Love.
Holiday loving:
Laguna Beach light at 7pm. Like nothing on Earth. For all the splendor the OC can offer, this has got to be the most amazing, and it’s free. Stunnning.
Anthropologie. I know, I mention this store more than I need to but for those who don’t have one locally, it’s such a treat to enter the wonder that is Anthro. The clothes are cute, for sure, but it’s all the the other bits that make my heart skip. The aprons, the doorknobs, the pretty paper..It is my Heaven on Earth.
Hospitality. Seriously. How nice are you people? I am astounded at the friendliness here. Not that we’re unfriendly back home but this is a whole new World of random conversations with strangers, offers to carry my groceries and neighborly dinner invitations. Just So Nice.
Krysta. Six days of shopping and beach and dinner and wine and photos and face to face conversation. The things that we’ve spent a year looking forward to. Meeting her Brady was the icing on the cake.
The Cheesecake Factory. Enough said.
Cheap magazines. My addiction is totally out of control..there are way too many great mags and they’re half the price. What’s a girl to do?
Starbucks. I know it well, I’ve passed it frequently back home without so much as a sidewards glance. All it took was a week hanging with Krysta and her SB obsession and I’m hooked. There’s no hope and there’s no turning back.
Rose Bowl Flea Markets. Thanks to Lori for her recommendation to make the trip to Pasedena last Sunday. Beyond belief, the rows and rows of vintage gorgeousness. Worth every minute spent with an SUV (see, I’m learning the talk – it’s a 4WD back home) full of whingeing children, the sunburn and the unscheduled detour into downtown LA trying to get home. Now I just have to hire a shipping container and we’re all good.
Churros. Good. Really good.
Holiday confusion:
Cookie Dough Ice-cream. You do what? Believe me, I’m yet to meet an ice cream I don’t like but this has me all confused. The dough is like, raw? I consumed a whole container trying to figure it out and I’m still none the wiser. Maybe I need another container? Thankyou, Miss Sugar-Pusher, Krysta.)
Giving Way. Maybe it’s just an OC thing but this concept where you all just pull up at the stop signs and let who-ever got there first be next to go? It’s lovely and all and it seems to work for everyone else but me, I’m like a rabbit in headlights. If you see a dark haired woman in a grey Chevy frozen at a Laguna intersection, go easy.
Retail overload. Well not quite, I think I’m on top of it but I’m in awe that people don’t just live at the shops. I suppose you have to come home to see what’s on offer in the catalogues. It’s more than one maxed-out credit card wielding woman can bear. Almost.
So there’s my round up of Week One. We have a gorgeous new home for another week and then we’re off to San Diego at this stage – we don’t like to plan too far ahead or we might look like those odd organized people. The kids are loving it, especially the beach and Taco Bell. (Luca calls it Tango Bell which sounds more exotic and appealing).
Loves, S x
61 shared sentiments
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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. There’s one in Laguna Beach for sure, and most likely down in San Diego.
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Wow, wow wow!!!! So gorgeous and golden. Looking forward to your photos when you get back :)
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I never knew things like icky taco bell, cookie dough icecream, and 4 way stops could be so FASCINATING! how funny hearing it come from the other end!
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I so wish you could have come to Texas and had some grits and sweet tea. I mean, seriously, we even have Cracker Barrell! That would be some things that would keep you talking, for sure. Plus you could eat TEX/MEX everyday!! lol. Glad your family is finding our “Neck of the Woods” appealing! Have fun. Safe travels to you and yours.
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Oh my gosh. I am loving this post about the states. I am wayyyy over on the other side of the US map but I’m glad Cali is treating you well. Enjoy your trip! Can’t wait to hear more :)
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She doesn’t just look cute, she looks gorgeous! I’m so glad that you are enjoying yourselves! Can’t wait to see more pictures!
Love,
Tania
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Glad you are enjoying your trip to the Good ole U S of A! Wish I was on that coast -I would so join you at TANGO BELL!!
What a GORGEOUS picture!
Can’t wait to see more from your travels!
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if only i would have known that you are 15 minutes from my house……you could have taken photos of my kids!!!!!
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hey stranger…wow – two years in a row, we’re actually on the same continent! I so wish we could’ve worked in another visit this year. Sounds like you’re adjusting well to the US of A…now you need to come and see the beauty in Canada as well – do I need to talk to your dh? I would LOVE to shop in Anthropologie with you! Hope you have found a much better location to stay – if you ever get stranded, just book a flight, and you can bring everyone my way! Take care friend…so sorry it’s been so long,
l
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Sheye.. I sent you a message today saying we were alike but after reading this post we are twins! Anthro… heaven.. YES! My sister in law call eachother when we are at “the mecca” or “heaven on earth” as we call it (I buy the Capri Blue Candles there in “Volcano” so my house smells like Anthro even when I can’t be there). Laguna beach shops.. some of my fave too!!! If you get to a mall in OC check out Janie and Jack for the kiddies clothes. It is one of my favs. If you are driving in OC down the PCH in between Dana Point and Laguna you will see the Ritz Carlton or “Salt Creek Beach” and that is where Brian and I got married on the beach. OK wish I was there and am sooo happy you guys are having fun and making memories. So jealous you made the Rose Bowl Swap Meet and an amazing Garage Sale.. you rock! Love, the twin sis you have never met, Melissa C
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I love seeing in frames, I love the beauty in the ordinary, I love my camera, I love that when I see images I hear too. I love the latelight, I love finding moments I didn’t imagine and I love creating moments I did. I love learning more every day, I love sharing what I’ve come to know, and I love making pictures pretty.
I’m so glad you stopped by. xx
Try to make it up to the Central Coast, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, it’s gorgeous. And lots of wineries in Edna Valley and Paso Robles. Definitely worth the drive up the 101.