One Part Clouds, Two Parts Sun..Wish You Were Here
…it says in the window of one of my favorite Laguna Beach stores this week. So cute, so true. In fact some days I’m thinking it’s two part clouds – the weather is a bit gloomy but apparently very normal for now.
We’re in La Jolla. (Thank Goodness for Brady who gently informed me it is not pronounced Joll-a as in a variation of jelly but Hoy-a which makes me feel interesting and exotic every time I say it). It’s every bit as laid back and pretty as we were told – decent shopping, good food, unbelievably gorgeous buildings everywhere.
Yesterday we did Legoland. Or Legoland did us, I’m not sure. Either way we’re a little sunburnt and a lot less finanacial for the experience so I guess the object was achieved. Children progressed steadily from elated and excited through to expectant and exhausted – the usual theme park model was adhered to nicely. I’m wondering if those other sunburnt yet gleeful looking grown-ups really do love going to these places or if we’re all just good at pretending? Today I’m well fantasizing that Disneyland have a parents lounge complete with piano bar and canapes with an army of nannies who take your children around for you. I might just pop that in the suggestion box.
Some more holiday loving:
Cheap stuff.. MAC makeup, Vitamin Water, the boys DC shoes and Lucky Brand t’s, Benetint , G-Star Raw jeans..love that I need to buy twice as much to feel the same amount of guilt that I do back home.
Friends who have cameras..and use them for this:
Thankyou so much, Miss Krysta. It’s so nice to see someone elses perspective and I love how it’s a complete surpise to see what was captured but more than anything, we just had such a nice afternoon. Krysta blogged it better than I could here. I know people have asked about those insanely gorgeous swimmers, they’re from Kate Mack and the bike picked up from a garage sale next door to where we stayed in Laguna Beach..We don’t make yard sales like that back home! I wasn’t joking about the shipping container.
Proper Mexican food..it’s novel to me that you can actually get excellent takeout burritos. And they’re still excellent when you get them home.
Minature Pink Phones..that really work. This I found at Pottery Barn Kids and immediately made it mine. My lazy self lifted this image off the net and it really doesn’t do it justice. It’s teeny tiny, sooo cute and did I say it works? I think I said I was buying it for Ivy. I think I lied.
Holiday confusion, still:
Tipping. Arrrgh. I seriously have no idea who to pay for what. I’m ready to just start handing it to anyone who looks at me. I break out into a sweat every time I pull up to a hotel kerb/order take-out/ring reception to ask for a corkscrew, madly hoping I have a spare three/five/fifty – (tell me again what it is??) dollars at the ready. I’m sure living here it’s different but holidaying? The tipping is not fun and it’s not cheap. I will say though the service is the Best in The World, without doubt.
Roundabouts. I’m doing much better with the four way give way. In fact, I like it. Show me a roundabout though where it’s all travelling entirely in reverse? Nooooo thankyou.
I think today is a lazy day, a nothing planned, browse the shops, drink hot chocolate kind of day. Actually that sounds like most of our days here. All those highlighted Things To Do I’d printed out are looking a little neglected but it’s so nice to do almost nothing. I asked Luca what his favorite thing has been so far and he said “just hanging out with my family”. Love his answer and couldn’t agree more. Reminds me of how as a child, I don’t remember all the different activities we did on holiday, I just remember the time spent together. Really being together.
Yay for the holidays.
S x
You’ll get loss in purchases at Pottery Barn, another store I wish was in Montreal! Have to drive 4hrs to Toronto, when I want to browse ;p
Searched all night and found that it was Kate Mack by Biscotti that made that out of this world adorable bikini…already made my purchase LOL Thank u. Oh and btw that tricycle is by Airflow…trying to find a supplier in Canada…so I don’t have to pay those exorbit duty taxes on it….another obsession you’ve created now! ( I better stop looking at your and Krysta’s blog, going to cost me to much money LOL ;p )
Glad to hear you’re having a great time…as for the tips…well here, if it’s good service it’s 20% of what you pay…but isn’t included in the states? if you mean the bell hop and maid service a few dollars 2-3$ I think is fair…better ask some US residents though!
Ivy looks gorgeous as always and seems to be having a blast! Happy as can be!
I think you tip anyone who waits on you somehow. Maids, waitresses and waiters, valets, hair stylists, nail technician, etc. Here in America we have the absolute worst health care, and the people who provide these services typically do not have health insurance as part of their job.
Disneyland does have a Secret Club!! It’s in the New Orleans quarter. Or, you can go to downtown Disney and get a margarita and go to Sephora.
Have fun on the rest of your trip!
Sheye – sounds like you’re having really good family time, really good shopping, really good food. You will love Disneyland. I could go every year just to watch the kids have a fantastic time. Tipping for restaurant service is 20% for good service. If you don’t feel like the service was good, then you leave what you feel is fair 10 or 15. Google tipping standards, that should help. And it really has nothing to do with healthcare insurance, people with service occupations are paid less because they tend to make the majority of their wages from tips. It’s their incentive to do a proper job. Krysta’s photos are gorgeous but you really can’t go wrong with Ivy as the model. I was so jealous reading Krysta’s blog, I thought about you two the whole time she was there visiting. I’m sure it was just a fantastic time. Have a fantastic time with what time you have left. Love & Peace, Denise.
roundabouts aren’t so bad once you get the hang of them.
you’re making me want to:
1. go out and spend money.
2. jump in my car + head back to california. it’s been 2 months since my eyes have been graced with it’s beauty.
3. go out and spend all my money whilst in california.
p.s. make sure you get some pinkberry if you haven’t already.
Good to hear Cali is treating you well! Sounds like you’re having an amazing holiday. It’s so funny to read your perspective on the US! So many things I’ve never even thought twice about do kind of seem odd now that you put it a certain way. :) Ivy is looking gorgeous as usual, & I couldn’t agree more with your list of favorite things! Previous posters are right about the tipping.. you tip anyone that does a service for you- for things like waiters & hairstylists, it’s usually 15-20% & things like bellhops & car valets a few dollars is enough.
+ 1 for pinkberry! (& coldstone, mmm..)
P.S. I think all of us adults are just good at pretending to like those places, lol.. :)
P.P.S. Forgot to mention, I think it’s been a particularly mild summer this year.. there’s usually much more sunshine this time of year! You must have brought the Australian winter with you! :)
Glad to hear you are having a great time. The photos of Ivy are stunning. My daughter has the same cossie! Plus a few other Kate Mack ones, they are such sweet girlie cossies. Im very lucky that she get lots of wear out of them as the weather up here in Bundaberg is quite hot most of the year round. Looking forward to seeing some more great photos of your holiday.
Such lovely words, and photos by Krysta. I love Capture (Krysta’s blog). Such eye candy everywhere. x
I hope you brought many, many empty suitcases!!! Sounds like you guys are having a great time. I can hear the smiles through your words!!
Completely beautiful.
Everything.
Hope every day is a floating day.
{There’s been some sort of crisis with paypal Sheye honey and my payments arrived back in my account…after many months in limbo I imagine? I feel totally terrible, I will repurchase and payment will be resent? Is that ok? I will wait for you to get home if you like so we can get it sorted?)
Vxxx
Aww my old stompin grounds. Kid #1 was born in Newport Beach. Kid #2, in La Jolla. I went to cheer camp at UCSD there in La Jolla in some other life :). Thanks for sharing Krysta’s photos. They are beautiful. Can’t wait to play on her blog. I Love the bike! Roundabouts make me nutty. Give a good ol 4 way any day lol.
Aw, you’re right by me! I’m actually going to be passing by La Jolla tonight to go to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. Hooray!
Ooh, so pretty! So glad you are having such a wonderful time. The bikini is just gorgeous and I’d love one for my daughter but I’m not sure I see it on the link you put in your post so can you help with the name of the style? Enjoy the rest of your holiday as much as you have done so far.
What wonderful moments captured by your friend! I love San Diego, we plan on going in August … can’t wait. We’ve been to legoland and plan to venture there once again … i’m not sure that I have fun doing the rides but I have a blast watching the kids excitement and love to eat the junk food!! I did learn that June is a rather iffy month to go to San Diego … “June Gloom” they call it.
Tipping – such a hassle but sometimes well deserved. 20% for the excellent service & 15% for everything else, $2-5 for bell boys, parking attendants & cabs. I recently heard that with meals, you subtract the price of alcohol and tip based on the rest of the bill. Anyway – hope that helps.
Sounds like you are having a fabulous time! Indulge!
Hello Sheye,
I am so glad the family is enjoying and resting, and exhausting! What a wonderful memory, can not wait to see ALL of YOUR photo’s…Krista’s were simply beautiful!..your little one looks so much older..Wow how they change..Blessing and safety through our the rest of your VaCa…Shi~
You have talented friends also, those piccys are gorgeous. I love Kate Mack swimsuits, I have the ballerina tutu and I am eagerly awaiting the ruhmba set. Ivy looks like a piece of cotton candy, just deliciously scrumpcious photos Sheye.
AHHHH holidays with family are what memories are made of, glad your having the best time ever and I am glad its not me tipping, that would do my head in well and truly.
You have talented friends also, those piccys are gorgeous. I love Kate Mack swimsuits, I have the ballerina tutu and I am eagerly awaiting the ruhmba set. Ivy looks like a piece of cotton candy, just deliciously scrumpcious photos Sheye.
AHHHH holidays with family are what memories are made of, glad your having the best time ever and I am glad its not me tipping, that would do my head in well and truly.
As far as Disney goes, I went to the one in Florida when I was in high school & I absolutely loved it. Fun from everyone, I say!
oh your holiday has me so envious, not to mention that I. Cannot. Believe. You found that bike at a GARAGE SALE. Get out.
It sounds wonderful, Sheye. I’m so glad you guys are enjoying your trip … love hearing your take on things & adjustment to new ways here. We just scored some great garage sale finds recently too … you gotta take some of that back home with you! :)
Cute phone, cute bikini, cute bike! Lucky ladies! As for tipping I figure $1 for every $10 I spend or I double the tip. At the hotel room? I let my honey answer the door and let him figure it out! Another option- go to a “Hallmark Cards” store and purchase a card that tells you what the exact dollar tipping amount would be depending on if you choose to leave 15% or 20%. It’s all figured out for you right on there. And the card is convenient since it’s the exact size and weight of a credit card so it fits right in your wallet! BTW I’ve noticed a lot of furniture stores are having sales up to 30% off these days. Pottery Barn just had a floor model sale too! And Target (not sure if you like Target) is slowly creeping in fall stuff already. School backpacks & lunch bags, etc. Also look up outlet stores near you, for good bargains…But garage sales are the best! This morning my Lilian bought Kenneth Cole fabric lace up shoes (look like Victorian wedding shoes) for only $3! I indulged her because the shoes look like they’ve been worn only once and they make a great photo prop. Did I mention she’s only 10?! Baby can shop!
Sounds like such a wonderful vacation! It’s so fun to see it all with new eyes. I’m a San Diego native. If you have time, you would enjoy Balboa Park – the beauty, architecture, feel — there are amazing museums (you should check the website — certain ones are free on certain days). There is a wonderful Space Museum with lots of children’s activities. Balboa Park is right next door to the San Diego Zoo, by the way. If you go to the Space Museum, the Natural History Museum is right next door, and if you walk just a tiny bit farther you will come to a little-known incredibly place called Spanish Village. It’s full of the flavor of San Diego and Mexico — incredible local art and beauty. Also — you could then take the ferry across the Bay to Coronado and walk around the cute shops and get some ice cream:) Have fun!
Dearest Sheye, your post is so ummm happy! The photos by Krysta are sublime and I just can’t believe that bike – it is wonderful!
Ivy looks so grown and delighted.
Hugs to you all.
k8
Sounds divine, Sheye. I just cannot stop coming back to look at those exquisite photos of Ivy. Ooooh, so sweet. She’s just beautiful. So glad you are having a great time. I’m happy you found somewhere to stay. I’m so curious which beach house you chose. When do you return? I will be there Monday. I’m guessing I’ll just miss you. Boo :(
xoxo
Christy
Beautiful photos. And love the bike.
I noticed someone above said Disneyland had a secret club. They do but its pricey,as in the thousands, just for the membership. If you go to Disney be sure when the kids are tired and you need to stop and get out of the weather, go to the Golden Horseshoe review.( its in adventureland ) The show is a scream.( 30 minutes and there is food in there or you can take other food in) My kids love it.
I’m laughing that you listed “Mac makeup” under “Cheap Stuff”. May I let my husband read this? :o) La Jolla is such a beautiful place. I live on the East Coast but just had a Girl’s Week there with some of my best friends. I’d love to see your photos of the LDS temple there. Such a lovely place.
Sheye, it sounds like you are having a fabulous time! Gorgeous photos of Ivy. I love reading about your take on everything. Remember, Americans (and Canadians!) are charmed by an Aussie accent, so when in doubt, just say a few words and all will be forgiven! I do recall when I was in Australia being told NOT to tip, so I understand how confusing the difference is! May you continue to enjoy your California adventure! Happy shopping! Sherri XO
Tipping:
If it is quite lackluster: 10%
If it is standard/ok: 15%
If it is good: 20-25%
So the standard tip, which is easiest to find out, is 15%. If you’re at a restaurant, you look at the the service tax (7.5%) and double it. Simple as that. In regards to whom you should tip? I say anyone that was helpful (in terms of hotel employees) and obviously your waitress or your hairdresser. That’s it. (If you go to Starbucks or some cute little ice cream shop, they’ll usually have a tip jar/bucket and you can drop in a dollar or two and that should do it).
I am absolutely obsessed with the pictures you take of your little girl. They are so amazing and capture so much emotion. You truly inspire me.