Just some things I’m liking this week in real life and on the web.  :)

My new shoes. I felt so weighed down by my big white clunky nike “walking” shoes.  after all, I am not walking.  I’m working my butt off!  These new shoes are AWESOME.  They are super light and bendy, coincidentally, just as I plan to be in a few months.  I got the gray ones with the hot pink swoosh, in case you’re wondering.

My new place to get my butt in gear. Last week Jeremy and I joined the Spectrum Club in Thousand Oaks.  It’s just a few blocks from home, beautiful, friendly staff and really kid friendly.  Paired with my fancy new shoes I should be skinny in NO TIME.

My 30th Birthday present to myself. The one I had custom made says “celebrate we will”  its a lyric from my favorite Dave Matthews song (the full lyric is “celebrate we will cuz life is short but sweet for certain”). And follows in the same spirit of one of my favorite quotes, a quote I try to live by:  “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” -Oprah Winfrey

The cutest backpack ever. Claire had her heart set on the Jessie backpack and lunch tote, but if she were a boy I would have basically forced her to get this backpack because it cracks me up.  Also, $12 Disney backpacks = amazing quality.

In case you missed the blog post about it, my work was used to feature a new Design Aglow product.

Also, keep an eye on Hostess with the Mostess, where you will soon find a photo a took of beautiful baby Dylan.

A couple of weeks ago Jeremy and I took a trip to Napa for my early 30th Birthday present.  We had a BLAST.  and I’m about to recommend about a million places, so if you’re planning a trip up to wine country any time soon, pay attention!  :)

Nickel & Nickel – we went to their Cab Release Party in the caves where we met and chatted with Bruce Mooer, the President of Nickel and Nickel and the VP of Far Niente.  We also ate and drank a lot of deliciousness.

Far Niente - we went to their Chardonnay Celebration.  There was a lot to celebrate.  It took place out by their pond.  Again, food + wine = to die for.

Go Fish – best Sushi I’ve ever had.  Coupled with a cute, non-hold-in-the-wall, modern setting, we brought a bottle of our favorite Chardonnay and Had a delicious dinner.  Be sure to order the Ahi Poke and the Go Fish Roll (my faves!)

Joseph Phelps – by far the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen in Napa.  The Tasting Patio over looks what basically heaven for wine lovers looks like.  Also, the wine is awesome too.  Duh.

Duckhorn – we went here first.  Not only were the wines delicious, you drink them whilst sitting on a wrap around patio overlooking the vineyard.  I have trouble leaving every time we go there because I basically just want to live there.

Trefethen – we stopped here on our way out.  Good wine, fun music, interesting people.  Simple as that.

Redd – also known as “thebestfoodihaveeverhadinmylife”.  Just walking in the place you feel calm and happy…  it’s something about the lighting, and the decor.  Then the staff will make you feel special. Then the food will make you handcuff yourself to the table so you never have to leave.  This was our second visit to Redd, it was every bit as good as the first, and will likely not be the last.

Napa Valley Lodge – we didn’t spend a whole lotta time in the hotel.  But the bed was comfy, the breakfast delicious, the jacuzzi was hot, and when we opened the patio door we walked right out onto a vineyard.  What more could we ask for?

Cheers.

Good Morning!

At the risk of sounding like I sit around all day surfing the web and eating doughnut holes, here’s a collection of some rad places I may or may not have visited on the interwebs this week.

First comes first, ME! Stop off at “Blogs of Photogs – reviewing the most brilliant photography blogs worldwide” so see my blog featured as one of their very favorites. Also, in case you missed it before, I was also featured on The Best 47 Photo Blogs on the Web listed as #9

About a month ago I stumbled upon a blog. I thought it was funny and that Jeremy would appreciate the humor so while we were sitting on the couch watching TV I read him a line or two from the blog. He raised and eyebrow at me and said “you have too much time on your hands.” About a week later we were at the book store looking for new books to read by the pool this summer. He calls me over to him saying “You HAVE TO look at this book, it’s SO funny.” and he holds up the book that was written from the blog that I discovered by “having too much time on my hands.” Anyway, a certain type of sense of humor is required to appreciate Sh*t My Dad Says. I hope you have it. Also, if you don’t want people to think you have “too much time on your hands”, you might want to purchase the book instead. For some reason it makes a difference.

Claire would protest these adorable hats on many levels. But the next time I have a baby I’m buying a bunch of these and making him/her wear them before he/she is old enough to complain.

Big thanks to my friend Mags for sharing this link with me. Not sure how I made it this far in life without stumbling upon it sooner. Wine.Woot! is basically like kidsteals.com but for wine. Need I say more?

This is even cuter in real life. I know that because about once a week I go to the Paper Source store by my house. I hold it in my hands for a few minutes while Rational Katie convinces Shopper Katie that she already has enough totes. Even if this tote is so cute it could technically replace all the other totes… and then I’d have more space… agh! WANT!

This flickr stream makes me feel all melty and nostalgic on the inside. I could browse it for hours.

A picture really is worth a thousand words. Hannah takes a picture, and David writes a 1000 words story to go with it.

Words can not express how badly I want this dress. Doesn’t it look like you could just sleep in it?

And here’s a list of everything I want to buy on Etsy this week …

1970s Style Toddler Retro Wrap Dress

Summery Baby Quilt

Mega Gold Filled Custom Stamped Necklace

Belle Inspired Yellow Retro Storybook Toddlers Dress

Modern Chic White Rose Drop Earrings

Matryoshka Art Doll

Broward Patch Camera Strap

Stay classy, internet.