Showing posts with label california. Show all posts
Showing posts with label california. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

San Diego Trip Mega-Post

After returning home from the 4th of July, I jet-setted across the country to San Diego for my friend Christina's bridal shower.
I decided to fit the whole weekend into one post so hold on, it's a mega one full of pictures!

Christina and her fiancee' live in the sleepy beach town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Truly cute as can be!
 The town is home to one of the San Diego's few campgrounds on the beach.
It was still pretty full since the holiday weekend was still in effect.
 Every morning we ventured down the street from their condo to the beach for a power walk.
Christina and her fiancee' Jeff were such GREAT hosts!
 It was a a cool 64-degrees for our morning walks!
Nice, compared to the triple digits I hear Charlotte was having at that same time!
 Better than the gym, if you ask me.
 On Saturday afternoon we made our way to San Diego's Balboa Park for lunch at Prado and a museum.
 Cute restaurant in the heart of the park.
I would suggest going if you're in the area.
After lunch Christina had us set up to take in the Titanic Exhibit that is making its way across the country.
I'm such a nerd for stuff like this.

Upon entering they give you a 'boarding pass'.
 On the back it tells you who you are and what your story is.
At the end of the exhibit you can see if you and your family survived.
Believe it or not, all 3 of us did!
The exhibit wasn't as extensive as I expected.
I guess I'm a spoiled by all the DC museums I've been too.
Even so, I would recommend seeing if it comes to your city.

After the park, we drove around for a bit.
Christina's fiancee Jeff gave me the grand tour of La Jolla including a drive through the Bird Rock neighborhood.
SOOOO NICE!
 Me at one of the neighborhood parks.
In some of the pictures from this trip I can really tell I've packed on the pounds.
My prego ta-tas are out of control and I'm almost scared to see what I have gained this next doctor's visit!
Maybe it's all in my head or the way I'm feeling(hormones), but maybe not?
I haven't gotten on a scale in a week or 2.
We will see.
....Moving On.....
Sunday was the bridal shower.
It was in Orange County so we got up and headed that way around lunch time.
Everything was lovely.
And, done in her wedding color of magenta.
 The bridesmaids did a GREAT job!
Monday rolled around and we had plans to meet up with my college sorority sister and fellow blogger Casey, from The Starnes Family, at the Hotel Del Coronado.
 A visit here is always fun and special.
So much history and charm!
We grabbed a place on the sun deck.
 And before too long Casey showed up!
SOO great to see her!
It has literally been since 1998 since we were last together.
She was my inspiration to start this blog.
Of course, 2 of her 3 children were in tow.
Jack Starnes..
 And, Lainey Caroline Starnes.
Both are precious as can be!
Casey was nice enough to bring Baby Stephens her first gift!!
Cute little girly outfits!!
So exciting!!
 Which then prompted me to buy her first hat.
So very fun!!!
In fact, the entire trip was fun!
Great friends, great weather and great scenery!
Thanks to Christina for having me and toting me around!!
Until Next Time!!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

California Trip - Paramount Ranch and Malibu

I traveled back to California last week for work, hence my absence here on the blog.
As usual, it was a long trip with LONG work hours.
12-hour days to be exact.
We didn't have time for too much except getting dinner each night and then heading off to bed.
We were basically working on East Coast time as we usually do.
But, on our last day we did have a couple of hours and we made the most of them as we traveled from Calabasas(where we were working) to our airport hotel.

As usual, while in Calabasas we had lunch next door to the Kardashian's store DASH.
So overrated!
I didn't even go in this time but couldn't resist a picture for those of you who are new here.
 I'm not sure anyone really goes in there and buys anything.
It's funny to watch the people drive by and takes pictures then leave.
As I've mentioned before the place is super pricey for cheap made clothing.
 After lunch and a bit more work we left the office and out of the burbs.
 We decided on taking Malibu Canyon from Calabasas to the beach.
A scenic drive.
 When stopping at an overlook to take a picture I spotted a condom wrapper.
Nice or what?
 Yes, I need a tan.
 On our drive we saw signs for Paramount Ranch.
We decided to stop not knowing what it was.
 It's a CA State Park now but was and still is used for filming movies and TV shows.
 Movies dating back to the 1930's have been filmed in this faux Western town.
 Including Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.
 Very neat for a nerd like me.
There was also a ton of hiking trails in and around the park that I would have loved to have ventured onto.
 I just wonder if John Wayne was ever on this set?
 Of course, I had to visit the Saloon!
 It was closed.
HA!
 Afterwards we headed towards the beach.
 Beautiful Malibu!
I was just waiting to see Brody Jenner, but no luck. 
 The houses on the beach are very nice as to be expected.
 Always sunny and a little bit chilly in Malibu though.
 My San Diego pal, Christina, suggested we eat at Gladstones on the beach.
 Such a great view and food.
A perfect way to end a work-filled trip!
So, there you have it!
Nothing too exciting but at least we got to see 'something' and have dinner on the water.
I was exhausted when I got home, as you can imagine!
More on our weekend tomorrow!
CIAO!