3 Smiles

I can't believe we are nearing the end of another week already. I don't know if it's because we are in California and it doesn't quite feel like Winter, or because I've been so heads down at work, but this holiday season absolutely snuck up on me. We are so excited to head down south to spend some time with my family for a few days. Happy weekend to all! Here are a few of the things that have kept me smiling this week.

Editing adorable pictures of this couple after an exciting day of engagement photos 

Champagne mint juleps at the annual holiday cocktail competition at work

An amazing long weekend in Tahoe with great friends

A Big Sur Thanksgiving

We spent a non-traditional and beautiful Thanksgiving in Big Sur this year. We have so much to be thankful for, and it was only highlighted by camping on one of the most stunning coasts in the world. We woke up to a view of the ocean, took naps in the sun, hiked a ton, watched the sunset every night, and drank lots of hot toddies. It was the first Thanksgiving in 4 years that we didn't cook a big meal together, and I must admit, while I definitely missed the turkey, mashed potatoes, and apple pie, it was nice to get out of town and eat sandwiches all weekend. Here are a few photos from the trip, if you're interested.

3 Smiles

I am so happy to see the weekend! This week has been of course, busy, freezing (for SF standards), and we've been eager to get up to Tahoe for our first ski weekend of the season with friends. We got in late last night, and I, unfortunately have to work all day today while the others spend a half day of skiing. But honestly, there are worse places to be working from than in a warm condo with a snowy view of Lake Tahoe, mimosa in hand. Happy weekend! Here are a few of the things that have kept me smiling lately.

A beautiful foggy morning walk to work

 A new brunch place with killer breakfast burritos a few blocks from our apartment

 My view today, while powering through the end of the work week

Cold Toes

The weather in San Francisco has significantly changed in the last few weeks. Temperatures have dropped (apparently record breaking for this time of year), wind has picked up, and the holidays have crept into every corner of the city. Walking past the huge tree in Union Square, and seeing alleys filled with white twinkle lights never gets old. The only downfall is that the cold front has turned our apartment into an ice skating rink. The combination of the original hardwood floors, old and unsealed windows, and a very temperamental heater makes for very cold nights. But I really do love the cold. As much as it may not seem like it wrapped in every blanket we own and wearing 3 layers of socks. The cold signifies the holidays are near, which means time with family and friends and celebrations, including the celebration of the end of an incredibly eventful and amazing year.

Too Lucky

Happy Monday! It's been less than a month between my last post and this post.. that's an improvement! I was reminded over the weekend that people still check this blog. Albeit only a few special people in my life, it helps to be reminded that others are reading. 

While debating what to write about tonight, I found a picture on my phone of one of my favorite moments over the week of our vow renewal and wedding celebration this summer. Felix and I headed down to the lobby a bit earlier than was planned to meet our families in the lobby to go to dinner. We ordered champagne and sat in the corner of the hotel bar. We watched our family and friends come down from their rooms and pass through the lobby for about 20 minutes and just reveled in the fact that all of our loved ones were all in one place to celebrate us. I have never felt so lucky and loved in my entire life. Most of the wedding week flew by, and to be honest, many moments have become blurry. But this was one moment that seemed to slow down, and seeing this picture took me back to that feeling. Cheers to a great week.

  

3 Smiles

This week felt incredibly long. It was fun, productive, and I think I successfully fought off what could have been a nasty bug. In a few hours, we are headed on a mystery birthday adventure (the kind of surprise I love!) Happy weekend to all! Here are a few things that kept me smiling this week.

An awesome night at The Moth with coworkers

Craft night at work - not a bad way to end a Thursday

Delicious (and beautiful) homemade sangria

Back Again?

Once again, there have been weeks (months) of silence on here, but rather than dwell on the fact that I haven't been writing, I'll just jump right in with a picture-heavy post. It's been a busy but wonderful few months since we've been back home from the honeymoon. To name just a few.. a quick trip to Denver, shopping for a bridesmaid dress, spending time with some truly lovely ladies, making plans for Christmas, a kayaking trip in Tomales Bay, a fun Halloween at work, an exciting promotion, sunshine!, new camping gear, beach volleyball, Fall shopping, red wine, and of course, looking through wedding pictures. 

Happy Sunday evening!

3 Smiles

It feels really good to be blogging again. It definitely takes a few weeks to get back in the blogging mindset and find outlets for inspiration; but I am working on it! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Here are just a few things that have helped me smile this week.

My favorite wall decor: antique bar signage

 It's official - I'm no longer a Knight!

It's this pup's last day of life today. Busy remembering what an amazing addition to the family she's been. We'll miss you so very much Misty May.

Slowly

I sat down to blog when I got home from work, with every intention of putting together a well thought out and planned post, full of lots of edited pictures. But then I started to look through the pictures and recall stories and moments from the last few months. This led to me not producing a well-written, intentional post. So instead, I'll stick with posting only one photo. A photo that makes me think about our year and a half of marriage. A photo that brings me back to one of the best days of my life. A photo that reminds me how lucky I am to have such a stud husband. Cheers to Tuesday, blog. Until tomorrow!

Breaking the Silence

I'm sitting here in bed, and realizing that I am officially out of excuses for why I have not started blogging again. So rather than roll over and ignore myself, I reached for the laptop and vowed to at least get something onto the screen. This is definitely the longest I have gone between posts, ever; but instead of dwelling on it and resolving to to do better, I'm just going to hope this momentum continues.

Life has been great around here. In just a few words, we've been working, celebrating, playing volleyball, rafting, renewing our vows, honeymooning, hiking, and currently enjoying this SF Indian Summer. Of course, there are lots more updates and stories to come, but for now, a few photos from the last week. Happy Monday!

Showered with Love

My grandma threw me my very first, and fabulous, 'bridal' shower over the weekend in LA. We started the weekend with a night of wine and catching up. Two of my closest friends flew in from DC and Denver, and two who live near LA drove in for the weekend. We started Saturday off on a wonderful hike in Topanga Canyon, followed by a long lunch where we saw Ben Affleck, no big deal. We were all a bit starstruck, to say the least.

The shower started at 4 and my grandma planned a surprise boat cruise in the Marina on the exact same boat that my mom had her bridal shower on almost 30 years ago. We had champagne and appetizers and cruised around the Marina all night. We played an embarrassing game, opened a few gifts and then drank plenty more champagne. It was such a beautiful night - I really didn't want it to end. It was incredible getting to spend time with family who I rarely see and a few of my grandma's close friends. And of course my lady friends; it feels like no matter how much time passes between visits, we never miss a beat with each other. I feel overwhelmingly blessed and celebrated. Thank you to everyone who was apart of the weekend. And happy Tuesday!

3 Smiles

The prettiest wall spotted on the way to league volleyball

A trip to the Thursday farmer's market is becoming routine

Missing Cabo but getting super excited and making plans for our 2nd honeymoon in Costa Rica

*additional smile: 2nd wedding festivities are about to begin. I'm heading to LA tonight for my first 'bridal' shower.

Have a wonderful weekend!