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
I’m glad you had a great first week! I’ve been to Sandiego a few times, we keep going back becasue we love it there so much. You’re going to have a wonderful time!!! :D
it sounds like your having a lovely time! I just wanted to let you know that the coco and ginger dresses are on the way…we hope you enjoy them.
xxsaffron
It’s so funny that your “world” and ours in the U.S. has this many subtle differences Sheye…I love hearing your take on it though. Makes me curious about your country/continent and very thankful for my own. The U.S. is like a family member, most of us see it’s flaws and problems, but love it to the max nonetheless, quirks and all :).
The photo is wonderful – oh that golden light – she looks just like a little California girl!! How fun it is to see our West Coast through a fresh pair of eyes! Can’t wait for my next trip to California now! Glad you are all having fun. Looking forward to your photos – you big tease! This one little shot makes me even more anxious for more!
Cookie dough Ice cream, My sister and I when we were 14 and 9 would sit and take a roll of raw chocolate cookie dough and consume it… we still do but with different conversations and laughter as we are much older and have different things laugh about!
When you’re in San Diego, try Filippi’s Pizza Grotto (best pizza ever).
Glad you’re enjoying your trip!!
and the smell.. you forgot the smell of Anthropologie.. it instantly brings me “UP”
All sounds fabulous Sheye and I hope you and the family are having a FABULOUS time. Oh to be in California!
Sounds like you’re all having a great time! Love the photo of your cutie Ivy~ couldn’t get more vintage looking than that! It looks just like the old postcards I have from my grandparents’ collection. Beautiful!
Oh, how I love the beach. I must make it a goal now to visit California. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures. Right now, I am living vicariously through you, so please continue to give detailed, colorful and fun updates as often as your vacation allows.
So good to hear from you and that the trip is going well – sounds like you all are having a blast. I can’t wait to hear how the kids feel about Disney!! They will love it for sure. Thanks for taking time to let us know how things are going, have a good time!!!! PS, Love the photo of Ivy!
Blog reader confusion: You had never heard of or consumed cookie dough ice cream before?!! And Taco Bell?… REALLY?! :)
I’m so glad that you guys are having such a good time! Can’t wait to see your Tara Whitney photoshoot!
Wow, it sounds like you’re having a great time!!!! Thanks for sharing tidbits of your trip with us!
Yay, glad to hear that you’re having such a great time!!!!
You really crack me up Sheye!! Giving way and cookie dough ice cream?!? Giving way doesn’t really work for all of us Americans either. It’s a whole different ballgame on the East Coast. They’re a little more uptight around here than in Cali. Tango Bell sounds so much more interesting. Thank you Luca! And the pic of Ivy, OH MY GOODNESS!!! Cute? I’ll say! Have fun in San Diego. It’s one of my all time favorite places. Thanks for making my day and taking the time to let us in on your trip.
Much love from NJ,
Sue xoxo
Oh cookie dough ice cream MMMMMmmmm. I tell everyone, all the time, that I only eat the ice cream for whatever little chunks are in it: sprinkles, cookie dough, brownie, fudge. I could care less about the actual ice cream, it is just a method of transport for the sweets!
Have you been to Coldstone Creamery yet?!!? SOOOOOO GOOD. I love the “Birthday Cake Remix” a cake batter ice cream with fudge, brownies, and sprinkles mixed in. Oh I’m hungry and drooling just talking about it. Go there. :)
Also, San Diego’s Balboa Park with lily pond in the middle is a dream. Soooo gorgeous.
I’m from San Diego but have been living in Germany for the past 6 years and I’m so jealous of you right now! I would love to take my daughters to The Wild Animal Park (The San Diego Zoo is the best zoo ever but the Wild Animal Park is out of this world cool!) and Sea World is a lot of fun. Shopping in Ocean Beach (lots of antique stores) or margaritas the size of fish bowls in old town or eating at Bronx Pizza or go see a drive in movie! All things I’ve been dreaming about for 6 years now….have fun:)
Ha! I loved this blog post, Sheye. Really. It does my heart good and it sounds like this whole trip is doing your heart a heckuva lot of good, too. (Have your boys tried the Crunchwrap Supreme? Oh my. It’s addictive, just to warn. And I try my best to stay away from unhealthy fast food, but once in a while, I simply must indulge.)
looks pretty cute to me, too!!!
Sounds like ur having a magnificent time! Good on you! And the photo of Ivy! Gorgeous!
Love the picture…so vintage and fresh!!!
OK, the cookie dough ice cream thing is side-splittingly funny. Never even dawned on me that someone might find that odd. What better in life than ice cream and cookie dough. Leave it to the lazy Americans to find a way to indulge in them simultaneously! Hilarious.
Its awesome to hear that you guys are having such a great time! Tango Bell XD That cracks me up! Love the picture of Ivy, too sweet!
beautiful golden photo!
just lovely!!!
it’s so great to hear what you think is fun, different or cool!
keep it coming!
and MORE PHOTOS PLEASE!
tara pp
When you come back… because you’re going to have to come back real soon after all this fun you’re having… come to Utah and so I can hire you to take some pictures. You are so incredibly talented!
P.S. I might just have to start calling it Tango Bell, too. So cute!
Yea for loving our end of the world!sounds like you will survive us crazy Americans just fine.
Love the picture…unedited..WHATEVER…Beautiful…
Enjoy all you can..Blessing shi~
Your holiday does sound like heaven on earth, at least people stop in America to let you go, it is like cross the road if you dare when in europe lol, well when I was over there last time, which was oodles ago. I think crossing the road over there gives people a green light to put their foot down and see if they can hit you lol!
I love the little observations that can only truly be appriciated through new eyes, thats the joy of a holiday in another country, you just never know what is around the next corner and good on you Sheye for not planning to far ahead, I think holidays are so much more exciting when you don’t know what is coming and there is also no expectations then! Soak up every minute and give those cards a work out, you don’t get these opportunities very often in life and those purchases will be there to remind you of your fabulous trip every time you glance at them, and how delicious is that!
Your holiday does sound like heaven on earth, at least people stop in America to let you go, it is like cross the road if you dare when in europe lol, well when I was over there last time, which was oodles ago. I think crossing the road over there gives people a green light to put their foot down and see if they can hit you lol!
I love the little observations that can only truly be appriciated through new eyes, thats the joy of a holiday in another country, you just never know what is around the next corner and good on you Sheye for not planning to far ahead, I think holidays are so much more exciting when you don’t know what is coming and there is also no expectations then! Soak up every minute and give those cards a work out, you don’t get these opportunities very often in life and those purchases will be there to remind you of your fabulous trip every time you glance at them, and how delicious is that!
I think you are on my dream holiday.
I’ll just have to live it through your eyes. would love it if you could share more pictures…..pretty please??
Sorry Amanda somehow I posted my comment through you, don’t ask me how, but sorry anyway!
Thanks for the post! I have tried to wait patiently. I am so thrilled that you are enjoying your holiday. Maybe next year, you all could join us on the east coast. The Outer Banks are ever so lovely here in NC. But I guess we can’t quite compare when it comes to the shopping.
I, too, feel I’ve stepped into Heaven on Earth each time I open an Anthropologie door.
Can’t wait to hear of more wonderfulness!
I was actually down near Laguna last week for a session, and then in Malibu for another one and thought of you and your family on your big holiday trip to California! It’s so cool that you’ve gotten to come here..and you’re off to San Diego next week! Shame we couldnt bump into one another, Ive sat silently reading your blog for ages and feel as though I know you {ok that just made me sound like some creepy stalker!} Just enjoy your every moment here in California you guys!!
I love this post. I’m thrilled you are enjoying your vacation!! We are leaving for OC tomorrow, and I just said to my husband how much I’m looking forward to a churro at the OC swapmeet this Saturday!! Cheesecake Factory is one of our very, very favorites! You’ll love San Diego as well!!
I feel like Amy, who lives close by, and feel almost like I know you, and am so tempted to ask to meet you, but don’t want to bother you. So close, but still so far
away. = ) I agree with Melissa. Utah is very pretty and would be a great place to visit. Anyway, enjoy San Diego. SOOOOOOOOOO beautiful. I’m so glad that you’ve had
a good taste of California friendliness.
My first thought. She’s looking up at Ava, who’s sending you the beautiful weather !!
wow wow wow to all those differences. I do love Oz though. !!
Me thinks you should post more photos to. You know we can’t get enough.
XX
Ah, all the delights of the west coast. I’ve never been but would love to get there some day. :o) If you ever have a chance to get here to the east coast, I’d love to fill you ears with the places you should go and the things you should do.
Enjoy the rest of your visit–Ivy sure seems to be doing so. :oP
I have retail envy.
Ivy is looking up at Ava, i just know it.
Love to all
Shayne xx
Hon, you sound so refreshed! So, so happy for you.
x
so happy you are having a wonderful time. i mean who wouldn’t have a wonderful time in the california sunshine. love the shot of miss i – [annie has the same bathing suit - and how cute they would be playing in the sand together!!] – can’t wait to see more of your holiday photos. your list of new [and old] favs makes me want to get back out there and do some anthro flea starbucks cheesecake factory visits stat!!! xo m.
We are laid back drivers here… you have to be when you get stuck behind tractors and other slow-moving farm equipment at least once a week.
Love the Tango Bell! And the shopping, and the beach, and Miss Ivy.
I think I need a nap now.
Honey, I’m certain that six days was enough for our waistlines, but not nearly enough for my heart.
Luvs,
K xx
beautiful children,blog and photos………….yesterday I met story of Ava…………So,so Sad.
i hope you have a great time!! i have been to San Diego it is so beutiful. Have a fun vacation!!
Sounds fabulous……
Been once and can’t wait to go back:)
Have fun!!!!
It’s funny how things come full circle sometimes. I’m an OC-native and aspiring photographer, who was introduced to your blog by a photographer friend. I happened to be on a trip to Australia in April and thought of your family. The biggest shock for me about Australia was how nice you guys are over there!!! Way nicer than we are over here! And now you’re here in OC and you think we’re nice. It must just be that we’re all nicer to travelers — something about that universal desire to wander must make us nicer to those who are wandering. Anyways, hope you guys enjoy my homeland as much as I enjoyed yours. Cheers!
I’ve been a lurker on your site for a while, but after this post I knew I had to comment. I’m a Canadian who’s been living in the States for six years, but we are just days away from moving back home to Toronto, Ontario. Funny thing, even after six years some of the same feelings you are having after one week we’ve had for six years (mainly the shopping-overload and sheer availabiliy of…stuff and the friendliness of the people–has never gone away). We are excited to move home, but are already missing some things we grown accustomed to in the USA. Anthropologie is a store I was so sad to be leaving behind (after six years it has not lost its magic, great for gift shopping) but I just found out they are opening one location in Canada not too far from where we’ll be living. YEA!
Enjoy California–come visit Canada sometime! :)
I’m glad you’re having such a fabulous trip!
Oh wow it’s like being on my own little holiday reading about your travels and all the exciting gorgeous things. I would lurve to go to Anthropologie, I’ve drooled over that website for a few years.
Miss Ivy looks just delish in that little swimsuit too!
Keep having a fabulous time….and I’ll keep dreaming I’m actually there too!
Keren
xx
Thanks for sharing a little while on your gorgeous trip… I’m so happy for you all, because you sound so happy to be there too! Thanks for being able to share even one pic, it was looking bare ;) I adore the pic of Ivy, I see so much Ava in her xoxo
Enjoy the rest of your trip Rosemeyers
Lots of loves Ebz xoxo
Love your blog and all your fantastic photographs, and I often drop by your beautiful blog.
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.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. There’s one in Laguna Beach for sure, and most likely down in San Diego.
Wow, wow wow!!!! So gorgeous and golden. Looking forward to your photos when you get back :)
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!
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.
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 :)
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
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!
if only i would have known that you are 15 minutes from my house……you could have taken photos of my kids!!!!!
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
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